Note Taking Ideas?

Nursing Students General Students

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Specializes in Oncology.

i've been busy getting all of my goodies together for nursing school. i've had a great time in the office supply store! i've bought all of my new pens, post-its, paper clips... the usual. but, i've been putting off buying notebooks and binders because i just don't know what kind of note taking system i'm going to use this time. in my previous college lives, i've used notebooks and didn't know what to go with handouts. i've used binders, but they are heavy and awkward when you have a binder for each class. besides, i never had a hole punch available and always ended up misplacing handouts before i could put them in the notebook anyway. i tried using one binder for all of my classes, but that didn't work. the best system so far was when i used notebooks for lecture notes and an expanding file for handouts. i'm not completely happy with that, but it's the best i've come up with.

do any of you have any other ideas?

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I use a seperate binder for each day. They have clear pockets on the front and back and I have the syllabus slipped in there. It has pockets inside the front and back cover and I put handouts without holes in there. I bought a 3 hole hole puncher at walmart for about $4 and I use that as soon as I get home to punch holes in my handout and then I put the handout in my binder. I have dividers in my binders also, I have sections for rewritten notes and then some blank paper. The binder comes in handy for writing on since I am left handed and have a problem most days getting a lefty desk.

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Specializes in 5 yrs OR, ASU Pre-Op 2 yr. ER.

I date the handout as soon as i get it and punch holes in it (if it's not disrupting class, also for $4 at Wal-Mart).

When i start on a second piece of paper for notes, i put a 2 in the upper corner,3 for the 3rd page and so on. Staple as soon as the notes are done.

Folder/binder for each subject.

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Specializes in 5 yrs OR, ASU Pre-Op 2 yr. ER.

I also have a 4 shelf (skinny) baker's rack in my living room, one shelf for each school day or one shelf for each subject (depends on what's happening).

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Specializes in PeriOp, ICU, PICU, NICU.
I date the handout as soon as i get it and punch holes in it (if it's not disrupting class, also for $4 at Wal-Mart).

When i start on a second piece of paper for notes, i put a 2 in the upper corner,3 for the 3rd page and so on. Staple as soon as the notes are done.

Folder/binder for each subject.

I do the same, I also have a 3 ring binder where I file all my notes in order as soon as we finish the exam (that way I don't have to carry all that weight around).........then by the time the final arrives my notes are in order and I could study straight from them. :)

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Specializes in NICU/L&D, Hospice.

I am an organization freak! One teacher even said I was the most (oddest really) organized student they've seen about how I lay it all out. I just don't feel like I can concentrate unless it is in order.

What I have found to work quick and efficient is a single hand held one hole punch that you can easily take in you backpack and just use a regular piece of paper to line up the holes for the punches. I also, for syllabus and other handouts, I use the clear paper protectors that fit in the binder like paper. When I get a handout I just slide it into the protector and either leave it up in the beginning of the binder for the class or put it in order with the notes. When I get home, I can separate the pages from the handout by putting each page in a clear protector. This is really good for things you need to refer to often, and it's easy to locate. I hope I made sense with that.

Another...

When a prof implies or says something will be on a test, I put "TEST" in the papers margin by the info and highlight it. This really helps.

Another...

When the topic uses a specific word a lot during lecture, I find a way to abriviate it and write what the abriv. means at the top of the paper.

Highlighters are a godsend as long as you know when to use them and stay steady with it, otherwords its just a lot of colors lookin' pretty and you start highlighting everything.

I hope I didnt go too far off the topic.

ooops...another...

When I recieve a score, I write it on the syllabus (or assignment sheet). This way I can figure out my grade at any point and know what I need to keep my grades good.

Lisa

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Specializes in Med-Surg, Psych.

I use binders...

I keep a sturdy master binder (3") for each semester. Our course is divided into "Units." Every unit has a spot in the master binder, except for the one we are working on. For the one we are working on, I use a separate, smaller binder (1") to take to class each day. I also use the clear plastic page protectors for handouts (date each handout as soon as you get it!).

When we switch units, I put the old unit back in the master binder. This make studying for the final very easy.

As far as class notes, I use a regular notebook and type up my notes every day. This also goes into my master folder at the end of each unit for final & NCLEX review.

I also keep a separate 1" binder to take to clinical with all my clinical paper work, filler paper, etc.

There are many systems and you will find what works for you!

Good luck!

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Specializes in 5 yrs OR, ASU Pre-Op 2 yr. ER.

I also used to use a folder for each subject, to contain what we are studying "right then" so that i have all the material needed to study for a test in its own section.

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Specializes in CCRN.

I use a notebook for each class. I have found that a larger binder is needed for most nursing classes. I also use page protectors to hold the sylabus and class calendar.

I really like the Mead's bungee folders. These pocket folders cost a bit more, but they are sturdy and have bungee cords that hold your papers secure.

I can place any handouts in these folders and organize them later.

The best note taking skill I can pass is to record all lectures. Nursing school is hard and tiring. There are times when, try as I might, I have a hard time focusing on the lecture. With them recorded I can always go back and listen in case something is just not clicking.

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Specializes in SNF-LTC; Gero-psych.

I used a note book with perferated (SP) edges that could easily be torn out.. I had a seperate binder for all hand outs...

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Specializes in Oncology.

great ideas! :yeah: thanks! it looks like binders are the way to go. keep the ideas coming... the more specific note taking tips are very helpful too!

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Specializes in Wanna be in NICU.
I use a notebook for each class. I have found that a larger binder is needed for most nursing classes. I also use page protectors to hold the sylabus and class calendar.

I really like the Mead's bungee folders. These pocket folders cost a bit more, but they are sturdy and have bungee cords that hold your papers secure.

I can place any handouts in these folders and organize them later.

The best note taking skill I can pass is to record all lectures. Nursing school is hard and tiring. There are times when, try as I might, I have a hard time focusing on the lecture. With them recorded I can always go back and listen in case something is just not clicking.

This my seem like an ignorant question. But I am starting back to college this fall after 15 years and I am taking my coreq's while I wait for my time to be up on the waiting list. But what type of recorder do you bring to class??? Where do you get them???? How much do they cost???Does one tape cover a 3 hour lecture??? And I am sure this is an even dumber question but do I need to ask the proffessor first before I can record??? Thanks in advance for the info.....

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