Basic Nursing: Foundations of
Skills & Concepts
Chapter 3
STUDENT
NURSE SKILLS
FOR SUCCESS
Learning is ...
The act or process of acquiring knowledge
and/or skill in a particular subject.
The Key to Success
Success depends not on how you are
taught but on how you choose to learn.
Choosing to Learn
In order to effect change on your behavior,
you need a positive attitude about
learning.
Attitude is ...
A manner, feeling, or position toward a
person or thing.
Strategies for Building a
Positive Attitude:
Create positive self-images
Visualize the attainment of goals
Recognize Your Abilities
Identify realistic expectations
Some Confidence Builders
Recognizing your abilities (competencies
in various activities) is an attitude builder.
Avoiding perfectionism. Perfection is a
standard no one can live up to, and sets
you up for failure.
Developing your basic skills.
The Basic Skills
Reading
Arithmetic & Mathematics
Writing
Listening
Speaking
Reading Skills
Vocabulary building
Comprehension
Achieving appropriate reading level
Arithmetic & Mathematics Skills
In nursing, your mastery of mathematical
basic skills cannot be overemphasized.
You will be responsible for calculating
dosages and administering medications.
Writing Skills
As a nurse you will write:
Client assessments
Transfer summaries
Discharge summaries
Client-teaching plans
Potential policy development
Potential contributions to professional journals
Listening Skills
Be interested in your subject.
Be open to the information.
Try not to be critical of the speaker.
Concentrate on the information.
Evaluate the information.
Write down questions as you listen.
Speaking Skills
Nursing is a speaking-oriented profession.
Understand why you are asking the question
Know when to ask the question
Learning Strategies
Know your learning style.
Manage your time.
Develop a study strategy.
Practice Critical Thinking.
Your Learning Style
A learning style is how you best receive,
process, and assimilate information on a
particular subject.
Classification of Learning Style
Visual…learner thinks in pictures.
Auditory…learner learns best by hearing
and listening.
Kinesthetic…learner learns by touch,
movement, imitation and practice.
Time Management
A system to help meet goals through
problem solving.
Strategies for Time Management
Analyzing your time commitments.
Knowing yourself.
Clarifying your goals.
Setting priorities.
Disciplining yourself to carry out our plan
until your goal is reached. Knowing your
learning style.
Manage your time.
Develop a Study Strategy
Set up the environment.
Gather your resources.
Minimize interruptions.
Set up your study plan.
Note taking.
Get to know the textbook.
Focus on Study Plan
Preview the material to Read and take notes.
be studied. Reflect on connections you
Consider the chapter can make between the
heading. material and client care.
Recite or create your
Read the objectives for
individual learning style cues.
the chapter.
Review or summarize
Scan the vocabulary information.
section and end-of- End with a critical thinking
chapter summary and question.
questions.
Set up your questions.
Note Taking
When taking notes in class focus on ...
The topic…write it at the top of the page.
The main ideas and details that support the topic.
The most important points, based on the
speaker’s organization and emphasis.
Note-Taking Guidelines
Do not take notes with the intent of writing
them over.
Print or use a laptop if your handwriting is
sloppy.
Use symbols or abbreviations as you can.
Review notes as soon as possible after
class.
Strategies to Develop Critical Thinking
Recall the facts. Practice “what if”
Group facts into a scenarios.
pattern and organize Discuss these
the data. questions with peers
Associate this and your instructor.
information with an Postulate new
experience or action. solutions.
Develop Your Test-Taking Skills
Analyze your attitude and
expectations.
Concentrate on preparation.
Minimize anxiety.
Improve your Test-Taking Skills
Read carefully.
Know the vocabulary.
Do not infer additional data.
Identify priorities correctly.
Know the material!
Testing Room Tips
Get a good seat.
Set the mood.
Read…do not scan!
Consider questions carefully.
Do not argue with the question.
Plan your time.
DO NOT PANIC!!
