what do you use: notebooks/binders/other??

DutchgirlRN, ASN, RN · Dec 29, 2004

IMO the best thing I ever took to class was a mini-tape recorder, then you're prepared for anything.

KALYNN · Jan 2, 2005

I have a 1 1/2" binder per class - it has to be big enough for the syllabus etc. I print up monthly schedules as well as a semester classroom schedule, for each class. I hate surprises and like to look ahead at a glance. I use a spiral binder to take notes in class. During class I keep my syllabus book to my left, my notes in front of me and my book open to my right- so I can highlight any important information in the book as well as jot down the exact page number in my notes for when I refer back. When I get home, I type my notes using the Cornell method of note taking. I also listen to my voice recorder from the lecture while I am typing. The typed notes go into the 3 ring binder. Placed in the appropriate section of the syllabus, of course. I then used my finished typed notes to answer any of the study guide questions in the syllabus. I know I've done a good job on my notes if I don't have to refer to the book for answers. Then I make flash cards based on the study guide questions b/c 9 times out of 10 the instructor will refer to that information for testing purposes. I know it seem like a lot of work for each lecture, but I need this type of structure to be even somewhat successful. Typing the notes is also great because I can load the notes onto a disk at the end of each semester and not have to refer back by paper shuffling.

I hope I was a little bit helpful. Good luck to you!

Marie_LPN, RN, LPN, RN · Jan 2, 2005

The 3 ring binders were more realistic for me.

My Skills class had so many handouts, i used THREE of the 3 inch binders for the handouts. And two more for tests and notes.

Paper pocket-folders can wear out fast.

LilPeanut, MSN, RN, NP · Jan 2, 2005

I have a palmtop computer with a foldable keyboard

RegisteredNurse06 · Jan 2, 2005

I have a 2" binder for each one of my nursing courses. I use tab dividers and have a section for each unit we'll be covering throughout the semester. I highlight in my book during lectures, take notes, and record lectures. Then I type everything out and print it and put it in my binder. Makes studying much easier. It's also good to use a different color highlighter with each new unit.

chris_at_lucas_RN, RN · Jan 3, 2005

I started out with a binder for each course--syllabus in front, my stuff in back.

Then I got a laptop--made all the difference in the world. Saved paper too.

Wouldn't you think in this day and age that nursing schools would post their syllabi online? Or email them to the students as attachments?

Think of all the trees, not to mention the expense and the bulk in the landfills, that would be saved.

(We could never get our instructors to do this, but then, we had a director who was a control freak and mean as well, so you can bet anybody's suggestions were, uh, "worthless." Maybe you can collectively convince your instructors to post their syllabi--easier to make changes and repairs, too!)

DenaInWyo · Jan 3, 2005

I have a canvas binder that goes to class with me every day..a section for each class so I have all my stuff with me. Then, at the end of each unit, that info/notes/handouts get filed into a 3 ring binder at home that is labeled with a table of contents (also using page tabs) of sorts. I have a binder for each class/semester with the contents clearly labeled on the front, so come NCLEX time, it'll be a good review. Also handy looking things up for clinical.

manna, BSN, RN · Jan 3, 2005

Last semester I used one big binder divided into different sections - but that filled up quickly, and since some of our topics overlapped from class to class - got very confusing. I still havent' figured out how I'm going to organize for this semester, but got some ideas from some of the other posters here. Thanks! :)

NewEnglandRN, RN · Jan 3, 2005

It's so interesting how everyone has thier own way of organizing their notes.

I have never been able to use a binder format, though it looks very easy and keeps all notes, handouts, etc in the same place. I guess I just don't like re-reading through it and have papers fall-out; even with inforcements.)

I generally take my notes in a 3 subject notebook (college-ruled) and over the course of the unit, I will type them into an Excel spreadsheet according to our syllabus. This gives me a complete guide for the unit exam and a final study guide. All my study guides go into a 3-ring binder.

I only carry the current unit we are working on with my to class. Everything else is in my master binder at home. I wish I could carry everything with me, but it's just too much.

ashemson · Jan 6, 2005

It's so funny that this is posted! I went to buy my supplies for my first semester the other day, and stood there and stressed over what type of paper to buy! I thought I was the ONLY one to freak out over what kind of paper to write on....I ended up getting spiral notebooks, and then pocket folders to hold all the handouts. If I find that we will have ALOT of handouts, then I will probably switch over to the binder type...I don't really know what to expect yet!

TexasTac · Jan 6, 2005

Hi. I just finished my first semester in a BSN program and I used two 1 1'2" binders to take with me to class. Between the two I allocated one for each day no matter how many subjects. Example: I had three classes one day and put all the information in the binder with pocketed dividers. The other class had enough information that it took up one binder by itself.

After tests I would then transfer the information to binders I kept at home (3" inch binders, I have four full 3" inch binders --one for each subject). This way I only kept what I needed in the binders that I took to class everyday and it kept me organized the whole semester. It also made it easier for me to have the information together when finals came along.

I also printed calendars out of MSN outlook that I put in the front of each binder I took to class using different colored paper for the different months. This way I kept a schedule with me of what was due, what day tests were and was able to modify it in class as the professor changed assignment due dates or test dates.

Good luck!

LauraLou · Jan 6, 2005

I have 1" or 2" binders for each class for the syllabus and handouts. I use plastic sheet protectors for the most important papers. That way they are easy to find in the binder. I take notes on my laptop.

Good luck!