What do we REALLY need to be successful during school?

[blessedx2]

To everyone in school all ready, what do you find really useful to always have with you?

I dont want to go out and buy a ton of stuff and find that it's not really what helps. I bought a ton of index cards of Ebay while taking A&P and probably have a couple thousand (*gasp* yes, I'm serious) left so I'm good with that. But what else REALLY helped you? Do you carry around a laptop? A digital camera? A recorder?

Thanks in advance!:cheers:

[txchris93]

I use pencils for notes. I think that is easier since you can erase. I also bought myself a used laptop which is a wonderful thing. Some instructors will allow you to bring to class and take notes. I also would suggest sprial notebooks along with reference books.

[r.oxymoron]

In addition to those references listed above, I have found that any quick reference guide can help while in the clinical setting. The F.A. Davis Company has a variety of Nurse's Clinical Pocket Guides: RNotes, IVNotes, OBNotes etc. They cover all important info related to that topic and are waterproof! If you are looking for a starter book and are not sure whether these would work for you, I suggest the RNotes version. I carry mine with me during all clinicals!

Also, I have created a notebook of important lab values to remember while in school. This notebook is added to during every class and has given me a very organized way to a quick reference.

Those things are truly priceless!!

[lovesnursing]

I agree with the care plan book, its helpful for patient assignments, also a good drug guide, a student planner (have to be organized to get through school), highlighters! i highlight only important stuff and go back later and just review what i highlighted, i find it helpful. Also, i made my own little book for clinical with stuff i think i will need to refrence quick, ie. iv solutions, skills.

[luquacious]

As a lot have already said, a good recorder, lot's of binders, and some great orangizational skills. Keeping everything in order is a must to stay on top of everything. Aslo, the best careplan book I have bought is the 8th edition of Nursing Diaganosis Handbook by Betty J. Ackley and Gail B. Ladwig (Mosby ISBN:978-0-323-34826-2). I am a book buyer and buy anything that I think will help me. I LOVE the "Made Easy" series and I completely agree with the "Nurses Pocket Notes", it's the best to carry with you. Tips for studying are: you really should read before class, take your own notes and fill in the blanks with the instructors lecture notes and record the lecture. After class get atleast 3 hours of study time a day. Listen to your lecture on the recorder with the book open, that way you will catch anything that you've missed. I know it seems like a lot especially if you have other classes, but once you get into the routine it just happens. I am a 42y/o mother of 2 (3yrs and 4mons), my husband works nights, and I don't live anywhere near family. In other words if I can do it anyone can. I know it's not easy but I know you can do it.Good luck and congrats in advance on your completion of the program.

[dreamincashgirl]

I see alot of ppl saying some type of recorder for recording classes... What is the best thing to get?

[r.oxymoron]

I see alot of ppl saying some type of recorder for recording classes... What is the best thing to get?

I think it depends on your situation and preferences. I got an Olympus - I think it was 4100-PC or something. That way I could download the lectures onto my computer; it worked out really well. Also, just the process of listening and then typing really helped set the material in my brain.

[luquacious]

Like r.oxymoron I too bought one that downloaded to my computer. I have been able to burn some disks or copy to jump drives so other students who missed classes could hear the lecture. It's also been great for when I had to miss a class, I'd get it to one of my friends and they would record the lecture for me so I never missed a word spoken (even the breaks b/c they never shut the recorder off [lol!]). I bought mine off of ecost.com (Sony ICD-P520) last year for about $50; worth every penny. I highly recommend getting one that downloads, that way you'll never have to erase any material and you can always go back (even in future semesters) for a refresher course. Good luck in school!!!

[amjowens]

Effective communication skills. An open mind (no expectations). Clear purpose for why you want to be a nurse (for those days...) Humility (or else you're going to be offended most of the time)

A little notebook for clinicals, obvious books/supplies, and extra pens for the people who forget theirs (trust me, very helpful, as funny how people remember this stuff even if they forget to give the pen back).

[harleyridingirl]

I carry a PDA loaded with my drug book, a small edition of my med-surg book, a medical dictionary, lab book, etc. which comes in extremely handy during clinicals and while studying. It's a lot easier to look up things by typing in the first few letters of a word than to have to thumb through pages in a book.