More and more people are considering a career in nursing or healthcare, but the thought of undertaking an academic degree at university can be intimidating. Whether you are moving straight from school or college or have been away from education for some time, Getting Ready for your Nursing Degree is essential preparation for anyone considering becoming or about to become a nursing student.
It looks at all aspects of university work in a straightforward way and provides advice, examples and activities designed to help you get the most out of classes, research and assessments, from your first lecture right through to sitting exams and learning on placement.
Designed with nursing students in mind, this small but perfectly formed guide is tailored to help you develop the skills you will need not only for your course but for your career and lifelong learning as a registered healthcare practitioner.
Preface
Publisher's acknowledgements
Chapter 1 Taking the obs
Introduction
The role of confidence and your past experiences
Activity 1.1
Activity 1.2
Confidence, effort and ability - two points of view
Evaluating your current skills
Activity 1.3
Activity 1.4
Translating university language
A quick phrasebook
What to take from this chapter
Reflective questions
Further support
Feedback
Chapter 2 Learning to learn: life as a student nurse
Introduction
The student nurse experience
Success at university - becoming an independent learner
What skills do you need for university?
Activity 2.1
Myths and misunderstandings about university
Your life as a student - are you ready?
Activity 2.2
Activity 2.3
Activity 2.4
What to take from this chapter
Reflective questions
Further support
Feedback
Chapter 3 Getting ready for classes
Introduction
Classes at university
Lectures
Activity 3.1
Note-taking
Activity 3.2
Tutorials and seminars
Placement learning
What to take from this chapter
Reflective questions
Further support
Feedback
Chapter 4 Getting ready to find resources
Introduction
Why do I need to find resources?
Types of resources
How do I know Im reading the right stuff?
Activity 4.1
Activity 4.2
Why take notes?
Your own strategy for reading and note-taking
What to take from this chapter
Reflective questions
Further support
Feedback
Chapter 5 Getting ready for academic writing
Introduction
Academic writing conventions
Activity 5.1
Features of academic writing
Activity 5.2
Evidence and referencing
Activity 5.3
The Goldilocks approach to vocabulary and tone
Activity 5.4
Common mistakes in academic writing
Why do I have to spend so much time developing my writing?
Activity 5.5
What to take from this chapter
Reflective questions
Further support
Feedback
Chapter 6 Getting ready for the essay writing process
Introduction
The essay writing process
Activity 6.1
Stage one: analyse the question
Stage two: get content and plan
Stage three: put it together
Activity 6.2
Stage four: edit
Activity 6.3
Common mistakes in essay writing
What to take from this chapter
Reflective questions
Further support
Feedback
Chapter 7 Getting ready for exams
Introduction
Examining exams
Revision techniques
Activity 7.1
The revision process
Activity 7.2
Exam strategies
Coping with nerves
Resits
Handling feedback
What to take from this chapter
Reflective questions
Further support
Feedback
Chapter 8 Getting ready for other assessments
Introduction
Reflective assessments
Activity 8.1
Activity 8.2
Presentations
Group work
Activity 8.3
What to take from this chapter
Reflective questions
Further support
Feedback
