Summer before Nursing School

~Mi Vida Loca~RN, ASN, RN · May 12, 2010

There is a search feature on the upper right hand side of the forum. If you put in:

Tips before nursing school and stuff like that it will pull up tons of threads that have more info then you could ever dream of

Congratulations on getting it!!!!

A good understanding on A&P will be really good. It's my biggest regret. (not having a great understanding of it that is.)

llg, PhD, RN · May 12, 2010

If you have any deficits or weaknesses in your general academic skills, now is the time to address them. For example, if you have "math anxiety" or "test anxiety" or anything like that ... get some help at a local learning center, adult education program, community college, etc. If your reading or writing skills are a little weak, work on those through whatever resources you can find in your community. At least get some tutorials or workbooks on those things.

Don't go into a program of higher of education with your basic skills of reading comprehension, writing, math, logical reasoning, test-taking, etc. weak. Make sure they are strong so that they can help you do well in school.

Don't wait until you are struggling in school to address such problems -- if you've got any. Are you really good at math? Are you a really good writer? Are you really good at standarized tests?

samantha0890 · May 12, 2010

Yea, I'm pretty good at math. I took college algebra in highschool and then some of trig my first year in college ((had to drop it, bc i changed my major and decided it was a little much)). I'm a great writer, never had a problem there. And reading comprehension is always one of my highest scores on ACT & NET test. I do have test anxiety, not much...I just worry before hand that I won't do good, but I always come out with B's or A's.

newgradERrn · May 13, 2010

I really like the incrediably easy series you can find in any bookstore, they simplize the nursing content. Start with Maslow's heirchy, How to do a Nursing Assesment, What Interventions, which are the priorities. Evaluate how the pt responded to your interventions etc.

Take a look at some concept maps online, or videos on utube.

An A&P review of the major systems, respiratory, Gastro, Cardio, hematology etc

Electrolytes review, hypo/hyper signs and symptons of electrolyte imbalances are huge in nursing school.

Break down everything in a CBC

This should keep you busy!

Best of Luck

slacktime · May 13, 2010

Samantha, I graduated last Dec, got thru NCLEX, and now work on an ortho floor. I suggest you start an exercise program, 30 minutes 5 times per week. You will need the extra energy and stress relief you get from exercise. Start as soon as possilbe so it will be a habit when classes start. I loved every minute of nursing school, finished with all Bs and an A, I am sure regular exercise contributed significantly to my success at school. You might also find out what text is used the first semester for basic nursing and start reading.

hard-at-it-82 · May 13, 2010

A&P and Med Term for sure

Knitter72 · May 13, 2010

I just attended my school's orientation for starting this fall--we were assigned the first 5 chapters of our medical dosages book for math review over the summer.

Congrats, and best of luck!

Benedina · May 13, 2010

My own choice is to use this summer to write; I do this professionally, but I will need to cut back on it during nursing school.

To prepare for schoo, I plan to get as physically fit as possible before beginning. I already have two college degrees, and I think college takes a real toll on your fitness, given all the sedentary hours involved. I began stepping up my workouts during spring semester, while I was going to school 3/4 time and working 3/4 time. Now I plan to ramp it up more and include as much hiking as possible over the summer.

Finally I'm also using this time to connect closely with family and friends, knowing that I'm going to have somewhat less time for them over the next two years.

However you spend this time, congratulations on your admission.

Dina