1. Writing to Succeed(aka pass your classes)

2. Why should we do this?First semester studentsoften struggle with thestudy skills and lifechanges necessary to besuccessful as a nursingstudent 3. 1. STUDY,2. READ,3. CLINICAL4. CLASS,5. REPEAT 4. Thats where I come in!I am a graduate nursingstudent, and my job is tohelp you make it throughyour first semester ofnursing. I also completedthe program 6 years agoso understand what ittakes to make it through 5. What are reflection journals?They are thoughts andfeelings related to thenursing program andstudying.You respond to the topicand write about anythingelse related to the weekIn fancy terms, your writeabout critical thinking orthinking about how youmake decisions 6. So what are you going to doI willto help?respond to all questions or refer themon to another faculty memberprovide feedback to all journal entriesprovide study resources to helpimprove your reading, test taking,time management and otheressentials for success in the nursingprogramanswer all emails 7. OK, what else?I willsend out surveys to find out what youneed from me. This is for you notme. I made it through theinsanitycheer you on! Trust me, you reallydont want to see that, but I amhere to provide encouragement. 8. Being a Nurse: 9. But if I end up writing a reflectionjournal, isnt that just more work?Yes and No.Yes, it does take time, but the morethought you put into it, the moreyou get out of it. Some studentswrote 3 sentences while otherswrote 3 long paragraphs. Itscompletely your choice andoptional. 10. Then why would I want to do more work? Youre crazy!Possibly, or even likely. While it doestake time to write the journal, thefeedback and resources you receivewill help you learn how to studymore efficiently, which actuallysaves you time in the long run. Infact 11. What did others think?Almost every student whodid the reflective journaland looked at theresources last semesterbelieve their grade washigher because of it.Some were upset theydidnt start at thebeginning of thesemester 12. How can this possibly save time?By reading your responses to journals,I can provide study resources thefollowing week.For example, if everyone is confusedover a topic in pharmacology orsomething in clinical, I will simplifyit so you dont struggle over it laterFeel free to ask questions frequently!It helps me determine what I cando to help you. Otherwise I have toguess 13. Do I have to do this?No, its not part of your grade but its like having an instructor and tutor all in your back pocket.Its to your benefit. Surveys from last semester said they liked it so they could vent and receive support and study aids 14. OK, Ill consider it. Sohow does this wholereflection journal work? 15. This is an interactive service1. I will ask everyone to introducethemselves the first week on thebulletin board2. I will ask everyone to complete asurvey about your study skills,strengths, weaknesses, needs, etc.3. Dont worry, Ill start us off with myintroduction. By sharing informationwith your classmates youll makeconnections to carpool, study, etc. 16. What does a typical week look like? What do you do? What do I do?I will send anYou will write aannouncementreflection journalover blackboard,responding tostate the topic the topicand the resources (important) andIve provided anything else(based on whatthat you want toyoure doing that write about or isweek in class)concerning 17. Why is it important torespond to the topic?This service is specializedjust for your clinicalgroups. Whatever youwrite or ask about, I willfind resources so youdont have to do ityourself. Without aresponse, you will not getthe help you need. (I willhave to guess and I willprobably be wrong) 18. But what if Im embarrassed that I dont understand something?Believe it or not, most students feelthey are alone in this process whenin fact many students write aboutthe same troubles.NO STUDENTS WILL SEE YOURRESPONSES!The saying still applies, no questionis a stupid question! 19. Where do I find this information?It will look like a separate Blackboard class on your Blackboard home page.Directions will be posted there. I try to be clear and concise so you dont have to waste your time thinking. Youll want to save the brain space for later in the semester 20. What advise did last semester students give?Save enough money before going into theprogram so you can pay for a housekeeper,find a good foster home for your children,and forget about having any relations withyour significant other. Instead, you canprepare to spend long nights with yourcare plan books, spend quality time withyour computer screen, and the majority ofyour cleaning is going to be done in aclinical setting. 21. What if I have morequestions?I respond to emails at:jostadj@westerntc.edu