Students on the MCC waiting list: lets get a jump start on studying

U.S.A. Arizona

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Hello! I have currently turned in my application to the Maricopa Community Colleges, and now I wait for my name to be called for nursing school. BUT, I have decided to make the 'best' of my wait by getting a study group started. I want to start nursing school with a leg up. I would like to get a group of those that are in waiting to study. I have 4 text books in mind that I would like to get through in a year to year and a half. I was in block one of nursing school, 2 weeks until the end of the block, and I had to quit. The decision was a rough one, but one that had to be made at that time. SO, on the bright side I do have some knowledge as to what nursing school is about and we can help each other study.

If you are interested, have the time, are committed, aren't a slacker, want to start nursing school off on the right foot, and can drive to the Glendale/Peoria area once or twice a week for a few hours, have hours to read text books on your own, then let me know.

We will all need:

Potter and Perry Nursing Fundamentals 6th or 7th editions

Lewis Med-Surg (I will have to research the editions)

Pharmacology (again I will research the editions)

NCLEX study guide

iPod touch or the application iFlipr from iTunes (was $4.99 the last time I saw it), to share making and using flashcards

We can be off by an edition, either way, that won't make such a big deal and some times the newest edition is too darn expensive until we absolutely HAVE to buy it.

I would like to meet on Saturdays or Sundays, to start, then we will see what works best for most of us. I would like to meet at GCC's library or Peoria library, or Glendale library, or a park.

If this sounds like something you could commit to, then let me know and let's start studying! :yeah:

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Specializes in telemetry.

I think this is a brilliant idea! I am interested in meeting for a study group, but live in far east Scottsdale (FLW & Shea area). Are you flexible as far as where we meet? Perhaps Desert Ridge would be a more centralized location since it's right off of the 101. Also, I would rather wait until mid April before beginning to study since I am getting married in early April. I still have a lot of stuff to get done before the big day.

I found all of those books on Amazon for reasonable prices and already have an iPod touch. I am very excited about, as you put it, "getting a leg up" on nursing school! My date/time stamp is 8/14/09 and hopefully I will begin block 1 in Jan of 2011 since I have selected all 5 choices. This will also be my second degree since I already have a useless Communications degree from ASU! Blah!

Let me know if you're still interested.

Thanks!

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Sure, I would think we could find a spot over there off the 101 and Mid-April will be just fine.

Here are links to the texts for shopping ideas:

1. Potter & Perry: http://www.amazon.com/Fundamentals-Nursing-Patricia-Potter/dp/0323025862

2. Pharmacology and the Nursing Process: http://product.half.ebay.com/Pharmacology-and-the-Nursing-Process_W0QQprZ57077550QQtgZinfo

3. Med-Surg: http://product.half.ebay.com/Medical-Surgical-Nursing_W0QQprZ2496322QQtgZinfo

4. Nclex: I don't have one particular one in mind, it would be nice if we each had different ones, for more questions.....

I don't know if the above items are the 'best' price out there, you can do your own research to double check. I haven't spent more then $30 on the three books, including shipping. One edition behind make all the difference.

Enjoy planning your wedding. PM me if you wanna chat or to exchange phone numbers and/or email, ect...

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Just a word of caution for all of those starving students out there (i'm in block 2 and know I'm not the only one!), these books might not stay the same for when you start the program. You may invest in these texts, and need to buy new ones should your campus have a different text, or the edition changes. I spent almost $800 my first semester on books alone (and I bought lots of used books!)

I would suggest buying an NCLEX book so you get used to critical thinking type questions. I really like Saunders & Zerwekeh (sp??) NCLEX review books. I'm not sure if I'd suggest buy the other ones and start studying like that yet....... but best of luck! :) I can tell you are motivated :)

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Specializes in Med/Surg/Tele/Acute Rehab.

Not a bad idea. But, if you haven't taken a pathophysiology class, that would be a MUCH better use of your time. At least initially. Block one is not nearly as challenging as block two, and a thorough understanding pathophys will help you more than anything else. If you have already taken, and rocked, pathophys by all means go ahead with your plans.

Best of luck. :nurse:

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Specializes in WOUND CARE, MEMORY CARE, GERIATRICS.

Hello Nursing Students,

I can really understand what you are going through and I have a few ideas you may like and that may help you a bunch .. :)

Get this book I love it

Nurses Quick Check: Diseases Second Edition

http://www.directtextbook.com/9780781789400/nurses-quick-check-2nd-0781789400

as well as the CD for

Memory Notebook of Nursing: CD of Memory Notebook Images, 2nd Ed.

http://www.nursinged.com/books_mnncd.html

the reason to get the CD and not the book, is I have the books, but they are black and white and the 3 books cost more combined than the CD itself which has all 3 books in it.

You will love it. It makes understanding nursing school at little easier.

Good luck ladies

PS I graduated 12/2009 from GWCC and obtained my RN license on 2/2010

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I'm on board, reading ahead has helped lots in other classes.

I'm at 7th St & the 101 so Desert ridge or Glendale either way. Saturdays are better than Sundays for me. I'm in pathophys but I think I can manage that much reading for a while.

when were you planning on starting?

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Specializes in telemetry.

Mica,

I can't start studying until mid-April (getting married first weekend in April), but you all can begin without me.

Which text are you using for Pathophys? I've seen so much advice about taking that class before nursing school...I may just read the book and try to absorb as much as possible without actually taking the class. I'm taking a chem class this summer and a cna class this fall while working full-time. Otherwise, I'd bite the bullet and just take the class!

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Amanda,

If you can take Pathophys, I say do it! Reading the book pales in comparison to sitting in class and listening to lecture. Of course that's probably because my instructor is also a nursing instructor and has taught both Patho and Nursing for YEARS. With a solid science background you will breeze through CNA. I took CNA in a 4 week compressed program and basically didn't crack the book. I know the feeling,working and going to school. I work two jobs and attend school, Ugh. Sometimes I think doing a 12 hr nursing shift must be easier than working 6 days a week, 18 hours for two of those days and still studying. We'll get there

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Specializes in telemetry.

Holy smokes! Ugh is right! Yeah, 12 hour shifts will be nothin for you when the time comes! LOL

I looked up the open summer classes and I may be able to swing a Hybrid course @ SCC...meets in classroom only 3 times during the semester and mostly online instruction. Do you think that's worth it?

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the book I'm using is Understanding Pathophysiology by Sue E. Huether, Kathryn L. McCance - Mosby (2007)

A Hybrid course is probably better than simply reading the book. It depends on how you learn. Hybrid courses are harder for me than sitting in lecture all the time. It just might do the trick though.

Good Luck on getting married, Good Luck :)

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Specializes in WOUND CARE, MEMORY CARE, GERIATRICS.

Hello! I have currently turned in my application to the Maricopa Community Colleges, and now I wait for my name to be called for nursing school. BUT, I have decided to make the 'best' of my wait by getting a study group started. I want to start nursing school with a leg up. I would like to get a group of those that are in waiting to study. I have 4 text books in mind that I would like to get through in a year to year and a half. I was in block one of nursing school, 2 weeks until the end of the block, and I had to quit. The decision was a rough one, but one that had to be made at that time. SO, on the bright side I do have some knowledge as to what nursing school is about and we can help each other study.

If you are interested, have the time, are committed, aren't a slacker, want to start nursing school off on the right foot, and can drive to the Glendale/Peoria area once or twice a week for a few hours, have hours to read text books on your own, then let me know.

We will all need:

Potter and Perry Nursing Fundamentals 6th or 7th editions

Lewis Med-Surg (I will have to research the editions)

Pharmacology (again I will research the editions)

NCLEX study guide

iPod touch or the application iFlipr from iTunes (was $4.99 the last time I saw it), to share making and using flashcards

We can be off by an edition, either way, that won't make such a big deal and some times the newest edition is too darn expensive until we absolutely HAVE to buy it.

I would like to meet on Saturdays or Sundays, to start, then we will see what works best for most of us. I would like to meet at GCC's library or Peoria library, or Glendale library, or a park.

If this sounds like something you could commit to, then let me know and let's start studying! :yeah:

I know what I am going to say may be a bit too much, but the truths about Nursing are:

1. Nursing Process 5 steps (must know it by heart) here is a URL with a nice clear introduction to what it is and what it means http://www.elcamino.edu/faculty/kbaily/Documents/N150%20Outlines/N1510%20Nursing%20Process%20Outline.pdf

2. While you are becoming familiar with the Nursing process get this book

"Nurses Quick Check: Diseases Second Edition" http://www.directtextbook.com/978078...2nd-0781789400

It will help you understand the Nursing Process and what is more important it will help you with all of your Care Plans through the entire Four Blocks of Nursing School. I may even say it will become your best friend in Nursing School :nurse:

3. Pathophysiology is a nice class to take to as long as you remember the Nursing Process once you are in Nursing School

4. Get a head start in understanding your Medications and Signs and Symptoms for that use this CD

Memory Notebook of Nursing: CD of Memory Notebook Images, 2nd Ed.

http://www.nursinged.com/books_mnncd.html

I think I am doing these threat twice, but I don't know if this is the same group looking for help in what to do while waiting to be placed or not.

The very best luck to you prospective nurses :)

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