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Main navigation redesign

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  • Top 10 Tips for Success in MedSurg Class

Top 10 Tips for Success in MedSurg Class

November 07, 2012 by Aileen Russo
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Medical-Surgical Nursing, commonly referred to as “MedSurg,” is a two-session class with a clinical component. The course breaks down the body into systems, such as cardiovascular or gastrointestinal, and reviews disease processes and health conditions that apply. Besides understanding the pathophysiology of the disease or condition, the information is further broken down to diagnostic testing, treatments and nursing interventions.

As a student in MedSurg, it took me a while to realize that I was not using my time wisely. It used to take me 4 hours or more to read ONE chapter because my focus was to memorize everything I read. Eventually, I learned that MedSurg isn't about memorizing numbers and details, rather it's about putting old and new pieces together — it really puts your pathophysiology, health assessment and fundamentals knowledge to the test!

As I’ve now completed the course, here are my top tips for success:

1. READ YOUR BOOK!

2. Find a study partner or form a study group.

3. Once you receive your course materials, use the Evolve website case studies and practice questions. You can log in at http://evolve.elsevier.com with your username and password.

4. Every point counts – aside from the exams, turn in all assignments on time and be prepared for quizzes.

5. Manage your time wisely – avoid a meltdown by making a “To Do” list of the things you need to accomplish today and the rest of the week.

6. As you study or read, think of what kinds of questions you’d be asked on a test.

7. If you are looking for additional resources, outside of your required textbooks, check them out in the Center for Academic Success (CAS) before you buy.  They’re expensive and you honestly won’t have time to read through them.

8. When answers A, B, C and D seem correct on a test – don’t forget to use your test-taking strategies: ABC’s, Maslow’s, and the Nursing Process.

9. Cramming the information a day before the test is overwhelming and will only hurt you – spread out your studying over a few days.

10. If you begin to struggle early on, get help before it’s too late from the fine tutors in the CAS. To give a different spin on the material, I made weekly appointments with my favorite tutor in the CAS for reviewing the material and working on practice test questions.

Best of luck to the new class of MedSurg students!

We’d love to hear your tips as well! Leave them in the comments below.

By Aileen Russo

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  • † Chamberlain University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (www.hlcommission.org), an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. The baccalaureate degree program in nursing, master’s degree program in nursing, Doctor of Nursing Practice program and post-graduate APRN certificate program at Chamberlain University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, ccneaccreditation.org. The Chamberlain University Doctor of Nursing Practice (delivered via distance education) is accredited by the National League for Nursing Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (NLN CNEA) located at 2600 Virginia Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20037. Chamberlain University’s Master of Public Health Program is accredited by the Council on Education for Public Health, www.ceph.org. For the most updated accreditation information, visit chamberlain.edu/accreditation. Chamberlain University’s Master of Social Work degree program is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education’s Board of Accreditation, www.cswe.org. Detailed accreditation information for Chamberlain’s Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS) programs can be found at this link

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