I have memory problems and problems retaining information

[melbear]

Hi I have been feeling abit down abit myself. I have alaways wanted to be a nurse since highschool, now I have been blessed with the chance to do it. The downfall is I have learning problems Im not stupid I am keeping with my workload and passing through my theory but with the clinical procedure I got muddled up or I would need prompting to get through. I like to refer to the old saying we can't all be quick learners and I am not one of them I am a lil bit slower then everyone else when it comes to picking up things! Does anyone else feel silly like me? I would like to get through my nursing program and work in a field that suits my abilities like a doctors surgery or aged care I am not sure if acute will be for me...any suggestions thanks

Melissa

Australia

[vintagemother, BSN, CNA, LVN, RN]

I think you should try to find out what type of learner you are. Then use this to tailor your study methods. I bought a book on how to memorize things because I do not have a photographic memory, as some do. One of the ways I've learned to memorize involves making up an absurd story to visualize the concept.

I'm a kinesthetic learner, which means I need to move in order to learn. So I draw concepts. Simple art with arrows. No one else could probably decipher my sketches, but the act of drawing them helps me to understand a concept and this works better for me than rote memorizing.

I also use colorful pens to differentiate concepts and keep my brain from getting bored and not retaining. I think the act of changing pen colors also helps me because it keeps me physically engaged.

I also learn well by re stating aloud my notes/ concepts. I try to explain concepts to my kids. If I can make a concept that simple, it means I grasped the basics.

Watching videos on YouTube from simple nursing also is helpful. Some people also like khan academy videos.

When it comes to learning disease processes and meds I think about people I know and visualize the pathology and symptoms and meds affecting this person.

For simple things I need to memorized, such as lab values I google mnemonics and put a copy of the info in my shower in a plastic bag taped to the wall so I can peer at it when I shower.

Basically for me, I have to learn the info, make it make sense to me, that way I can recall it easier.

Regarding clinical procedures...those are harder for me than the "lecture" portion. Practicing the steps on my kids or explaining the steps is also helpful.

I dunno....I managed to get through Lvn school labs with my pulse at 110 d/t stress and when I worked as an Lvn I just googled procedures or asked a nurse for help if I was rusty. I am now back in rn school and have to brush up on a few clinical skills...that's what I need to work on this weekend, as well as care plans!

I hope this makes sense!

[canigraduate]

You shouldn't post the same thing on multiple threads.

Here is my reply from where you posted on my thread:

https://allnurses.com/nurses-with-disabilities/im-not-flaky-951199-page12.html

[direw0lf, BSN]

EVERYONE has struggles in one area or another! You are not alone and I don't know if it's that you are a "bit slower than everyone else" or if you just haven't found a method that will work for you!! Maybe you need to do more preparation for clinical the day before or prepare in a different way. I have a problem with being shy, so I've watched how nurses/students act in youtube videos and actually was suggested that I video myself acting with a mock patient so I can see myself and change what I need to and that's helped! You just need to find a different way I think.