What to do between now and starting pre-reqs?

Published

Specializes in ICU hopeful!.

Hi everyone

My name is Candice, I'm 21 and I will be starting my prereqs in January (I missed fall registration). I used to post on these boards about a year ago because I was planning to start prereqs for nursing school in summer 2008 but some family/personal issues came about that left me without any time and I didn't want to risk getting bad grades and/or failing so I had to put off starting classes. However, I'm in a much better personal place right now and am ready to hit the ground running again.

Anyway, since I have about 3 months until classes start - is there anything that anyone recommend I do in the meantime to brush up? I'll be starting with Chem and Bio and I just want to make sure I'm as prepared as I can be, not only for pre-reqs but for NS when that time comes.

What did you guys do before classes started to get prepared...work on any habits or visit any websites (other than allnurses.com)? Any tips or advice would be greatly appreciated.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Neuroscience.

Hi there!

I'm 21 as well.

I really didn't do anything.

I took regular bio this past summer and that really helps with A&P, because I swear, the first 3 chapters are nothing but a Bio/Chem review. I have chem right now - I tried taking it over the summer as well, but dropped because I had a bad teacher, and chem is hard for me in general. I'm doing MUCH better now, even having it in conjunction with A&P.

I'd say for chemistry you really want to practice some math. Problem solving equations and basic algebra, because you will use it a lot. Maybe preview a chemistry book for dummies and look at some of the concepts you will be learning. Read about dimensional analysis and nomenclature especially and give yourself a head start. Bio is pretty easy, IMO and you'll be fine not doing any pre-reading unless you've had trouble with it in the past.

Good luck. It's an exciting time.:D

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in scrub tech 3 year, Circulator 2 years.

You might want to pick up a medical terminology book or even an online class. It will not only help you later on but also in some of the science classes.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Oncology/Hematology.

Hi! I'd personally recommend enrolling in a CNA class or starting some volunteer work. Having that experience under your belt looks good not only when applying for nursing school, but also when looking for a job later on down the road.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I went to my public library and checked out DVD's and audio cassettes or cds from the Teaching Company on science (chemistry) and A&P. The A&P class followed one of the popular textbooks for pre-nursing students. This is a painless way to cover much of what you will learn in Chemistry too. I really enjoyed them and understood my chemistry teacher better.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU hopeful!.

Thanks so much guys - great tips. I will definitely look into all of them!! Now I feel like I can be actively working towards my goals even though I'm not in school quite yet :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I took a CNA class before I started my pre req's. My program doesnt require it, but a lot of programs are starting to. Even if they don't require, it can look good on your application. The experience also reinforced my ambition for nursing school. I believe it will also make me much more comfy for when clincals start. It introduces you to patient care and how to communicate with them.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Check with your local community college continuing ed. dept. Perhaps you can take med. term., CNA, ECG tech, and/or phleb. classes. One college near me offers a mini semester during Dec. where you can pick up one 3 credit hour class. Good luck with your education!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU hopeful!.

Thanks even more for those tips!! I am going to look into doing a CNA course for sure, because I think it might help me out just getting into the swing of things, per se. I have not worked in healthcare or anything related before (retail mall jobs since I was in high school is all I have worked). As for the med term. and stuff I definitely appreciate that advice!! I was reading on another forum that someone took it b/c they thought it was a prereq and it wasn't, but it helped them tremendously :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion