What I Wish I Would Have Known Before College

There is no step by step guide to survive school while pursuing a higher education degree. Many people describe college as some of the best years of their lives. However, higher education is a dramatic lifestyle change that can be hard to adapt to for many students. As a recent graduate reflecting on my college years, there are a few things I wish I had realized before I entered college. Here are a few things I wish I would’ve known, including stress, studying and money management.

In high school I was a three sport athlete, a member of the National Honor Society, the secretary for the student council and part of many other committees. I balanced these activities very well and loved every minute of it. However, the set schedule I was used to changed when I came to college. You are in charge of managing your schedule. No one is there to guide you along. This can be a major change of pace for many people. So my tip to you is to set a schedule. Sit down and plan out your week. Designate times to do assignments, tests and to study. Stick to your routine. Your grades will thank you.

If you had poor study habits in high school, it’s time to make a change. Students are often shocked by how much effort they must put into their classes. Even though students are often told how much time and effort they will have to put into their classes, they are typically stunned when they are actually expected to do it. If you’re really struggling, reach out to your advisor for helpful tips on how to manage your course work. They may also have resources available to you to make studying easier or more enjoyable! Don’t take on more than you can handle. Some students can handle four courses at a time while others may only be able to focus on one. Wherever you fall on this spectrum, that’s okay! Progress isn’t linear. Lastly, ask friends and loved ones what worked for them or look up studying tips online. If one method fails, don’t give up! Everyone is different, you just need to find your niche.

In all honesty, college was the most stressful time of my life. When my routine was no longer existent, I found that I had to discover new ways to manage stress and anxiety. It wasn’t until my junior year that I was able to find ways to manage that stress that worked for me. I found that what worked for me didn’t necessarily work for my friends. I had always been an extremely active person, so I naturally gravitated towards fitness to take my mind off of whatever I was stressed about. Going to the gym at the end of the day helped me relax and refocus. Other stress relievers can be painting, reading a book or even just watching a movie or tv for a little while. Find a healthy coping mechanism and make sure to incorporate it into your new routine.

Last but not least, money. Money can be a huge concern while earning your degree, and managing it can be difficult. My advice would be to set a budget or allowance for yourself. You can make it weekly, bi-weekly, or even monthly. Factor in the cost of your loans, along with other expenses such as books and materials. When I made my budget, I also included money for food, extracurriculars along with how much money I would put into savings. I really stress putting money aside for savings. When my senior year rolled around, I was able to pay off my whole first semester with what money I had put aside which saved me the stress of paying more interest on my loan. Every bit counts, save what you can, when you can.

For many students, college is a whole new world and what comes along with it can be stressful and overwhelming. Finding what works for you during this time is extremely important. Sometimes, though, a little guidance can be helpful — take it from people who learned the hard way.

Building a Routine in RN Classes

Surviving in nursing school is not that difficult. Like any other course, it takes perseverance and focus to be able to get by. Before you become a Registered Nurse (RN), you have to undergo a lot of research, study and interaction with fellow students and medical practitioners alike. As an aspiring nurse, there are certain tips that you need to follow. As a freshman who wishes to pass the course, there are routines that you need to do.

A Little Every Day
As much as possible, you need to study in spurts. RN classes are often on the go. If you are accustomed to studying your lessons one subject at a time, then you better start changing that. You need to try and be on your toes in order to keep up with your classes.

Learn to Focus
If you can do two to three things all the same time, that’s good. However, be sure to prioritize your main task for the day. Learn to determine the key point your instructor gives you. Remember, you will be dealing with a lot of patients in the future, so try and focus from day one.

Act, Not Fact
Nurses are always on the go. Your patients don’t necessarily want to hear things from you; they want results. Actions speak louder than words, so they say. And as a student nurse, you need to be aware of that.

Have a Study Group
RN classes might not be enough for you but if you try and study in a group, you will get to new and even old things. Study groups also provide moral support and help improve your performance in class.

It all seems like it’s just a matter of getting used to, but with a difference. You are dealing with the course just like a professional nurse handles their job.

Categories of Anatomy in Nursing

The study of Anatomy & Physiology is an integral part in the field of nursing. The main concern of anatomy & physiology is the study of organisms and their parts, as well as their uses. It is a field in medicine where functions of specific organs are studied and dissected.

Anatomy, however, is sometimes divided into three categories, namely: Superficial, Comparative and Artistic. These categories comprise much of the study of anatomy, but we will have to examine these types in relation to the nursing course and see why anatomy or even physiology should have its place in the nursing profession.

Superficial or Surface Anatomy
This study in anatomy concerns itself with anatomical landmarks that can be seen from the exterior. By looking into certain contours on the body, a nurse can diagnose a patient better by determining what goes inside a person. Superficial is a directional term, meaning that structures located on the surface have its roots within a person’s body.

Comparative Anatomy
This is anatomy that seeks to compare patterns from two entities, the gross and the microscopic, to see if there are discrepancies or abnormalities in its anatomical structures. By comparing it, nurses will be able to assess the state of their patient through patterns. These then may have some similarities or differences between the two.

Artistic anatomu
As the term suggests, this is a category in anatomy that aims to put explanation on patterns based on artistic reasons. The intangible, so they say, can have deep and diverse effect on people. Placed on a nursing perspective, this type of anatomy enables nurses to go beyond the conventions of medical care through artistic means.

These are a few of the many categories that can be associated with anatomy & physiology; studies that can integrate, and at times put emphasis, in the field of nursing.

Nursing and the Human Culture

The studies of human culture presents in the nursing field through Humanities courses. Subjects that do not have much relation to nursing have been reconsidered as important and incorporated into nursing as a means to train better nurses. Looking into the branches of Humanities, moreover, you will see that it has subjects that would make nurses knowledgeable on certain issues that aren’t in their nursing curriculum.

One of the branches of humanities is languages. If you know at least one additional language as a medical practitioner, you will have a lot more opportunity as a nurse. Talking to your patient is one thing, but communicating with them in their own language is a higher level of nursing entirely.

Art is a branch in humanities that can be of use when it comes to the nursing profession. Sometimes it takes art to be able to treat a patient, especially when the latter needs special attention. It helps that you can be creative when dealing with your patient. Art can help to open the doors of trust between the nurse and patient. Artistic creativity is a way of thinking that transcends traditional nursing.

Literature is also a study in humanities that is useful in nursing. There are some patients who just can’t stop talking and sharing a their stories. As a nurse, you should be able to handle this type of patient. Sharing an intimate story with them is at times more effective than giving them technical reports about their illnesses. Be prepared and take time to share a line or two.

Philosophy and religion are also main tenets of humanities. This branch in humanities is perfect for those older patients, because these are topics that they usually talk about. If you can join in on the discussion, then you have given them something worthwhile with which to relate to you and their care – something more meaningful to them than administering medicines.

Humanities goes a long way with nursing courses. It makes for a more complete and knowledgeable nurse in return.

Getting Ready For Your Nursing Education

Preparing for your nursing education is not a walk in the park. There will be plenty of times when you have to do a ton of things in a short span of time.  Nursing is not like any other course that takes minimal preparation. What you are actually preparing for is a career right from the get-go.

There is a list of things to do that will go a long way as far as preparation goes. So jot them down and start tinkering on that list in preparation for your nursing education.

Get Organized
This is a to-do in your list that demands constant attention. Nurses are organized people. Learn to organize, set priorities and make a monitor out of it, so you may know your progress as an aspiring nurse.

Get a Group
Don’t isolate yourself. Nurses don’t work that way. They even create bonds with their patients. They talk and spend time with them. It takes a gathering or a committee of medical practitioners to perform an operation, not just a single nurse. Grow with your fellow nursing aspirants.

Go Get It
Keep things in perspective. Never lose sight of your ultimate goal which is to graduate and be a successful nurse. Stay motivated, even if you are discouraged at times, because you will learn from it. Don’t also be afraid to ask questions from your teachers or superiors when you have any.

Get Some Sleep
This may well be a trivial matter, but because nurses work with different time schedules, it is best that they grab some rest in between their shifts. And what better time to start conditioning yourself with work shifts than in nursing school.

Get Connected
Try to connect with your fellow classmates immediately after enrollment. This will eliminate the pressure of handling your lessons alone. Always remember, you don’t work in isolation; there are doctors and medical specialists you need to get in touch with so that you can survive your nursing education.

Ways for Your Distance Education

Challenges are a part of distance learning education. If you are a nursing student, for instance, the challenge is to go about your time receiving instructions from a superior who is miles away from you.

Distance education enables you to become independent. You learn things through discovery and research at your own time and pace. In that, you must build a sense of responsibility over your actions because your teacher is not around to guide you like in a conventional classroom. Perhaps you might have apprehensions with the idea of distance education. But that happens all the time with many students. Here are a few tips on how to overcome such fears.

  • Don’t be too self-conscious about the words used in distance education. Learning the terminologies in online education takes time.  Learn as you go. You will discover that the thought remains the same, only words differ.
  • Remember that there are a lot of students going for distance education. If you can, reach out to them and compare each others’ lessons. In that way, you are compensating for the things lacking when you attend a traditional classroom.
  • Don’t hesitate to ask questions. This is the only way you will learn, and learn fast. For all you know, your online instructor is interested in you asking questions than him spoon-feeding you.
  • Also remember that you are not the only one your instructor is dealing with. Increase skills in doing research as much as possible. Augment your online education by adding other learning materials in relation to your course.

However, distance education is not a match to everyone. Some students need a classroom environment to stay focused and motivated, which comes at a much higher dollar cost, and time and travel commitment. But if you can find the self-discipline required for distance education, the rewards are limitless.

Issues on Hospice Care

Hospices are medical facilities designed to treat patients who have terminal illnesses. This is where immediate relatives lodge their ailing love ones for further medical attention. A hospice care has a special role in the lives of its patients. Its main goal is to improve the quality of their lives before succumbing to such illnesses. It is a special type of medical care in that a 24/7 monitoring is administered by a nurse or a medical specialist to ensure proper handling of patients. Hospices are like Assisted Living Centers but with minor differences. But hospices do have some issues too, regardless of its use. And there are at least three of them.

Finding the Right Answer
The question whether hospices have the right answers and responses to every patient in need of help is still up for grabs.  This is a relative question, so normally it also has a relative answer. A hospice care, more or less, does not concern itself with finding the right answer. They are instituted to give extra medical help to such patients, and subsequently not to engage in a discussion or debate.

What about Depression?
There are others who choose to receive medical help inside a hospice care than anywhere else, including their homes. Most hospice care patients say that they get depressed while dealing with their illnesses away from any companion. Depression is already prevalent in the US. And those who suffer from it get to have the option of dealing with it with hospice care.

What about Anguish?
Patients are also anguished especially when they are alone and left without any interaction from other people. These patients are in the last stages of their existence, so being anguished comes with the territory. But that is one concern that hospice care is trying to alleviate.

In Search for an Assisted Living

Assisted living centers are medical facilities intended for those who have disabilities. This is where those who are in some ways incapacitated placed so that they can receive proper medical care. Recently, assisted living centers have become instituted to ensure that the special needs of the disabled are taken care of. But a relative (or someone who is responsible for the person), it would be appropriate to take a closer look at how and why this is the place for your disabled loved ones.

Reflect First
Your decision to have assisted living for your disabled relative is crucial before going into its parameters. There are families who simply can’t attend to these people and have relegated to the medical staff their responsibility over their relative. Be sure you have the right a reason for choosing assisted living and that is to treat and take care of your disabled relative more closely.

How About Your Needs
Consider all options before going into assisted living. You may have time management issues as of late, a reason why you choose to lodge your disabled relative inside an assisted living center. But you must have anticipated that you can’t keep up the bill in the long run. Assisted living centers are just as suitable homes for your disabled relative, but take a closer look at your resources first before you decide to use the services of assisted living.

 As Much As Possible, Get Referrals
Ask and get referrals from those who have had experiences with assisted living. It pays to do your research before delving into something. Better still, ask for a list of assisted living centers and choose from among them which best suits your disabled relative. Always keep in mind that assisted living is only made possible with your love and support. They need that even more while they are on assisted living.

A Few Things to Remember Before CLEP

Students who are decided to take the College Level Examination Program (CLEP) can save both time and money. CLEP is a credit-by-exam program designed to give students flexibility in earning a college degree. In return, many students are availing the said program because it enables them to study at their own pace.

Administered by the College Board, the College Level Examination Program is designed to speed up the process of education. Students can now study without worrying about the extended time they are given inside a university.

But before pursuing CLEP, a student has to consider certain rules or questions about CLEP to be able to assess whether this program works for him/her. They should take heed of these rules.

The first rule is to know how these credits are applied. It would be safe to say that a student needs to see if the college or university of his/her choice awards credit for CLEP. There are some universities that consider transferring credit but they will not use the maximum courses available. In some cases, if they have many credits in transfer, he may not be able to use CLEP. The student will not be given a choice which credit will be accepted.

Next, they need to ask how many credits the student can earn. The choices vary from 12 to 60, although other schools can include AP credits in the cap. Also, the student should be able to determine their long term plans, if there is any. There are considerations when it comes to CLEP. There are schools in the US that need more hours of studying before moving on to a higher level of learning.

Lastly, they should know their limitations. Only self-motivated and independent learners deal with CLEP better than anybody. Students who find it hard taking standardized tests should think twice before pursuing CLEP.

Of Patients and Patient Care Units

Patient care can come in different forms. Because there are specific illnesses/diseases that need special attention, patient care units are installed to cater their medical needs. There are at least 7 major types of patient care outlets for those needing medical help. These are Primary, Specialty, Emergency, Urgent, Long-Term, Hospice and Mental Healthcare.

These patient care facilities have specific functions.

Primary Care
This is a type of facility that focuses on preventing illnesses through regular check-ups and health screening. Primary care outlets treat regular sicknesses such as a common cold or fever.

Specialty Care
Specialty care treats patients that require special skills. Specialty care can be ongoing or preventative. Cardiologists and physical therapists usually work inside specialty care units.

Emergency Care
Professionals under emergency care are usually associated with ambulance services. Emergency care provides medical help to patients with life-threatening diseases, or in need of immediate help.

Urgent Care
An urgent care differs from an emergency care outlet. Urgent care facilities treat illnesses such as cuts, sprains, infections and others that need constant care.

Long-Term Care
These are cares that treat people with disabilities, or to those who can’t perform daily activities due to a chronic illness. Long-term care is a combination of nursing and social care. They are sometimes called assisted living facilities.

Hospice Care
Providing physical, emotional and spiritual care is a primary concern of hospice care. They help ease symptoms of such diseases, not so much on curing them. Hospice care makes way for the patient’s family, too, in coping with the former’s condition.

Mental Healthcare
Mental healthcare treats patients with mental disabilities or those who are undergoing psychological problems and is being treated with medication or psychotherapy. Psychiatrists and counselors can be found inside mental healthcare units.

Patient care units may be a combination of these types, but their main function remains the same. They provide constant care and attention to those who are in need of medical help.