Stupid question... Need help though...

EricJRN, MSN, RN · Jul 13, 2006

I'd just go with notebook paper, pens and a three-ring binder or maybe a spiral notebook, then see what other recommendations or requirements the prof has.

missninaRN · Jul 13, 2006

I like to use a spiral notebook that has perforated pages and pockets inside. I use one for each course, and tuck some looseleaf paper into the pocket.

I take notes on the looseleaf and then re-write them after class in the spiral.

I have a favorite pen (I prefer fine point in black ink) and buy them in bulk.

My A & P instructor required pencils for tests so I always had a couple along with a small sharpener.

And I use highlighters quite a bit. Sometimes the lecture is so fast paced I can't keep up with my note taking, and will just highlight the textbook instead.

A digital recorder comes in handy for those lectures too.

And I made a lot of flashcards using index cards.

Those are the basics I always have in my backpack. As for extras, I like to use small post-it type flags to mark important pages in the textbook, and I love those correction tape cartridges because I'm a perfectionist and can't handle messy notes. And if you like to draw, a pack of colored pencils would be handy to sketch the organs, bones, etc. as you learn them.

texaschic888 · Jul 13, 2006

I just brought the basics the first days of class because usually the teacher lets you know what they want you to bring. Also, there are MANY helpful A&P books that you can get to help you along the way...i got a couple of Anatomy coloring books b/c to me they were fun and helped me learn a lot...also, there's tons of websites that have practice quizzes and other things to help you out...it's also a good idea to buy index cards so you can put your notes on flash cards and go over them daily to help better prepare you for the test...if you need anything else let me know ive already taken A&P1 and 2 and had a AWSOME teacher so i have plenty of suggestions! take care! and good luck to ya!

jones21498 · Jul 13, 2006

Paper, pen, pencil, extra eraser, folders (to organize hand outs), and the internet is all I have needed. I would probably have a cheap calculator just in case, but you shouldn't need a lot. If you have to do lab write ups you might want to make sure you have a working printer with plenty of ink (back up cartridge too), printer paper, and a stapler. Other than that, I think you will be fine. With school starting school supplies are dirt cheap at your local Wal-Mart or retail chain, so stock up on the cheapies. That is what you will need the most.

rninme · Jul 13, 2006

I was always a big fan of tape recorders....I taped all lectures. Some prof's talk FAST!! It was a good way to fill in holes in my lecture notes...and since I worked nights and went to college during the day....there were definately times when I was :sleep: with my eyes open! Unreadable notes:o

I switched shifts before starting actual nursing classes so I wasn't as brain-dead but I still taped lectures.

Good luck to you.

luvmy3kids · Jul 13, 2006

Thanks everyone...... I really appreciate it... Now I just have to prepare myself for discecting a rat.... Yikes!

RNsRWe, ASN, RN · Jul 13, 2006

Hey, who told you questions are stupid? Stop that attitude right now, missy

I'd stick to the very basics for the first week's lectures, and see if the instructor has specific requirements, or if you can just pick up things as you need them. I had things for my first semester in my bookbag, ready to go, that I never used. And other things I bought at various points along the way, as they appeared handy or an instructor recommended them.

For the most part, you can't go wrong with a pad of Post-its, a few pens in a couple of different colors, a spiral and looseleaf notebook, and a folder with pockets on the inside covers.

Beyond that, see what's needed....there will be all kinds of things, but it's better to see if instructor has preference, or if YOU do, later on. :)

Best of luck!

RNsRWe, ASN, RN · Jul 13, 2006

Thanks everyone...... I really appreciate it... Now I just have to prepare myself for discecting a rat.... Yikes!

We did cats in A&P II :)

luvmy3kids · Jul 13, 2006

Thanks for your advice! Luckily for me A & P are 2 seperate courses so I don't have to take A & P II... hehe

RNsRWe, ASN, RN · Jul 13, 2006

Thanks for your advice! Luckily for me A & P are 2 seperate courses so I don't have to take A & P II... hehe

Your school has one course of Anatomy, and one for Physiology? That sounds odd to me....huh. Only because when studying anatomy, it kinda makes sense to learn the physiology that goes along with it at the same time. A&P I is just the intro, basics, systems; A&P II finishes up with greater depth (and that lovely cat, lol).

Good luck with rat, cat, whatever you have to dig apart :)

arciedee · Jul 13, 2006

Your school has one course of Anatomy, and one for Physiology? That sounds odd to me....huh. Only because when studying anatomy, it kinda makes sense to learn the physiology that goes along with it at the same time. A&P I is just the intro, basics, systems; A&P II finishes up with greater depth (and that lovely cat, lol).
Good luck with rat, cat, whatever you have to dig apart :)

Some schools do it that way... I think it might be sort of a regional thing.

To the OP, you've already gotten some great responses. Here's my list:

Three-ring binder (I find this is the best way to organize my notes, esp. if the professor is big on hand-outs, plus you can put all your tests, etc. in one place)

Loose-leaf paper

Three-hole punch

Tab dividers to organize your binder

Colored pencils for anatomy coloring books

Pencil sharpener for those colored pencils!

Regular writing utensil (pen or pencil, depending on your/your professor's preference)

Index cards for making flash cards