angi.anes

After being accepted into nursing school, I had no idea what to do next. I started looking up all kinds of stuff trying to figure out what to expect; YouTube, ALLNURSES, Instagram etc. I took bits and pieces of advice from all of them. I'm going to start by sharing the books I have found useful. This is mostly dedicated to those that procrastinate or can't stay focused long enough, like me. These are easy reads that are broken down into small sections which makes them engaging.

Pre-Nursing School ○ Saunders NCLEX-RN

This book should be purchased before you even get a stethoscope. Things to study before starting first semester  — ○ Fluids and Electrolytes ○ Acid-Base Balance ○ Vital Signs ○ EVERYTHING ABOUT DIABETES MELLITUS Practicing the clinical application questions will be good review to get yourself use to the types of questions you'll see on your first quiz and test.

Pre- or During Nursing School ○ Pearsons Pathophysiology Reviews and Rationales ○ Elsevier Nursing Diagnosis Handbook | An Evidence-Based Guide to Planning Care

— these two books saved me during first semester —  ○ Learn how to use the NDH, it's a lifesaver | Elsevier ○ Get familiar with pathophysiology, nursing assessments, client-centered nursing care, nursing interventions | Pearsons R&R

Moving onto Pharmacology ○ Pearsons Pharmacology Reviews and Rationales ○ Pearsons Nurse's Drug Guide

I plan to continue to use Pearson Reviews and Rationales books through the rest of my nursing program. These books are far from the dense nursing school textbooks but contain the same information. Alongside the Saunders NCLEX-RN, you should be set for your nursing school journey.

Being accepted into an accelerated BSN program filled me with a bundle of emotions >.< As a nurse you have to collaborate interprofessionally with other health care staff to apply the treatment plans and orders given by physicians. While also having the courage to use your knowledge and critical thinking skills to make recommendations to the physician regarding the treatment plan. WTF DID I GET MYSELF INTO!? O.o Things I wish I did and knew before I started nursing school — ○ Shadow a nurse/nurse assistant in the department(s) you may be considering | OR get a clerical position at a hospital - anything where you interact with patients and health care staff [ I was a unit secretary ] ○ Have a good support system [ family, friends, etc. — especially if you have a spouse and/or children ] ○ Consider and prepare finances | Probably won't have time to work because of studying/schedule | If you have to work, you definitely won't have time for sleep ○ DO NOT take Anatomy & Physiology for granted ○ Throw memorization out the window | Learn to apply the knowledge and skills you know from Anatomy & Physiology [ and the things you learn during nursing school ] ○ Study medical terminology | OR take the course