Supplies/Tips for LPN School

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Dec 29, 2012

Since I'm a stickler for rote memory, I always kept 3x5 flash cards to help me memorize key terms in subjects like A&P, medical terminology, nursing fundamentals, med/surg, and so on. I wrote the term on the blank side and the definition on the lined side.

When reading nursing textbooks, I liked to highlight important concepts as I read, so highlighters were a staple in my book bag.

Perhaps a cheap calculator would come in handy when you are studying dosage calculations. Scissors are very useful at times when you least expect it.

blueyesue · Dec 29, 2012

Congrats!!! I would recommend a large desk calendar or the Uncalendar. Organization and time management are key.

Mewsin · Dec 29, 2012

I got a travel tea press, a new sweater (sometimes cold in the classroom) and a new pair of scrub pants. Does that count?

pnkgirl25 · Dec 29, 2012

I start in two weeks. I picked up a voice recorder, highlighters, those sticky tab things, a pocket medical dictionary and tons of index cards. I also made it a point to schdeule a dentist appointements, and all doctors appointments. I don't want any health issues "popping up" that would cause me to need to take time off. I also stocked up on vitamins.

KRODD · Dec 29, 2012

I start in two weeks. I picked up a voice recorder

make sure you have permission to record your lectures

I suggest Bic 4 color pen (s) for taking notes during lectures if teacher says something gonna be on the test put it in a certain color so when you go over notes it'll stand out.

A highlighter to highlight in text books.

3 ring binder/trapper keeper to put hand outs in with notes. Paper for notes of course.

index cards for drug card making.

Coffee or some kind of caffine.

Clean your house really really good might be awhile till you get the next chance to clean.

Make sure you transportation is in good working condition a car that breaks down can cost you a day or two.

Tell your family and friends you'll see them in a year.

student forever · Dec 29, 2012

I also start Monday Jan 7!! I have ordered all the books and workbooks and have been studying pharmacology since that is the subject that scares me the most :) !!!!

Orientation is Thursday Jan 3rd and hopefully, we'll get the details once all the accepted nursing students are together, part time and full time programs.

I did buy several books from a former student of my school and she has highlighted may things in the books which gives me a heads up on the chapters we will be studying and the ones we won't... nice.

Philly_LPN_Girl, LPN · Dec 30, 2012

Know that your whole frame of thinking is going to be different, do not use your common sense, know your information and apply it because you will have to think critically and also, study for your boards the day that you start nursing school. Whatever class you are in is what you study for in your NCLEX-PN book. Good Luck hun

student forever · Dec 31, 2012

I bought the Saunder's, Lippincott's, Delmar's and Kaplans nclex-pn Review Books. The rationales are very helpful. The Lippincott's is in sections of systems and I took the book apart section by section and follow along as we covered the different systems in a & p I. It is a different way of seeing things. "What is the next thing the nurse would do with the patient?" Don't be surprised if the answer is: fluff the pillow or something simple like that. I am learning not to jump the gun or try to save the world as the next thing I would do...

Philly_LPN_Girl, LPN · Dec 31, 2012

I love Lippincott's NCLEX-PN review flash cars, they are about the size of large index cards, they come on a ring, and you can carry them anywhere you go I study them on the bus on my way to class, and when I am in the car. They also give the rationels and also, the Incredibly made easy books are good to if things get a little tough.

MissJessica61 · Dec 31, 2012

Wow where was a thread like this in August??? Well I started in September and I feel something's that I have that I couldn't live without are a pencil pouch that I carry in my back pack! It has everything from pencils sharpies different colored pens pencil sharpener the post it tab things white out! I also carry a ruler in my bag bc it's nice to underline things that are super important and to use it to focus on certain topics in an organized way! I use loose leaf paper with the reinforcements already on them it's pricy but my only splurge. And I will admit I have so many random and organized index cards cannot go wrong without them!!! I also carry small snacks for those days you somehow forget breakfast aswell as gum and spare bottle of water!!!! Some essentials!!!! Good Luck it goes by fast!

CatLee128 · Dec 31, 2012

Get a rolling tote bag! You will need it with all those heavy books! They make some cute patterns. Highlighters, black pens, voice recorder, index cards. And get a storage basket/bin for the trunk of your car to keep your books, notebooks in so they don't get disorganized. Yes, get your house really clean before school starts! Have fun & good luck!