Any studying suggestions?

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Specializes in Med/Surg, Dialysis.

Tuesday I am starting my second semester of my ADN program and would like to know if anyone has some studying suggestions?

The tests for the first semester weren't too bad, the professors threw in a few tricky questions but for the most part it was all recall, you either know it or you don't. I have heard though that the second semester is really tough, the tests are application questions, nclex style. You can't just study the notes and do some reading, you have to know how to apply the information. :confused:

Any suggestions on studying for these types of tests?

Thanks!

:kiss

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Specializes in ICU-CVICU.

I can tell you what works for me...it is VERY time-consuming, but it works. BTW, I graduate this semester from a BSN program, Summa Cum Laude, and probably a 4.0. I'm no smarter than any other student, but I study...a lot!!!

For every piece of information you need to know, turn it into a question. Think..."How can they write a question that assesses my knowledge and understanding". Share your test with your friends. Try to think of questions that will trip them up...you'll be amazed at how much you learn just writing your own test.

Become the teacher...teach your significant other, your friends, your study-mates. Pretend you're teaching a 4th grader. I have found that when I can really break a complex idea down to that level, I have a true understanding. I have a friend that teaches her dogs...my kids (9 and 7) could probably answer a few NCLEX questions, lol.

Write and rewrite as much as you can...focus your study.

My school asked me to speak to the incoming class about my study habits. I say over and over...there are no shortcuts. I treat school like it's my job...I want to do it well, not just well enough.

Good luck to you,

May

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Specializes in med/surg, telemetry, IV therapy, mgmt.

http://go.dbcc.edu/hhps/nursing/study_skills.html - study skills for the nursing student from daytona beach community college nursing department with some good advice.

http://go.dbcc.edu/hhps/nursing/test_taking_skills.html - test taking skills also from daytona beach community college nursing department. a couple of sample questions and how to chose the correct answer for these application type questions.

http://www.accd.edu/sac/history/keller/accditg/ssindex.htm - strategies for success, an online primer and tutorial on how to study for students from the alamo community college. this is a pretty extensive resource with links on the right side of the page to click into the following subjects: learning styles, note taking, memory techniques, time management, overcoming procrastination, sq3r (a method for getting the most out of reading your textbooks), study tips, critical thinking, preparing for tests, and oral presentations. also, take a look at the faq's (frequently asked questions).

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:)Wow! Thanks for the links, I sure will be using them when my session starts.

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I suggest that you start taking NCLEX practice tests. You obviously won't know all the material but you will become familiar with the types of questions you are going to be exposed to.

At the beginning of my second semester they showed us a movie called "Nurse Nightengales test taking strategies" or something like that. It was pretty hokey but it did give some good strategies for finding the root of the question, determining what the question is really asking, and narrowing down the answer. Lots of the NCLEX review books give the exact same advice so again, its not too early to get yourself one.

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Specializes in Rural Health.

Buy a content area NCLEX review book - it needs to be sorted out by system or have a way to look up specific problems. Study and answer those questions. I use Saunders, blue book. I also use NCLEX-RN made easy, which again is broken down into content area with a GREAT review for each of the pathos you might need.

If you have a reivew book with questions, answer those. If you book as a CD, get it out and look at it. Look in the front cover of your book and find out if there is a website, check it out.

In my Med/Surg class I actually google stuff on the net and look up stuff. My book was written for Master degree level of reading, so going to websites like http://www.medlineplus.com actually helps me break down the info to a more understandable level.

I just don't read about the disease either - I know the cause, the process, the interventions, PATIENT TEACHING (big huge point to always check out no matter what - what can I teach my patient). I also like to know possible drugs that they might give that patient. I also check out possible labs that might be ordered, treatments, X-ray, etc....

We have a huge amount of resources available at our school and I use them all the time. I study a huge amount for each unit that we cover and I make sure that nice little section... "The student will know and be able to apply this by the end of the unit" - I know each and every one of those bullets.

The biggest thing that has helped me since day 1 of nursing school was those review books. Answer as many questions as you possibly can so you can start to think that way when you take the tests....

Good luck!!!

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Specializes in LTC.

Yes, NCLEX books help a GREAT deal. Make sure you take breaks and have confidence!

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Here are my suggestions. I maintain a 99% GPA.

First, get the right mindset.

Dismiss the idea from your mind that a grade is dependant on smart. Smart has very little to do with it. It is NOTHING compared to determination and dedication.

Assign yourself a work study area. It should be well lighted, away from all electronics (meaning radios and tv's), comfortable temp. wise, and quiet!! I actually wear headphones to keep the noice level down.

Take the phone off the hook (or turn your cell phone off).

Never study more than one hour at a time (with a 30 min break) and never more than 4 hours a day. Never less than one hour a day.

Figure out the amount of study time needed. I have my own formula: Hours taken +5. This semester I will be putting in 21 hours a week of study.

Never ever cram.

Put study time in perspective. Their are students who say they study 20 hours a week. But if they have the tv on, answering phone calls, looking out a window, listening to the radio, ect. --it is worthless.

There was a study done years ago that said you can only put 7 bits of information in your long term memory a day. Also, when you sleep on information your brain can look at the information in a new way.

***

I have a strict way I study. And it works for me. I type all my notes. If the teacher hands out notes, I rewrite them in my own format.

And I read all my notes every day.

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