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The days of lectures and exams are behind me, well, at least for the meantime. I would get to class early, at least when I could, and set up my area. My lectures were either two or three hours depending on the topic and semester. My bag for class always held certain items that I would need for the duration of the lecture. I had a different bag for lecture and clinical, it was just easier to keep things together that way. The top five items I always brought to class and would advise others to bring to with them include:
Don’t forget to use Grammarly, The World’s Best Automated Proofreader“> either in class or out of class.
#1 Recording device
A recording device whether a cell phone or a recorder, as long as your nursing program allows recording. Please keep in mind that to record a lecture you need the consent of the lecturer. But as long as taping is permitted, it is always a great idea to have an auditory document of the class. A recording is a good practice if you are the type of student to listen to each lecture or if you did not hear a section or accidentally and missed a part. The speech is available to review and complete your notes.
#2 Sustenance
I grouped this section to make it into one category; initially, I listed water, caffeine, and snacks separate categories. Water, I am a water pusher. I know I don’t drink enough water, and with what I have seen of most patients either do a lot of other people. Water is essential to several body processes. So drink more water. Caffeine energizes the consumer. I have definitely gone to lecture with both a water bottle and an energy drink or coffee. Caffeine has properties to keep you more alert, awake, and paying attention, so for those who work during school or taking multiple classes, those properties are essential to the student. A snack, becoming hungry in the middle of a long lecture will pull you out of the zone of paying attention. Make sure the bite to eat is something quiet and low on the smell. The snack will help you to curb the ache of hunger, to get you through the lecture but remember to be considerate of the students around you.
#3 Extra pens
Extra pens are important for two reasons. One someone will need a pen or pencil, and two pens and pencils have a habit of disappearing, or they break. I had a cloth pencil carrier, and I filled it with the extra pens, pencils, and highlighters. Leave the case in your bag so you will always have it because you will need it.
#4 The book or print outs
Let me explain this, think about the way the lecture is formatted. Does the professor like to follow the book or do they use a presentation and if so can you print it out? A printed version that will support the topics and a hard copy that could be a place for notes. This is helpful when new words are said, or a concept is given but not wholly explained well, having the printout or book in front of you allows you to mark or come back to that topic after class.
#5 Extra Layers
Extra layers as in clothing, no matter where or what time of the year it is, the temperature is never cooperative. This goes beyond the classroom. I went to a convention in Phoenix. The meeting rooms were cold, the cardigan I brought was carried around and worn every day despite the 96 degrees days. Currently living in Austin, the warmer the outside becomes, the colder the hospital gets at night. This is true for the classroom. A light jacket, even if you don’t need it, on those freezing days, you will be happy and more comfortable that you brought the coat or sweater. The jacket also allows you to take layers off in the case you happen to be in that one room that the heat is continuously on. Be comfortable.
I never went to class without my items. What item is also with you when you’re in class?
While you’re here read these blogs too Tip and tricks to writing notes part 1 and 6 Items I bought after being accepted into Nursing School