How do you study???

Achoo!, LPN · Aug 24, 2006

I read through everything, then go back and write down the vocabulary. I also do the quizzes at the end of the chapter and take lecture notes to study from. That has gotten me through so far :)

dawn1971 · Aug 25, 2006

I'm in my senior year of a BSN. What got me through (and gets me through!) was flashcards. I skim like you do, AND focus on tables, as well as doing the chapter reviews. However, in some classes, it's just not enough. It helps me to write the cards, as well as go through them, so I can memorize all the details. Good luck!

shellsgogreen · Aug 27, 2006

i usually skim only before the material is covered in class, then when i get home from lecture, i rewrite my notes completely...i also use a digital recorder, so a day or two later, i go back and listen/write again, in case i missed something (which i usually do..eek!:chair: )

somewhere in between there i highlight what's emphasized in the text, but i always read through everything, as there are bound to be things covered on nclex that we haven't covered

funny thing is, i'm always worried that the one paragraph i don't read will wind up being the focus of three questions!:crash:

sydie · Aug 27, 2006

I just started semester 3/4 and have done well so far...this is how I prepare:

1. I do not read/skim the book. I will use it to clarify a concept that is not completely understood between lecture/notes.

2. I turn my notes into thorough notecards...I have to re-write the info in order for it to "stick".

3. Study group with 2 others. We study the weekend before every test for about 8-10 hours between Sat/Sun. This group doesn't mess around and we really get into the material!

4. I take the chapter quizzes that are on the cd-rom that come with textbooks and study using my Saunders NCLEX book after I feel I have a handle on the material.

NaomieRN · Aug 27, 2006

I am not yet in the nursing program, but I have been successful in all the prereqs classes and planning to use the same strategies:

Skim through the chapters before class, record lectures with my digital recorder, listen to the lectures as soon as possible, rewrite my notes (typing) and seek help if I need to. I will not wait last minute to study. Cramming just does not work for me. The information goes to temporary memory and I cannot retrieve it later on.

cathiep · Aug 28, 2006

I start my last semester next week and this is what I've done. I like to skim the material before the lecture. For my Psych rotation I started using a digi recorder for the lectures (a tip from a student who had this prof before) and added to my notes on a second listen. I also do study guide questions. Our school requires HESI case studies before each test and they do help to get in that test mode. I just bought the Saunders NCLEX book and plan to use that.

I would recommend a study group for test. We do the same as the Sydie. We only meet the week before a test and usually for about 10 hours over 2 days and we save socializing for lunch/dinner breaks.

Cathie

JR816, BSN, RN · Aug 29, 2006

Cathiep has the right idea.

I have found it very helpful to ask prior students about the prodessor and their testing technique. Every teacher is different. If you know what to expect from them it will make it easier to study the right material.

Princess74 · Aug 29, 2006

Flash cards work really well for me, as well as going to the books website. Reading the chapters in the book does nothing for me.

Bala Shark · Aug 29, 2006

Some instructors base their exams on what they lectured in class..That is only some thou..Some instructors make exams based on reading..If you can figure out which one does what, then it might be easier for you in studying..But watch out, some instructors might change their exam method just to throw you off some..So study the notes and read the book..It is important that you take good notes or you can tape record the class to make your notes later..