What should I do before starting an ABSN program?

windsurfer8, BSN, RN · Apr 3, 2014

Get sleep. And enjoy the last of your non nurse days! Looking back maybe I would have started some practice NCLEX style tests..like how to read NCLEX style questions.

sarsoora8 · Apr 3, 2014

Will definitely try to get a few more hrs of sleep between now and then...if that's even possible with my 3 kiddos!

As for the NCLEX questions - I think that's a great idea. I actually starting looking online on how the NCLEX questions are set up and so forth. I guess if I start just glancing at it now, it won't be a big shocker when I'm in school.

Thanks for your input windsurfer8!

nlynrob · Apr 3, 2014

Spend time with family and friends, try to get out a few times and do something fun, and SLEEP =)

**NICU Guy, BSN, RN** · Apr 3, 2014

Mosby's Pharmacology Memory Notecards (definitely get)

if you have the extra money (Made Incredibly Easy/ Visual series): Fluid and Electrolytes, Diagnostic Test Facts, Pathophysiology, and maybe Cardiovascular Care, Hemodynamic Monitoring. They are nice to have if you have no medical background and explain in an easy to understand way with cartoons.

sarsoora8 · Apr 3, 2014

Thanks nlynrob - will definitely try to spend quality time with my family and friends b/c I'm sure it's going to be one crazy, busy year!

Thanks Don1984! I'll look into getting these notecards this weekend. Considering I do not have a medical background, anything will help!

mevsmom · Apr 3, 2014

Memorize lab values, normal vital signs for adult and peds patients, and dust off your math skills. If you are feeling really ambitious try to tackle your dosage book.

sarsoora8 · Apr 4, 2014

Thank you mevsmom...we're actually getting a dosage book during orientation next week from what I heard. I will try to read and study from it during the month so I can be prepared for the med calc test. As for the lab values, it seems like a lot of info to try to memorize before I begin. Am I really expected to know all this before I start? :nailbiting:

mevsmom · Apr 4, 2014

Thank you mevsmom...we're actually getting a dosage book during orientation next week from what I heard. I will try to read and study from it during the month so I can be prepared for the med calc test. As for the lab values it seems like a lot of info to try to memorize before I begin. Am I really expected to know all this before I start? [/quote']
What you memorize and commit to memory now will make less work for later. Make flash cards with the name on one side and the value on the other. Review them 5 minutes a day or whenever you have down time... They will be committed to memory in no time. ;-)
I'd focuses on those listed on this nclex prep sheet. You'll find that different books/resources have slightly different ranges so feel free to focus on the range provided in your book but concentrate on the ones listed in the PDF.
http://www.learningshark.com/Nursing/Nursing%20Homepage/NCLEX-RN_Cramsheet.pdf

beckeroo222 · Apr 4, 2014

So I'm just finishing my first of four levels for an ABSN at a large school in NJ - when I saw your post i had to reply. I was in your place just a few months ago! This is my honest advice:

1. It is hard! People will tell you constantly how incredibly, insanely hard it is (which gets annoying - take each day/week at a time). But it is manageable - you will need to make school your number 1 priority and stick to that.

2. If you are able to not work during the program - DON"T. I understand some people can't take out more loans or have a family to support - but an accelerated BSN program is literally more than a full time job. I live with med and dental students and they always can't believe how intense the program is and how much I'm always doing work for it. You're cramming 2 1/2 years of tough courses and clinicals into half the time...you are BUSY

3. Explain to your family and friends that you will be MIA for the next year and however many months.

this was a biggy - at orientation all the faculty literally told us "say goodbye to your family and friends" and recommended "delete your facebook - why do you want to see what your friends are doing on the weekend when you can't, because you'll be studying?" -- granted - they were being a bit extreme, but during the program you won't have time to be maintaining all of your relationships like you can now. For me - that was the hardest part to get used to. As long as you have a support system (aka people who "get it" and understand you are doing something that is extremely intense) it will be okay. At the same time - you need to give your mind a break. If you haven't - learn how to study - I recommend 60-90 minutes of serious studying then a 20 minute break (go for a run - watch TV- chill) and literally set your timer for both the break time, and for when that 20 minutes is up.

My only academic related advice would be to brush up on your anatomy and physiology (the systems). You will use it and if you're more versed, it will cut down on extra study time. Find out your assigned books as early as you can and go into the start of the program having read the first weeks material. In our program we always joke that you CONSTANTLY feel behind - because just when you scramble to finish something, there's 5 more things due the next day. You will get very close with your classmates - which is good. They will lean on you and you will lean on them.

It's hard, but this is the best thing I've ever done in my entire life. I've learned more, done more, and experienced more in 4 months, than I have in my 4 years of undergrad. If you go into this 100%, stay organized, and have a support system that allows you to make school your job - you'll do great! You're clearly already planning, which means your already a step ahead :)

sarsoora8 · Apr 4, 2014

What you memorize and commit to memory now will make less work for later. Make flash cards with the name on one side and the value on the other. Review them 5 minutes a day or whenever you have down time... They will be committed to memory in no time. ;-)
I'd focuses on those listed on this nclex prep sheet. You'll find that different books/resources have slightly different ranges so feel free to focus on the range provided in your book but concentrate on the ones listed in the PDF.
http://www.learningshark.com/Nursing/Nursing%20Homepage/NCLEX-RN_Cramsheet.pdf

You are AWESOME! Thank you for that PDF!!! This is going to help me out a lot now, and I'm sure during school!!!

Thank you mevsmom!

sarsoora8 · Apr 4, 2014

beckeroo222 - what can I say? That was AMAZING! I understand it's going to be a tough journey, but I'm beyond excited to start. Thankfully I have a GREAT support system! My husband and children are my #1 fans! Even though my husband works full-time - actually more than just full-time (which is actually annoying sometimes) - he still tries to help me around the house and with the kids as much as he can. I'll never forget the weekends he would take all 3 kids downstairs, while I study upstairs hours and hours while taking my pre-reqs. He knows it will be a hard year, but ready for us 'as a family' to take it on with full force. My mother, in-laws, and siblings w/ their spouses all live within a half hr and are always willing to help out - even if it's just taking one of the kids out for a few hrs - every bit helps.

Words can't describe how thankful and grateful I am for this opportunity :) thank God!