studying
/ 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!
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| Test Success |
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| Fundamentals Success |
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| NCLEX-RN |
/ 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
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