I got the news yesterday that I made it through finals and passed all my classes!! I know, that sounds trite, but I was on the border line for Pharm due to a test in which I LABELED my calculations, (which were right) incorrectly. I made it by .5!
My clinicals were okay. I am looking forward to getting to do more. I got to give my first injection! A little subQ Heparin... but hey, that hurdle is over!
I learned alot about people during this semester. I learned that some people genuinely want to work and study. And others want to take advantage of you. I also learned that I should probably study alone because I get more out of it. Not criticizing anyone who uses study groups, but other than a little Skype study, (we got on Skype and threw questions back and forth) I found out what I need to do. The only thing is I have to tell someone that I really don't want to study together anymore. Any ideas on how to do that? Don't want to hurt anyone's feelings....
Anyway, so glad to be off from school for a month......
Congratulations hun (on completing your first semester)!
I agree with the first comment, do what you need to do to graduate. It's not about "hurting feelings" ...Although I understand where you're coming from because I'm the same way; but if you KNOW that you're being taken advantage of, then you need to go ahead and give them the 'business'! Lol
Maybe you can offer some advice ...I am about to begin my first semester of Nursing school (LVN) this January, and I don't quite know what to expect. I mean, other than taking Anatomy & Physiology and Microbiology previously, this is all new to me.
Any tips to help me through my first semester??
Thanks for the kind words. As far as advice, I wish someone would have told me it was normal to feel overwhelmed. I still functioned, but I kept thinking that someone was doing so much better than me because I felt I was drowning in classes. But, once you admit to yourself that you CAN get through all the reading, and studying, it goes much better.
Make yourself some friends. I did, and even started a group on a social network for our class. We are able to ask questions, voice concerns, find study partners, clarify homework questions, clarify clinical times/locations; it's been awesome!
And just be organized. Sit down with your calendar for school, home, and work (if you're working) and plan EVERYTHING. Write down each assignment. Use Outlook reminders on your computer calendar, (mine actually text me reminders), Make yourself a study time that nobody can touch. If you have kids, do it after meals, homework, and bedtime. You might be an early-bird who likes to get up at 5 am and study. Whatever suits you, there is no wrong way to do it. The most cardinal of rules is NEVER GET BEHIND ON YOUR READING! That one thing alone will save or sink you. If you have to read before a class, do it. And study everyday. I know, I know, sounds cumbersome, doesn't it? But it sure beats all night study sessions. And I never want to go through another one.
Be really good to yourself. Don't let your health get the better of you. Eat right, and do your best to get enough sleep.
And lastly, if you don't know what type of learner you are, figure it out now. It will influence your study habits and if you know, it will save you lots of time trying to do methods that DON'T work. Good luck! It will be the most rewarding, fun, exhausting thing you will ever do!
Wow!! That is some wonderful and very wise advice!! Thank you so much! I really appreciate it!
Thankfully I do not have any kids, a husband, or boyfriend in my life (at the moment) ...I'm really just trying to concentrate on accomplishing my goal of becoming a Nurse! So I really have NO excuse to not succeed in Nursing School!! :)
The thing you said that really stuck out the most was "...know what type of learner you are" ...That has been a constant battle since grade school! I have yet to learn exactly what type of learner I am!
I know one thing, I am not very good with simply reading through a book or study guide. I don't feel that I really retain the information that I'm reading (I'm sure I do), but I become bored easily with just reading through a book.
Maybe I should try flash cards (again), or re-writting or typing out each chapter so it'll stick! IDK #stilltryingtofigureitout
Thanks again for all of your advice and words of encouragement! They will not fall on deaf ears (or eyes) :)
Juryizout
141 Posts
Thanks for the kind words. As far as advice, I wish someone would have told me it was normal to feel overwhelmed. I still functioned, but I kept thinking that someone was doing so much better than me because I felt I was drowning in classes. But, once you admit to yourself that you CAN get through all the reading, and studying, it goes much better.
Make yourself some friends. I did, and even started a group on a social network for our class. We are able to ask questions, voice concerns, find study partners, clarify homework questions, clarify clinical times/locations; it's been awesome!
And just be organized. Sit down with your calendar for school, home, and work (if you're working) and plan EVERYTHING. Write down each assignment. Use Outlook reminders on your computer calendar, (mine actually text me reminders), Make yourself a study time that nobody can touch. If you have kids, do it after meals, homework, and bedtime. You might be an early-bird who likes to get up at 5 am and study. Whatever suits you, there is no wrong way to do it. The most cardinal of rules is NEVER GET BEHIND ON YOUR READING! That one thing alone will save or sink you. If you have to read before a class, do it. And study everyday. I know, I know, sounds cumbersome, doesn't it? But it sure beats all night study sessions. And I never want to go through another one.
Be really good to yourself. Don't let your health get the better of you. Eat right, and do your best to get enough sleep.
And lastly, if you don't know what type of learner you are, figure it out now. It will influence your study habits and if you know, it will save you lots of time trying to do methods that DON'T work. Good luck! It will be the most rewarding, fun, exhausting thing you will ever do!