:yeah:omg!!!! sooo i have been posting about how i didnt make it into one of the rn programs but the lvn one instead....
but i just found out (few days back) i got into the rn program i had org. wanted!!!!!
march needs to hurry up and get here!! i cant wait to begin this new chapter of my life!!
i was wondering does anyone have any advice ... or can think of anything i should study up on to be good and ready for my first semester of nursing school!!! :) :redpinkhe:dncgbby::stdnrsrck:
Here are some random notes based on what I've noticed from my fellow students in Nursing School.
1. Get good at dosage calculations.
After 12 weeks, many of my classmates still freeze when they get asked to do them. The math isn't difficult, but you need to become familiar with how the problems are presented. You can get a cheap dosage calc book from a used bookstore and practice it from the beginning up to injections and reconstitution. We use Pickar and it is pretty good.
2. Get your finances straightened out.
The books are expensive. I spent about $1300 for my first semester books. You will use them for more than one semester - some for two years, but it's a big hit. Prepare for it.
3. Don't plan on working full time.
I work two days a week and I cannot imagine working more. I've seen classmates flunk out because they "had to" work 40 hours a week. Some people can do it, but I don't know how.
4. Get an NCLEX review book.
Nursing programs are trying to improve (or uphold) their NCLEX pass rates by formatting their questions similar to NCLEX questions. To me, some of the questions seem downright subjective. This means there can be 4 right answers with one "the most right." This isn't like A&P where you can memorize, regurgitate, and ace tests; you need to get good at exams where they test your ability to apply knowledge. Use the NCLEX book to practice - it should be separated by sections so you can focus on what you want.
5. When you start school, don't whine to your professors.
Your classmates will do this for you - and they will do so practically nonstop. Not only does it not help them at all, it ensures their Clinical Evaluations and Lab Checkoffs will be nightmares. Nursing instructors take criticism personally, and they get their revenge. I study hard, I do well, and I NEVER complain. My last clinical evaluation looked like a mash note.
6. Be professional.
See #5. It impresses them. Don't be late for anything. Ever. And don't be a grade grubber or a suckup, unless you want your classmates to disdain you.
7. Study Groups
Select study partners carefully. Avoid groups that turn into gabfests or whine sessions. Schedule study groups for early in the morning - the slackers won't show up. When reviewing, don't just regurgitate the study notes. Try to think conceptually about what they want to you know. This may make more sense once you get going.
wow.... great great great advice... most important will be not to complain or whin..at all!! i wont be taking classes until march...after this semester is over... soo i think i will by some calculation books to get a head start!
congratulations!!!! take really good care of yourself now (& remember to do so in nursing school, too). sleep, exercise, meditate, don't stress, take a trip somewhere. vitamin d? have your routine dental visit if it's time (i remember that i didn't go for the 2 years i was in my rn program, and when i finally did...ew. tartar.).
dannyc12
228 Posts
Congratulations!
Here are some random notes based on what I've noticed from my fellow students in Nursing School.
1. Get good at dosage calculations.
After 12 weeks, many of my classmates still freeze when they get asked to do them. The math isn't difficult, but you need to become familiar with how the problems are presented. You can get a cheap dosage calc book from a used bookstore and practice it from the beginning up to injections and reconstitution. We use Pickar and it is pretty good.
2. Get your finances straightened out.
The books are expensive. I spent about $1300 for my first semester books. You will use them for more than one semester - some for two years, but it's a big hit. Prepare for it.
3. Don't plan on working full time.
I work two days a week and I cannot imagine working more. I've seen classmates flunk out because they "had to" work 40 hours a week. Some people can do it, but I don't know how.
4. Get an NCLEX review book.
Nursing programs are trying to improve (or uphold) their NCLEX pass rates by formatting their questions similar to NCLEX questions. To me, some of the questions seem downright subjective. This means there can be 4 right answers with one "the most right." This isn't like A&P where you can memorize, regurgitate, and ace tests; you need to get good at exams where they test your ability to apply knowledge. Use the NCLEX book to practice - it should be separated by sections so you can focus on what you want.
5. When you start school, don't whine to your professors.
Your classmates will do this for you - and they will do so practically nonstop. Not only does it not help them at all, it ensures their Clinical Evaluations and Lab Checkoffs will be nightmares. Nursing instructors take criticism personally, and they get their revenge. I study hard, I do well, and I NEVER complain. My last clinical evaluation looked like a mash note.
6. Be professional.
See #5. It impresses them. Don't be late for anything. Ever. And don't be a grade grubber or a suckup, unless you want your classmates to disdain you.
7. Study Groups
Select study partners carefully. Avoid groups that turn into gabfests or whine sessions. Schedule study groups for early in the morning - the slackers won't show up. When reviewing, don't just regurgitate the study notes. Try to think conceptually about what they want to you know. This may make more sense once you get going.
Good luck!