Need to figure out new strategy

[LCinTraining]

We had an assignment due the first day of school (we were told in lab orientation). I did not have the money for the books until a couple days before and then I was working. Little did I realize the reading alone was 450 pages. There were three quizzes to take on the ATI testing site as well. I assumed this was because we were given a longer time to complete the material, sucked it up and stayed awake until 3:00 am. I was up at 6:00 for class and in class until 3:00 then the hour commute home. I sat down to read the next assignment expecting it to be easier.. Another 400 pages 2 ATI quizzes and a video to watch all due the next day. We have multiple orientation tests due next class period for the various facilities in addition to the reading. The assignments work out to about 400 pages each night. How am I going to understand the material at this rate and still somehow find time for NCLEX practice on top of it? Our tests are all NCLEX based so I feel like I need the help, and the study guide stuff I attempted I failed miserably at because I simply tried to read the material too fast. I feel like I'm drowning in textbooks right now, but I think we all feel the same way, and someone here has to be able to relate that has already survived this. So give me your hints. How am I going to process all this information? I'm a fast reader, but not that fast. That's like reading Gone With the Wind, and North and South both books in less than a week.

[alovelymother]

400 pages a night! Wow! Is that all required reading?

[LCinTraining]

It seems like it and then they ask "do you remember reading....in your text last night". I piped up and said, " at 450 pages, I'm bound to forget a thing or two". It was small group instruction and our group instructor paused, looked at me and said "really?". I guess that one didn't write the syllabus. Haha. I know I won't be able to read and take notes on every word, but I've also learned I need to seriously revamp how I study. This is an excellent program with a large percentage passing NCLEX on the first try. They haven't changed things that drastically over the years, so I'm telling myself that others have figured out how to do this and I should be able to as well. Now to figure it out. I'm game for any suggestions.

[Stephalump]

I don't think I would read....I really, really don't. The problem with trying to read all of that is ray reading is not studying. If you dedicate every free moment to reading copious amounts, you'll find yourself SOL when you actually need to be tested in NCLEX format.

I think I'd use notes and go back after class and read applicable sections, honestly, at least while your assignments are so large. That amount of reading can't last that long or you'd run out of books to read....

[RubySlippers06]

I agree with the PP. Do you have to read 450 pages and then you have a quiz over it the next day? If you aren't tested over it, I would just read sections that were covered in class. At least, until things lighten up. I've never read entire textbooks; however, I am also still completing prereqs. Hang in there, you can do this! Remember, the first semester/year they do a lot of weeding out.

[itsmejuli]

So you're saying that you're supposed to read in preparation for the ATI quizzes?

I'm assuming that these ATI quizzes don't count for grades and that the grades attained are for benchmarking.

If it was me I'd read the chapter intro, skim the chapter then read the chapter conclusion and review any test questions at the end of the chapter. I value my sleep and know my brain doesn't retain 450pages worth of info on too little sleep.

[LCinTraining]

We are quizzed on ATI questions then have to present our results. We have to get 75% or higher and it's pass or fail at that point. So far ATI looks like its just for lab and other things are for lecture. I'm still trying to figure out all of the what assignment is for which part because it all came in the same package. I'll try the intro/conclusion thing. I wasn't reading either. I normally don't.

[DawnCaprice]

WOW! That sounds like an awful lot of reading. There is no way I would be able to keep up with that type of schedule. If you don't mind me asking where are you going?

We have about 200 - 300 pages to read and review a week.

Good luck to you!

[LCinTraining]

I'd rather keep local anonymous, if you don't mind. But I'm hoping this is all just start of school stuff and that it slows down as we go. Someone who did the same program that it does lighten up a little later on, but I hope I can maintain my grades until then haha.

[BostonFNP, APRN]

I hope its Exaggerated a little bit? The amount of reading in school is rough but I really can't imagine any programs assigning an entire text in two weeks. If so, ouch.

[LCinTraining]

It's not the entire text. And no, I'm not exaggerating. It may not say required reading but there are chapters assigned to each lecture some of which are 250 pages long. There are at least two chapters per lecture, which says to me they can't possibly expect in depth reading, but I don't know how to retain the information otherwise.

My fundamentals book is over 50 chapters and each chapter, thus far is well over 100 pages. The first assignment had 3 chapters to read. The load today only looks like about 250 pages and I feel like I can breathe again hahaha.

[SunshineDaisy, ASN, RN]

i don't read everything. I look through the chapters before lecture, reading boxes and stuff. Most of the text is condensed way down in the power points. while I'm studying, I will read where I need clarification of something.