It's Going So Fast...

[RNSuzq1, RN]

Hi All,

Part of this was mentioned on another set of posts, but I have a few questions about preparing for lectures and tests. We had our first Fund. of Nursing Test this week on approx. 8 Chapters and a truckload of handouts. I was keeping up with all the reading, but days before the first test - the Instructors finished their lectures for this first test and immediately started lecturing on topics for our next test. The entire class was still in the process of digesting all the material for the first test, memorizing, quizzing ourselves, preparing for that and then before we were tested on that material - we had to switch gears and start reading for the new material.

I guess my question is - how do you study and be very prepared for one exam - while also taking in new information and doing all the reading for the next exam? This week we had 2 lectures on infection control and wound care - a few hundred pages of material that they just flew through in a few hours and we're expected to be fluent in all these terms, know how to treat a variety of wounds and what precautions to take for numerous infectious diseases and be tested on it all Monday. This seems incredibly fast paced for me - I want to get this all down pat and really know what I'm doing before I'm faced with real patients.

The same thing goes for my A&P Course - we have lectures and labs for one test and while we're all still trying to absorb all the material and "really learn it well" - the Instructor has gone on to the next few chapters for the next test and the class is still a few chapters back. I know I have to read every night for hours and I have been - even have my head in the books all weekend - but my main focus has been on the test ahead of me so I'll do well, not the test after that.

I hope someone understands what I'm saying and can offer some suggestions. Thanks, Susan

[NewEnglandRN, RN]

This happens at my program too. We have been tested on Unit 1 only and we are starting Unit 4 on Tuesday! All of our tests are computerized and we have a time frame we can take the exam within. I try to take the unit exam as soon after the lectures are finished as possible.

I don't have many suggestions as I am just getting used to it myself. I have found that it is helpful to type my lecture notes right after the class and make a study guide. That way my notes are clarified and I will have a great guide for finals.

Also try not to fall behind on assignments or skills pass-offs. They only add to the stress when we are getting so much information thrown to us so fast.

Hope others have ideas on dealing with this!

[allthingsbright]

I have had to compartmentalize everything in order to study adequately. I split my study time into segments-and yes, I am spending 2-3 hrs studying daily. I usually read new material for an hour, study for upcoming tests for 1-2 hrs. And I read my lecture notes the day I recieve them to keep things fresh in my brain. It's nuts!

But, we knew this was coming, so go for it, right? :)