/ college, future nurse, learning, NCLEX, nursing, Nursing 100, nursing school, nursing student, spectaclesandstethoscopes, student, study, studygoals,
Oh, hello…
For
me, this entry is loooooonnnnnnggggg overdue. My first semester of nursing
school was a complete and utter whirlwind; I didn’t manage my time well and I didn’t
meet my own expectations. However, through this experience, I can honestly say
that I’ve learned a lot – about the program, myself and what I aim to be.
Before
the semester began, I was an organized machine who had successfully completed
my pre-requisites and many of the science core-requisites. I had been advised
not to take on the course load in the way that I did (I didn’t listen, of
course), so when I finished those courses in the top percentile, I thought “hey,
I can double up on my course load for the first semester of nursing school.” NOPE.
I
created a schedule consisting of; Nursing 100, Physics, Organic and
Biochemistry, Developmental Psychology and a nursing elective. Some of you may
have already guessed that the Nursing 100 course was the most challenging; it
was unlike any class I had taken before. It took about half of the semester
before I truly got into the swing of things and I was lucky to squeeze out a
B+. I had to change my study habits specifically for this course and here’s what
worked for me:
1. Time Management
Use a planner/calendar to plan out every
day, for me this included study time as well as workouts. This may be a little
extreme for some, but it helped me to stay focused and organized. Every Sunday
I would plan for the upcoming week. In addition to this, I would create checklists
of topics to cover, that I would write down as realistic and manageable goals,
the night before. Doing this simple task helped to clear my mind and sort of
let everything go before bed, decreasing stress levels and allowed me to just
jump right into a plan of action, the next day. Proper time management can keep
you from cramming and allow you to fully grasp the information at hand.
2. Take
Breaks
It seems counter-intuitive, but it is oh so
necessary! Breaks are imperative to remain productive, without them you run the
risk of becoming fatigued and decreasing your ability to remain alert and sane.
I would have lunch outside of my study environment; scroll through Instagram, take
a walk or exercise - essentially any activity that allowed my mind to rest. If
this doesn’t jive with you, occasionally take a few minutes to stand, stretch
or practice deep breathing.
3.
Study Every Day
Seriously - Study. Every. Day. Spend
about two hours to review what you’ve learned in lecture that day and test your
understanding through NCLEX or end of the chapter questions (you don’t have to
go crazy, but a few from each topic will help to determine where you stand and
areas that require more work – utilize your textbook to fill in gaps). Make
sure to read the rationales to enhance your understanding and ability to think
critically, I do this even when I answer the question correctly. This semester I have used Saunders Comprehensive
Review for NCLEX-RN Examination and Davis’s Fundamentals Success.
We received most of our lecture notes
through PowerPoint, which helped to narrow down exam topics. I would re-write
the information from the PowerPoint in a way that was more clear and concise (for
me) and prevented me from covering material outside of what we’ve learned.
The environment in which you study is
equally important. Make it neat, organized and free from distraction. Turn off your
cell phone.
4.
Think Like a Nurse
Details, data and facts are important –
knowing normal lab values, metabolic processes of the body, etc will help you
to make informed decisions for your patient. However, I must emphasize that almost
every exam question I had revolved around selecting the most correct answer, relating to the action I would perform as a nurse. This is why (as previously stated)
you must read and understand the
rationales from the NCLEX questions. This will guide you through the Nursing Process
and to think critically when providing patient centered care.
I hope this list helps or at the very
least reinforces what you may already know. Drop a line with your favorite study
techniques! I wish you all luck this spring semester and success in your
journey to nursing! Check out some tools for success, below!
 |
| Test Success |
 |
| Fundamentals Success |
 |
| NCLEX-RN |
/ coffee, college, nursing, Nursing 100, nursing school, nursing student, Prenursing, spectacles and stethoscopes, spectaclesandstethoscopes, student, study, studygoals
First Month of Nursing School
Hey Y'all!
Hope everyone's week is going well, we're almost at the weekend...but if your schedule is anything like mine, that time is mainly spent planning and preparing for the following week.
When I began this blog, my ultimate goals were to use it as an outlet throughout my experience in Nursing School and hopefully inspire along the way. What I didn't expect was to spend a good 4-6 weeks simply acclimating to this program.
I consider myself a good student, but I must admit there was still a learning curve. After having a few quizzes and exams I have compiled a quick/generalized list of what I've learned so far:
1. Organization
This is imperative as you will be given many assignments with various due dates (some may overlap) and you don't want to fall behind. There's no time to play catch-up.
I have to write everything down or I will most certainly forget. This may sound insane...but I even have to schedule my workouts! It's difficult for me to conceptualize that I have enough time to run or take a yoga class if I can't visually see a breakdown of my day (maybe I will post about how I stay organized, in a later post).
2. If your instructors provide Power Points; consider yourself lucky.
Typically, I will print the PowerPoint before class and skim it the night before. I'll print a few to a page and leave space to take notes directly on the printed slide.
The textbook - a great resource, but overloaded with information and it can be overwhelming. For me, it works best to stick to the information outlined on the Power Points and reference the text for more elaborate explanations, should I need one.
When I get home, I re-write my notes which helps me to group the information so that it makes sense to me. Afterwards, I dictate my notes to a recorder so that I can listen to it as I drive to school or walk my dog. If your professor will allow it, you can record their lecture instead.
3. Give yourself ample time to study
Test anxiety is most certainly real, but I find that when I have given myself enough time to cover all the material (i.e not cramming), I am more confident on exam day. This is something I have stuck to in my pre-nursing days as well.
When I study I typically begin with the most difficult material and though it may seem counter intuitive, I take breaks to allow myself to absorb the info I just covered (but also for coffee...Ok, mainly for coffee).
Utilize different study aids - Power Points, YouTube, Fundamentals Success, etc. This really helps me to understand if I view it (even the same info), in different formats.
Don't forget to test yourself - if your exams are in multiple choice format, make or find your own short answer style test to see if you truly understand the concepts you've learned. Oh and ALWAYS read the rationales for each answer!
4. Find support
Either in your spouse - I feel very fortunate to have a husband that completely understands he will be living with a crazy woman for a few years (no big deal...), or your classmates as they will likely know what you are going through!
5. Make time for/ take care of yourself
Some weeks, you're going to feel like you're living at the library/simulation lab and trust me, it is sometimes necessary... But you will need to find something that allows you to recharge emotionally, spiritually, what have you, to prevent being at the verge of a breakdown!
It is equally as important to eat healthy (I now make my own lunches and prepare my own snacks) and exercise! We are going to be preaching preventative health and it is my opinion that I need to embody this as well... Also my wallet and my waistline agree ;-)
There you have it - probably tips you have already known or figured out on your own! If so, you are probably killin' it and I tip my hat to you! If not, it's not too late!
XO
Dani
/ college, future nurse, NCLEX, nursing, nursing school, nursing student, school, spectacles and stethoscopes, spectaclesandstethoscopes, student, study, studybreak, studygoals, studysquad, textbooks
Nursing School Orientation
Hey Y'all - Happy FriYay!
I am writing this post as I grin from ear to ear, because a wonderful thing happened this week.
Wednesday, I completed my orientation for NURSING SCHOOL - and I was so excited! I got to reconnect with some friends/classmates and though I have a ways to go, this day signified the culmination of my prerequisite course load and proved that hard work and determination can truly pay off.
Naturally I found myself reflecting, upon the day in which I decided I wanted to become a nurse. It wasn't this miraculous discovery and I hadn't always known - though I wish I had, as that would have saved a lot of time and money. Anyway, I digress...
Prior to the start of orientation; we entered a lecture hall where we could finally see the faces of those who were selected to begin, one of the regions most competitive programs. I had recognized more people than I had expected and as I smiled and nodded, I gradually made my way to a seat up front. The vibe was very positive, we all sort of left our competitive mindsets at the door and simply conveyed our excitement for one another, which was cool. I really hope that team atmosphere continues.
After receiving our badge and syllabus, we reviewed the textbooks and discussed what was to be expected throughout Nursing 100 and the program in general. We were then given a tour of the simulation labs, where our 'patients' could seize, develop cyanosis, talk and who knows what else! Finally, the day ended with a video on the yesteryear's of nursing. I know what you may be thinking... but at the risk of sounding cheesy, it actually made me feel proud to be entering a profession with such an honorable history.
If you made it to the end of this wei
rd rant of mine, thank you - I truly appreciate that you've read my post. However, now comes the time where I must excuse myself...As it was so eloquently stated by R. Kelly, "It's the freakin' weekend."
- D
/ anatomy and physiology, books, coffee, future nurse, happy, learning, nursing school, nursing student, Prenursing, read, reading, study, studysquad, the light between oceans
Summer Session
(Cover Image Designed By: Carla Jayne Jones. All rights reserved by, Simon & Schuster, Inc. Image acquired from Amazon)
Hey Everyone!
I'm feeling pretty good today, because I have just finished my last final which concluded my summer Anatomy and Physiology II course! Although I must admit, I sort of don't know what to do with myself - I had fallen into a routine of class, lab, study like a mad woman; repeat (with tons of coffee in between).
Overall, the class went very well. I had a great professor who truly enjoyed teaching the subject. Their love for anatomy transcended through the lectures and it inspired me to push through, throughout the accelerated pace. I also managed to become part of a wonderful #studysquad, where we kept each other sane, on those days where you feel a little overwhelmed...
I now have about 2.5 weeks before I begin my fall semester as an official nursing student (YAY!), so expect more posts relating to this experience, soon. Until then, I think I need take advantage of this newly found free time (go for a run and dare I say, read for pleasure?). In fact, I'm going to start right now.
Catch you later!
-D
Welcome to Spectacles and Stethoscopes! I have created this blog, to document my journey through nursing school (with a bit of food, travel, and DIY)! I hope you'll enjoy the content and find a little inspiration now and then!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)