Best Study Resources for Accelerated Nursing Students

Key Takeaways:

NCLEX review books, online practice questions, and study apps are essential for helping nursing students prepare for their licensing exam.
Websites, podcasts, and flashcard apps provide valuable resources for learning and reviewing nursing concepts quickly and effectively.
Textbooks, drug reference guides, and online tutorials are crucial for mastering pharmacology, a challenging subject in nursing programs.
Case studies, problem-based learning, and online simulations help students develop critical thinking skills necessary for real-world nursing.

Accelerated nursing programs are designed to help students achieve their goal of becoming nurses faster. However, the fast-paced nature of these programs can make it challenging for students to keep up with the demanding coursework. That’s why accelerated nursing students need to have access to the most effective study resources. This article will explore the best study resources to help you succeed in your accelerated nursing program.

Related:

NCLEX Preparation for Accelerated Nursing Students

One of the most important goals for any nursing student is to pass the NCLEX (National Council Licensure Examination). This exam is required to become a licensed nurse, so it’s crucial to be well-prepared. Fortunately, there are many NCLEX preparation resources available for accelerated nursing students.

NCLEX Review Books

NCLEX review books are a great way to study for the exam. These books cover all the essential topics you’ll need to know. They usually include practice questions and test-taking strategies. Some popular NCLEX review books include Kaplan NCLEX-RN Prep Plus and Lippincott Q&A Review for NCLEX-RN.

Online NCLEX Practice Questions and Tests

In addition to review books, many websites offer NCLEX practice questions and tests. These resources allow you to test your knowledge and get a feel for the questions you’ll encounter on the exam. Some popular websites include Nurselabs and Mometrix.

NCLEX Study Apps

If you prefer to study on the go, several NCLEX study apps are available for your smartphone or tablet. These apps often include practice questions, flashcards, and other study tools. Some popular NCLEX study apps include NCLEX RN Mastery and NCLEX-RN Pocket Prep.

Online Study Tools for Accelerated Nursing Programs

In addition to NCLEX preparation resources, many online study tools are available for accelerated nursing students. These tools can help you master complex nursing concepts and skills.

Nursing Education Websites

There are several websites dedicated to providing educational resources for nursing students. These websites often include articles, videos, and practice questions on various nursing topics. Some popular nursing education websites include Nurse.com and Nursing World.

Nursing Podcasts

Podcasts are a great way to learn on the go. Several nursing podcasts are available that cover a variety of topics, from pharmacology to critical care. Some popular nursing podcasts include The Nurse Keith Show, Straight A Nursing, and Nursing School Struggles.

Nursing Flashcard Apps

Flashcards are a tried-and-true study tool, and many apps make it easy to create and study digital flashcards. Some apps to consider include Quizlet, Study Blue, and Cram.com.

Evidence-Based Practice Resources for Accelerated Nursing

Evidence-based practice is an essential component of modern nursing. As an accelerated nursing student, it’s crucial to have access to reliable sources of evidence-based information.

Nursing Journals and Databases

Nursing journals and databases are excellent sources of up-to-date, peer-reviewed research on various nursing topics. Some popular nursing journals include the American Journal of Nursing, Journal of Nursing Scholarship, and Nursing Research. Databases like CINAHL and PubMed can also be helpful in finding nursing research.

Clinical Practice Guidelines

Clinical practice guidelines provide evidence-based recommendations for managing specific health conditions. These guidelines can be a great resource for understanding best practices in nursing care. One popular source of clinical practice guidelines is the Cochrane Library.

Cochrane Library

The Cochrane Library is a collection of databases that contain high-quality, independent evidence to inform healthcare decision-making. It includes systematic reviews, clinical trials, and other types of research evidence. The Cochrane Library can be a valuable resource for accelerated nursing students looking to incorporate evidence-based practice into their studies.

Pharmacology Study Guides for Accelerated Nursing Students

Pharmacology is a critical subject for nursing students, and it can be challenging to keep track of all the different drugs and their effects. Fortunately, many pharmacology study guides are available to help accelerated nursing students master this important topic.

Pharmacology Textbooks

Pharmacology textbooks are a great resource for learning about different drugs and their uses. Some popular pharmacology textbooks for nursing students include:

Lehne’s Pharmacology for Nursing Care
Pharmacology and the Nursing Process
Pharmacotherapeutics for Advanced Practice Nurse Prescribers

Drug Reference Guides

Drug reference guides provide quick access to essential information about different drugs, including their uses, side effects, and interactions. Some popular drug reference guides for nursing students include:

The Nursing Drug Handbook
Mosby’s Pharmacology Memory NoteCards
Davis’s Drug Guide for Nurses

Medication Flashcards

Flashcards can be a helpful tool for memorizing information about different drugs. Many medication flashcard sets are available for purchase, or you can create your own using index cards or a flashcard app. Quizlet and Study Blue are popular flashcard apps that offer pre-made flashcard sets for nursing pharmacology.

Online Pharmacology Tutorials

Online pharmacology tutorials can be a great way to learn about different drugs and their effects. These tutorials often include interactive graphics and quizzes to help reinforce learning. Some popular online pharmacology tutorials for nursing students include Kahn Academy’s Pharmacology course, Nursing Pharmacology on Study.com, and ATI Pharmacology Review Modules.

Nursing Skills Videos for Accelerated Programs

Nursing skills are essential to any nursing program, and accelerated programs are no exception. Fortunately, many nursing skills videos are available online to help students learn and practice these critical skills.

YouTube Nursing Skills Channels

YouTube is a fantastic resource for finding nursing skills videos! There are many channels dedicated to teaching nursing skills, including Registered Nurse RN, Nursing Skills, and Nursing Education Videos. These channels often include step-by-step demonstrations of common nursing skills, such as inserting an IV or performing a physical assessment.

Nursing School Skills Lab Videos

Many nursing schools have their own skills lab videos for students to access online. These videos often include demonstrations of skills specific to the school’s curriculum. Check with your nursing school to see if they have any skills lab videos available for accelerated nursing students.

Accelerated Nursing Student Study Groups

Studying with others can be a great way to learn and retain information. Accelerated nursing student study groups can provide a supportive environment for learning and collaboration.

Benefits of Study Groups

Study groups offer many benefits for accelerated nursing students, including:

Sharing knowledge and resources

Providing accountability and motivation
Improving understanding through discussion and explanation
Reducing stress and anxiety through peer support

Forming Study Groups

To form a study group:

Reach out to classmates who share similar study goals and habits.
When forming groups, consider factors like schedule compatibility, learning style, and personality.
Aim for a group size of 3-5 students to allow for meaningful discussion and participation.

Study Group Best Practices

To get the most out of your study group, consider the following best practices:

Set clear goals and expectations for each study session
Assign roles and responsibilities to each group member
Use active learning strategies, such as quizzing and teaching others
Take breaks and provide snacks to maintain energy and focus

Online Study Group Platforms

If you can’t meet in person, there are many online platforms available for virtual study groups. Some popular options include Zoom, Google Meet, and Microsoft Teams. These platforms allow video conferencing, screen sharing, and collaborative document editing.

Nursing Care Plan Examples for Accelerated Students

Nursing care plans are an essential tool for planning and documenting patient care. As an accelerated nursing student, it’s essential to have access to examples of well-written care plans to guide your practice.

Nursing School Care Plan Assignments

Your nursing school may also provide examples of care plans through course assignments and case studies. Be sure to review instructor feedback and use these examples as a guide for your care plan development.

Creating Effective Care Plans

When creating your own care plans, be sure to follow the nursing process:

Assessment: Gather data about the patient’s health status and needs.
Diagnosis: Identify the patient’s nursing diagnoses based on the assessment data.
Planning: Develop a plan of care to address the patient’s nursing diagnoses and desired outcomes.
Implementation: Carry out the interventions outlined in the plan of care.
Evaluation: Assess the effectiveness of the interventions and revise the plan of care as needed.

Best Nursing Textbooks for Accelerated Programs

Nursing textbooks are an essential resource for accelerated nursing students. They provide comprehensive information on nursing concepts, skills, and practices.

Foundational Nursing Textbooks

Foundational nursing textbooks cover the core concepts and skills essential for nursing practice. Some popular foundational nursing textbooks include Fundamentals of Nursing, Nursing: A Concept-Based Approach to Learning, and Kozier & Erb’s Fundamentals of Nursing.

Specialty Nursing Textbooks

Specialty nursing textbooks focus on specific areas of nursing practice, such as pediatrics, mental health, or critical care. Some popular specialty nursing textbooks include:

Wong’s Essentials of Pediatric Nursing
Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing: An Interpersonal Approach
Critical Care Nursing: A Holistic Approach.

Textbook Companion Websites

Many nursing textbooks have companion websites offering additional student resources, such as practice quizzes, case studies, and interactive learning tools. Check if your textbook has a companion website and explore the resources available.

E-books and Digital Textbook Resources

E-books and digital textbook resources can be a convenient and cost-effective option for accelerated nursing students. Many nursing textbooks are available in digital formats, such as Kindle or VitalSource.

Critical Thinking Exercises for Accelerated Nursing Students

Critical thinking is an essential skill for nurses, and accelerated nursing students need to develop it quickly. Fortunately, many critical thinking exercises are available to help students sharpen their abilities.

Nursing Case Studies

Nursing case studies present real-world patient scenarios and challenge students to apply their knowledge and critical thinking skills to develop a plan of care. Many nursing textbooks and online resources include case studies for students to practice with.

Nursing Problem-Based Learning

Problem-based learning (PBL) is an instructional method that presents students with a complex problem to solve. PBL challenges students to apply their knowledge and critical thinking skills to identify key issues, gather relevant information, and develop solutions. Many nursing schools incorporate PBL into their accelerated nursing curricula.

Online Nursing Simulations

Online nursing simulations allow you to practice your skills in a virtual environment. These simulations often include realistic patient scenarios and allow you to make decisions and see the consequences of your actions. Some popular online nursing simulations include vSim for Nursing and SimuCase.

Critical Thinking Workbooks

Critical thinking workbooks offer a structured approach to developing critical thinking skills. These workbooks often include exercises, case studies, and reflection prompts to help students practice their critical thinking abilities. Some of the most popular critical thinking workbooks for nursing students include:

Nursing Process and Critical Thinking
Critical Thinking in Nursing: A Cognitive Skills Workbook
Nursing Case Studies on Improving Health-Related Quality of Life in Older Adults

Conclusion

When selecting study resources, consider your individual learning style and needs. Some students may prefer visual aids like videos and diagrams, while others may learn best through reading and note-taking. Experiment with different types of resources to find what works best for you.

Using various study resources to get a well-rounded education is also essential. Don’t rely on just one resource type, such as textbooks or practice questions. Instead, use a combination of resources to reinforce your learning and develop a deep understanding of nursing concepts and skills.

Success in an accelerated nursing program requires hard work, dedication, and effective study strategies. By using the best study resources available and finding what works best for you, you can achieve your goal of becoming a skilled and knowledgeable nurse.