PNG 110-PT
Chapter 1
1/21/21
Adjusting to
Student Life
Copyright
Copyright
© 2021 Wolters
© 2021 Wolters
Kluwer Health
Kluwer| •Lippincott
All RightsWilliams
Reserved
& Wilkins
Orientation
 Orientation sessions familiarize new students to:
 The program’s facilities
 Hospital affiliations
 Rules and regulations governing conduct
 Program’s courses and course content
 Student government
 Available student resources
Copyright © 2021 Wolters Kluwer • All Rights Reserved
Personal Adjustment
 Adjusting to student life requires:
 Understanding yourself (self-awareness)- More in Chapter
2
 Taking care of your physical, emotional, and intellectual
needs
 Counseling may help with adjustment and solving
problems.
Copyright © 2021 Wolters Kluwer • All Rights Reserved
Financing Your Education
 Many resources available.
 Most require something in return.
 Health care agencies: commit to period of employment
 Scholarships: may or may not require payback
 Federal student loans: require payback
 Grants: do not require paybacks
 Others: private sponsors, military, religious organizations,
schools, banks, unions, etc.
 FAFSA is free to apply.
Copyright © 2021 Wolters Kluwer • All Rights Reserved
Your Program
 Organization and Curriculum
 Classroom Lectures
 Basic nursing and health care theory and principles
 Lectures through ZOOM
 Tests in person
 Clinical Instruction
 Provided in a variety of health care settings- will begin next
semester (Summer) PNG 115
 Basic course curricula for nursing programs
Copyright © 2021 Wolters Kluwer • All Rights Reserved
Your Program
 Program Structures
 Program Objectives
 School’s objective
 Administration’s objective
 Instructor’s/Course objectives-Student Handbook- QSEN
 Students’ Objectives
 Integrate student life with personal life.
 Become a licensed practical or vocational nurse.
Copyright © 2021 Wolters Kluwer • All Rights Reserved
Scheduling Your Time
 A written schedule is a good way to organize your
time so that every hour can be put to its best use.
 A good schedule should:
 Be realistic
 Use class schedule as basis for daily scheduling
 Be written in a notebook, in a planner, or on a calendar
 Assignment: Develop Personal Plan & Submit in CANVAS
Copyright © 2021 Wolters Kluwer • All Rights Reserved
Learning Theory #1
 Major Learning Styles
 Maximize your learning potential by understanding how
you process, learn, and retain information.
 Tactile/kinesthetic
 Visual
 Auditory
 Using preferred learning style improves learning efficiency
 Use this with class notes and review of lecture material for
study
 Using many senses improves performance.
Copyright © 2021 Wolters Kluwer • All Rights Reserved
Learning Theory #2
 Applying Your Learning Style
 Visual
 Pictures, diagrams, videos, and other visuals
 Drawing, creating visual imagery
 Auditory
 Listening and reading aloud
 Tactile/Kinesthetic
 Moving, doing, and touching
Copyright © 2021 Wolters Kluwer • All Rights Reserved
Critical Thinking Skills #1
Definition of Critical Thinking Skills
 Thinking:
 Deeply
 Clearly
 Significantly
 Accurately
 Logically
 Precisely
 Fairly
 Relevantly
 Broadly
Why is Critical Thinking
Important?
Copyright © 2021 Wolters Kluwer • All Rights Reserved
Critical Thinking Skills #2
 Definition of Critical Thinking Skills (cont.)
 Reasoning
 Making sense of something
 Inferring
 Concluding something is so because something else is so
 Judging
 Forming an opinion that can lead to a decision
 Logic
 Trying to figure things out
Copyright © 2021 Wolters Kluwer • All Rights Reserved
Critical Thinking Skills #3
 Developing Critical Thinking Skills
 Ask questions of yourself.
 Welcome questions from the clinical instructor.
 Applying Critical Thinking Skills
 “Talk through” what you think your options are.
 Practice
 “Critical Thinking Exercise” boxes
 “Apply Critical Thinking Skills” section in each chapter
Copyright © 2021 Wolters Kluwer • All Rights Reserved
Classroom Instruction #1
 Lectures
 In a lecture, the instructor will:
 Clarify reading assignments
 Identify important points
 Assist in finding relationships
 Offer students opportunities to ask questions.
 Prepare by completing reading assignments in advance.
Copyright © 2021 Wolters Kluwer • All Rights Reserved
Classroom Instruction #2
 Listening
 Being a good listener is one of a nurse’s most useful skills.
 Doodling, daydreaming, and talking distract from
listening.
 To listen effectively:
 Fix eyes on speaker’s face
 Pay close attention to words
 Concentrate and take written notes while you listen
Copyright © 2021 Wolters Kluwer • All Rights Reserved
Classroom Instruction #3
 Taking Notes
 Notes are short phrases that capture key points, ideas,
and concepts. Don’t re-write word for word- Summarize
your understanding of information in section.
 Good notes help to review and remember.
 Main benefit is higher grades.
 Be able to read your own writing and shorthand. First time
new term used write out term and () abbreviation.
Thereafter use abbreviation.
 Absence from class for just 1 day can put you far behind.
Copyright © 2021 Wolters Kluwer • All Rights Reserved
Classroom Instruction #4
 General Rules
 Omit unnecessary words.- Notes should be bullet points
not complete sentences.
 Abbreviate words.
 Use outline format.
 Don’t repeat.
 Use different highlight colors. Great tool for notes and on
tests for key points
 Clarify information with instructor.
Copyright © 2021 Wolters Kluwer • All Rights Reserved
Classroom Instruction #5
 Organization- Important
 Notebook with subject dividers
 Guidelines
 Come to class prepared having done reading
assignments and focus on key information.
 Listen to what is being said and avoid distractions.
 List the main ideas, facts, and supporting data.
 Read and review your notes after taking them.
 Missed class—get notes from a classmate to avoid blanks
in your notebook and to keep up with course.
Copyright © 2021 Wolters Kluwer • All Rights Reserved
Classroom Instruction #6
 Studying
 Study Guidelines
 Set regular times. Be sure to include in your personal plan.
 Avoid distractions and interruptions.
 Set minimum study time for each subject and class hour.
Should be a minimum of 2 hours for every hour of class time.
 Schedule by priorities and revise as needed:
 Most important subjects first.
 Hard subjects before easy subjects.
 Avoid study of only one subject because you have a test. ALL
classes are equally important
Copyright © 2021 Wolters Kluwer • All Rights Reserved
Classroom Instruction #7
 Studying (cont.)
 Study Guidelines (cont.)
Take short rests. Every hour get up & walk around, have
something to eat or drink to refresh & help with alertness.
Think about material that you have been studying to clarify
understanding.
Study just before and after class and when energy levels are
up.
Have all materials on hand before starting.
Study dissimilar subjects in each session.
Take advantage of:
Instructor review sessions
Student study groups
Get proper rest and nutrition.
Copyright © 2021 Wolters Kluwer • All Rights Reserved
Classroom Instruction #8
 Computers In Education
 Important component of nursing education.
 Learning assignments may be required.
 Additional learning programs in library or lab. Practice
skills out of lab on family and friends – Not invasive skills.
 Distance learning:
 Telephone
 Video chat
 Use internet videos to review material- start with Lippincott
videos as these most closely match program guidelines
Copyright © 2021 Wolters Kluwer • All Rights Reserved
Classroom Instruction #9
 Audiovisual
 Extends the classroom through:
Video
Podcasts
YouTube
DVDs
CDs
Streamed media
Other visual media
 Take notes during audiovisual and computer instruction.
Copyright © 2021 Wolters Kluwer • All Rights Reserved
Assignments #1
 Reading Assignments
 The SQ3R (survey–question–read–recite–review) method
of reading:
 Survey the chapter or unit.
 Question what you will be reading.
 Read by skimming first.
 Recite aloud or silently.
 Review the material.
Copyright © 2021 Wolters Kluwer • All Rights Reserved
Assignments #2
 Writing Assignments
 Five Steps
 Collect the material.
 Organize and outline reference material:
 Introduction (states purpose)
 Body (states main ideas and details)
 Conclusion (states what was said)
 Write first draft from beginning to end.
 Revise and write final draft.
 Proofread.
Copyright © 2021 Wolters Kluwer • All Rights Reserved
Reference Sources #1
 Books
 Learn how to use books to find information you need:
 Table of contents—lists each chapter title
 Indexes—list specific items in alphabetical order
 Appendixes—separate sections of related material found at
the back of the book
 Glossaries—separate sections listing vocabulary words
specific to the book’s topic
Copyright © 2021 Wolters Kluwer • All Rights Reserved
Reference Sources #2
 Other Materials
 Journals (nursing and other health care disciplines)
 Magazines
 Pamphlets
 A/V programs
 General reference books
 Computer programs or internet
Copyright © 2021 Wolters Kluwer • All Rights Reserved
Reference Sources #3
 Libraries
 Learning resource centers
 Computerized catalog used by every library
 Common databases: CINAHI, Medline
 Librarians are a wealth of information- Katyln Burton and
learning center staff excellent.
 Computers and Mobile Devices
 Excellent resource for gaining access to reference
material
 Will be required by instructor for assignments
 Used in many areas of nursing practice
Copyright © 2021 Wolters Kluwer • All Rights Reserved
Reference Sources #4
 Computers (cont.)
 Allow communication with others- Careful as these can
be huge wasters of your precious time. Be sure to include
in your personal plan
 E-mail
 Chat rooms
 Computerized nursing licensing examination
 The Internet
 Gives access to a world of information
 Websites
 Information may or may not be accurate
Copyright © 2021 Wolters Kluwer • All Rights Reserved
Reference Sources #5
 The Internet (cont.)
 Websites (cont.)
 Commercial (.com) websites
 Educational (.edu) websites
 Government (.gov) websites- best sites for current accurate
information (NIH; CDC; VDH, etc)
 Organizational (.org) websites
Copyright © 2021 Wolters Kluwer • All Rights Reserved
Reference Sources #6
 Use websites that are organized and easy to use.
 Use websites that are frequently updated.
 Be sure the website includes name and address of
contact person or organization.
 Do textbooks and journal articles support website
information?
 Qualifications of the people who contribute to the
website.
 Ask instructor to comment on the quality of a
particular website.
Copyright © 2021 Wolters Kluwer • All Rights Reserved
Taking Tests #1
 Test Anxiety
 Psychological and physical feelings experienced before
an examination
 A little test anxiety improves performance.
 Tips to help overcome excessive anxiety.
 Relaxation
 Breathing exercises
 Positive Self-Talk
 Coping skills can be the difference between passing a test or
failure.
 Professional counseling may help for extreme test anxiety.
Copyright © 2021 Wolters Kluwer • All Rights Reserved
Taking Tests #2
 Strategies for Taking Tests
 Understand the directions.
 Look over the whole exam before answering questions.
 Understand the relative grading weights of different
sections.
 Differentiate between hard and easy sections or
questions.
 Make a test-taking plan, and then proceed with the test.
 Pay attention to the time to keep to your plan.
 Most tests you will only have one hour to complete
approximately 50 questions. Little over one minute per
question.
Copyright © 2021 Wolters Kluwer • All Rights Reserved
Taking Tests #3
 Standardized Examinations- KAPLAN, NCLEX-PN
 Show how much of a range of subjects students have
learned through all or a portion of their education.
 Compare a student’s knowledge with students around
the country.
 Faculty use this information for you in the current program
and to help adjust program for future.
 Preparing for a Standardized Exam
 Complete assignments when scheduled.
 Apply what you learn in the clinical setting.
 Take computer-administered exams to prepare for the
NCLEX-PN exam.
Copyright © 2021 Wolters Kluwer • All Rights Reserved
Taking Tests #4
 Preparing for a Standardized Exam (cont.)
 Don’t cram for the exams.
 Review a similar test.
 Read all directions before beginning a test.
 Standardized Practical/Vocational Nursing Tests
 National League for Nursing (NLN) achievement tests
 National Council of State Boards of Nursing NCLEX-PN
licensing examination – Goal is to pass on the first
attempt.
Copyright © 2021 Wolters Kluwer • All Rights Reserved
Clinical Instruction
 Arranged by the faculty.
 Students integrate and apply classroom knowledge to
patient care.
 Be prepared for clinical.
 Preconference and postconference.
 Be prepared to take notes and complete assignments
during clinical instruction just as you would in the
classroom.
Copyright © 2021 Wolters Kluwer • All Rights Reserved
Question #1
 Is the following statement true or false?
 A tactile/kinesthetic learning style involves touching,
moving, doing, and handling things.
Copyright © 2021 Wolters Kluwer • All Rights Reserved
Answer to
Question
#1
 True
 Rationale: Tactile/kinesthetic learning
style involves touching, moving, doing,
and handling things.
Copyright © 2021 Wolters Kluwer • All Rights Reserved
Question #2
 A student’s good schedule should:
A.
Use work schedule as basis for daily scheduling.
B.
Be written in a notebook, in a planner, or on a
calendar.
C.
Try to include everything that needs to be
accomplished.
Copyright © 2021 Wolters Kluwer • All Rights Reserved
Answer to
Question
#2
 B. Be written in a notebook, in a
planner, or on a calendar.
 Rationale: A student’s good schedule
should use the school schedule as
basis for daily planning, and it should
be realistic.
Copyright © 2021 Wolters Kluwer • All Rights Reserved
Question #3
 Critical thinking skills include forming an opinion that
can lead to a decision. This is known as:
A.
Reasoning
B.
Inferring
C.
Judging
D.
Logic
Copyright © 2021 Wolters Kluwer • All Rights Reserved
Answer to Question #3
 C. Judging
 Rationale: To make a judgment is to have an opinion.
 Go further in your review: Do You understand each of
the terms in the question? If not go back and review.
Copyright © 2021 Wolters Kluwer • All Rights Reserved
Question #4
 Is the following statement true or false?
 Strategies for taking tests include beginning
immediately to answer the first question and then
proceeding to the last question.
Copyright © 2021 Wolters Kluwer • All Rights Reserved
Answer to Question #4
 False
 Rationale: Look over the entire exam first, differentiate
between hard and easy sections, make a test plan,
and then proceed with the first question.
Copyright © 2021 Wolters Kluwer • All Rights Reserved
Question #5
 When preparing for a standardized exam you should:
A.
Apply only what you’ve learned in the classroom.
B.
Cram for the exam the night before.
C.
Review a similar test.
D.
Read the directions after finishing the test.
Copyright © 2021 Wolters Kluwer • All Rights Reserved
Answer to Question #5
 C. Review a similar test.
 Rationale: Apply all you have learned in classroom
and clinical, never cram for an exam, and read all of
the directions before beginning the exam.
Copyright © 2021 Wolters Kluwer • All Rights Reserved