Essential Reading and Resources for 1st Year Nursing Students

Choosing the right resources as a 1st year nursing student can significantly impact your learning journey. Whether you're looking for academic preparation, inspiration, or tools for future planning, there are numerous resources available to help you succeed. This article will guide you through some key recommendations for your first year in nursing school.

Seeking Inspiration

Starting a career in nursing can be both challenging and rewarding. For inspiration, consider reading books that share stories of resilience and determination. One such book is I Wasn’t Strong Like This When I Started Out, which can provide you with motivation and personal stories to help you persevere through tough times.

Academic Preparation

For a thorough academic foundation, it's crucial to have access to comprehensive and up-to-date resources. Medical surgical nursing assessments and dosage calculation practice problems are essential topics to master. Some highly recommended textbooks include Medical Surgical Nursing by Keith and Tishler, and Dosage Calculations: Practice Problems for Health Professionals by Tannen. Additionally, online platforms like Osmosis offer concise and engaging explanations of disease conditions, making learning efficient and effective.

Future Planning and Professional Development

For those considering a future in nursing, particularly in travel nursing, it's wise to get a Travel Nurse’s Bible. This resource provides valuable insights into the world of contract nursing work and helps you understand the opportunities available with a year of experience. Professional societies like the Oncology Nursing Society also offer valuable resources to students, including free memberships and online learning platforms.

Practical Tools and Technology

Modern nursing heavily relies on technology, particularly in documentation and documentation practices. Here are a few tools and resources that can be indispensable:

Kindle and eBooks: Access to giant PDFs like Sanford Antibiotic Guide, Epocrates, and MSKCC’s About Herbs on your phone or laptop ensures you have up-to-date information at your fingertips. Healthcare-specific Apps: Drug reference apps like Epocrates offer real-time updates on drug interactions and side effects. They are more reliable and quicker to access than outdated printed books. Microsoft Office Suite: Learning to use Word, Excel, and PowerPoint is crucial as most documentation is now computer-based. Online Databases: For RESEARCH and up-to-date medical information, resources like DailyMed, SEER (National Cancer Institute's Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results program), CDC National Cancer Institute, and the American Cancer Society are invaluable.

Final Thoughts

While the digital age has transformed the landscape of nursing education, traditional books still hold significant value. However, integrating modern technology and digital resources can greatly enhance your learning experience. With the right combination of inspiration, academic preparation, and technological tools, you're well on your way to succeeding in your nursing career.