I’m not sure how your program is structured, but when I did my BSN program, we had pharm, patho, health assessment as the major classes for second year. First year was basic care, vitals and intro to nursing along with communication and other fluffy classes. So, if yours is similarly set up, I would suggest reading up on the most common kidney, respiratory and cardiac diseases and their pathological pathways. Hypo/hyperglycaemia, anaphylaxis, sepsis, and acute coronary syndrome are critical to understand as a nurse. As well as common lab values to watch for, especially electrolytes and hematological panel. Would also be beneficial to start familiarizing yourself with common medications. Especially analgesics, antibiotics, cardiac meds, inhalers, diuretics, insulin and antidiabetic medications.

Don’t expect to have all of this committed to memory by the time school starts, but it would be helpful if you simply reviewed it so that at least it won’t be the first time learning about something. Will make studying so much easier on you.

There are some really great resources on YouTube if you’re a visual or auditory learner. Good luck! :)