Week 1 and already drowing

[VictoriaxB]

Hi everyone,

I'm super stressed right now. Classes started on the 21st and I have my Anatomy and Physiology class on Mondays and Wednesdays. It's only been a week (in regard to the class) and we've only gone over one chapter and I'm already so overwhelmed with information. Our first lab test is on the 6th and will be on 3 chapters. I'm kind of freaking out because I've yet to wrap my head around the one chapter we've done and we're moving on to another chapter or two next week.

What's the best way to actually study this? I've been out of school since I graduated in 2009 and apparently my study skills are a bit more rusty than I thought and the ones I used in high school aren't necessarily helping me in this case. There's so many body parts and things to learn and my professor says this isn't even the hard part (she said the nervous system is)! Any advice would greatly help. I feel like I'm drowning here.

signed

stressed and nearly bald

[HopefulAutumn16, BSN, RN]

I suggest the Tinycards app. That's like having flashcards in your pocket, all the time. Lots of good decks in there; everything from bones to muscles to the brain and more. That's what I'm using to get through this semester, along with Quick Study laminated references.

[VictoriaxB]

Videos and youtube help a lot - I also listen to audio of A&P as I fall asleep at night. There are lectures on itunes university too that you can listen to in the car.

It sounds like you have a really high study load in addition to A&P and that this is the first time you've taken classes in a while. I would consider dropping something - maybe English because it will require a lot of time and writing.

You want good A&P grades.

I thought about dropping a class, but the add/drop period has already passed. Any classes dropped at this point would result in a penalty and a W on my transcript for withdrawal, which will still count as an attempt and will count against me when I actually apply to the nursing program. Thankfully my teacher moved our test back a week, so it gives me more time to finish studying everything we've gone over so far. Quizlet is saving my life right now!

[LoJenn13]

If you have a friend or SO that doesn't mind you drawing on them.... that's what I did.

its weird but it worked!! I had the same struggles with A&P, I'm sure most do! It's a hard course, especially if you haven't had any healthcare training previously!

1) Planner

2) Flashcards

3) Drawing activity with someone and use medical positioning and movement terms while you're doing it. Supine, Prone, Adduct, Abduct, etc.

Youll find that you pick up the material the more that you apply it to real life, as that's what you're going to have to do anyway! You'll be fine. Just do yourself a favor and don't give up on yourself. I did that when I was younger and now I'm a mom and getting ready to go back which is going to be even more difficult! Believe in yourself and don't give up!