Get the inside scoop on nursing school from someone who's been through it! Join nursing student Melanie each week for expert tips on studying smarter, passing ...
Send us a textFeeling overwhelmed trying to keep up with nursing school lectures, clinicals, and exams while balancing work and life? You’re not alone! In this episode of Nursing School Week by Week, I’m giving you a step-by-step Nursing School Study Schedule—the exact system I used to get straight A’s and pass the NCLEX while working part-time and being a mom to five kids.You’ll learn: ✅ How to structure your study time to stay ahead in nursing school ✅ The biggest study mistakes that waste hours (and what to do instead) ✅ Proven study strategies that help you retain information faster ✅ How to balance nursing school with work, family, and life—without burnoutThis isn’t just another list of study tips—this is a full nursing school study plan that includes: 📅 A daily and weekly study schedule ⏳ Time management strategies that actually work 📝 The best study methods for long-term retention 💡 Why passive study techniques (like highlighting and re-reading) are a waste of time 💪 How to use active learning to make information stickAnd because I know how crucial it is to have a system in place, I’ve put together a detailed, hour-by-hour study schedule that you can tweak based on your personal workload. I’ll even cover when to review lectures, how to use Picmonic and Anki flashcards effectively, and how to prep for exams without cramming.💡 Want even more study strategies? Be sure to listen to Season 4, Episode 9: "My Insanely Effective Study System", where I break down the exact methods I used to master nursing school content and ace my exams.If you find this episode helpful, I’d love for you to leave a quick review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify—your reviews help other nursing students find the podcast and get the support they need. 💙Hit play now and let’s create a nursing school study routine that sets you up for success! 🎧Save 20% off a Picmonic subscription tPicmonicAn audiovisual system with unforgettable stories to help you remember EVERYTHING you need to knowDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Connect with me on: Instagram: @NursingSchoolWeekbyWeek YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@nursingschoolweekbyweek Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nursingschoolweekbyweek LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nurse-melanie-88085b34a Blog: https://www.nursingschoolweekbyweek.com/blog/ Head over to the website and leave a voicemail (you might hear it on a future episode!) Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode!
Send us a textMastering Electrolytes: Understanding Calcium and Magnesium in NursingIn this final installment of the Electrolytes series at Nursing School Week by Week, the focus is on calcium and magnesium. The role of calcium extends beyond strong bones to muscle contractions, nerve transmission, and blood clotting, while magnesium maintains muscle and nerve functions. Detailed signs of imbalances such as Chvostek's and Trousseau's signs for hypocalcemia and symptoms of hypercalcemia and hypermagnesemia are discussed. Practical case studies emphasize the critical application of lab values in real clinical scenarios. Key strategies for patient education and ways to handle electrolyte imbalances through diet, medication, and IV fluids are elaborated. The episode also provides tips from successful nursing students, stressing the importance of understanding the mechanisms behind electrolyte levels and continuous practice. The discussion concludes with real-life case scenarios for deeper insight into how imbalances impact patient care and the importance of vigilant nursing assessments.00:00 Introduction to the Final Electrolyte Series01:03 Understanding Calcium: Beyond Strong Bones03:52 Magnesium: The Unsung Hero of Electrolyte Balance06:11 Electrolyte Review Questions08:33 Life-Threatening Electrolyte Emergencies11:15 Diet and Electrolyte Balance17:32 Patient Education on Electrolytes24:11 Case Studies: Real-Life Electrolyte Imbalances32:06 Key Takeaways and ConclusionTry Picmonic for Free, or save 20% on a subscription with this link.Connect with me on: Instagram: @NursingSchoolWeekbyWeek YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@nursingschoolweekbyweek Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nursingschoolweekbyweek LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nurse-melanie-88085b34a Blog: https://www.nursingschoolweekbyweek.com/blog/ Head over to the website and leave a voicemail (you might hear it on a future episode!) Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode!
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Potassium: The Heart’s MVP – Essential Electrolyte for Nursing Students | Episode 2 of Electrolytes 101
Send us a textMastering Potassium: Essential Knowledge for Life-Saving NursingIn this episode of Nursing School Week by Week, the focus is on the critical role of potassium in the body. The discussion includes the importance of potassium for heart function, recognizing the dangers of both hyperkalemia (high potassium levels) and hypokalemia (low potassium levels), as well as the symptoms and causes of these imbalances. Practical tips are provided on how to manage these conditions, including administering potassium supplements, monitoring heart rhythms, and understanding emergency treatments. Listeners will also benefit from a pod quiz testing their knowledge on essential points covered in the episode.00:00 Introduction to Potassium00:51 Understanding Potassium's Role in the Body02:11 Recognizing and Managing Hypokalemia06:10 Recognizing and Managing Hyperkalemia10:48 Potassium Quiz and Key Takeaways13:39 Conclusion and Next StepsTry Picmonic for Free, or save 20% on a subscription with this link.Connect with me on: Instagram: @NursingSchoolWeekbyWeek YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@nursingschoolweekbyweek Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nursingschoolweekbyweek LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nurse-melanie-88085b34a Blog: https://www.nursingschoolweekbyweek.com/blog/ Head over to the website and leave a voicemail (you might hear it on a future episode!) Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode!
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Electrolytes Made Easy: Hyponatremia & Hypernatremia Explained for Nursing Students
Send us a textUnderstanding Electrolyte Imbalances in Nursing PracticeIn this episode of Nursing School Week by Week, host Melanie breaks down the critical concept of electrolytes, focusing on their imbalances and the associated dangers. She emphasizes the real-world implications for nursing practice and provides detailed information on the four key electrolytes: sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium. The episode covers symptoms, causes, and nursing interventions for both hyponatremia and hypernatremia, including practical scenarios and pod quiz questions to reinforce learning. Melanie also shares tips for recognizing and managing these conditions effectively in clinical settings, preparing nursing students for exams and real-life nursing challenges.00:00 Introduction to Electrolytes01:52 Understanding Sodium: The Brain's Best Friend02:22 Hyponatremia: Low Sodium Levels05:03 Real-World Scenario: Hyponatremia06:42 Pod Quiz: Test Your Sodium Knowledge09:50 Hypernatremia: High Sodium Levels14:26 Pod Quiz: Test Your Hypernatremia Knowledge17:27 Conclusion and Next StepsTry Picmonic for free, or get 20% off a subscription with this link!Connect with me on: Instagram: @NursingSchoolWeekbyWeek YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@nursingschoolweekbyweek Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nursingschoolweekbyweek LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nurse-melanie-88085b34a Blog: https://www.nursingschoolweekbyweek.com/blog/ Head over to the website and leave a voicemail (you might hear it on a future episode!) Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode!
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First Semester Success Guide: What to Do NOW to Prepare for August
Send us a textPreparation Tips for Nursing Students: Insights from Nurse MelanieIn this episode of Nursing School Week by Week, I share essential tips to help you prepare for nursing school. I cover how mastering time management and organization skills with the use of digital and paper planners can be a game-changer. I also explain the importance of setting up an organized workspace and creating a study schedule. You'll hear my advice on refreshing prerequisite knowledge such as anatomy, physiology, and medical terminology. I stress the significance of building a support system, preparing mentally and emotionally, and maintaining self-care routines. Additionally, I offer practical tips on managing finances, gathering essential supplies, meal prepping, and navigating transportation. Leverage apps and technology to aid in your studies. Overall, my goal is to help you set the groundwork for a successful nursing school journey.00:00 Welcome to Nursing School Week by Week00:33 Mastering Time Management and Organization04:47 Creating a Productive Study Environment10:34 Refreshing Key Prerequisite Knowledge17:39 Preparing Mentally and Emotionally24:29 Gathering Essential Supplies28:07 Final Tips and EncouragementNursing Exam Cram Sheet for the NCLEX-RNPicmonicAn audiovisual system with unforgettable stories to help you remember EVERYTHING you need to knowDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Connect with me on: Instagram: @NursingSchoolWeekbyWeek YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@nursingschoolweekbyweek Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nursingschoolweekbyweek LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nurse-melanie-88085b34a Blog: https://www.nursingschoolweekbyweek.com/blog/ Head over to the website and leave a voicemail (you might hear it on a future episode!) Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode!
Get the inside scoop on nursing school from someone who's been through it! Join nursing student Melanie each week for expert tips on studying smarter, passing exams, mastering clinicals, and landing your first nursing job. Whether you're tackling Fundamentals or prepping for the NCLEX, this podcast gives you the strategies and support to succeed.
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