Nursing Student! Help

[jasmina95]

This is my first semester as a nursing student and I just feel so overwhelmed by everything going on. I feel as if they expect so much of us. Dont even get me started about the tests. I was always able to study the night before and get an A on my tests now I have to completely change my ways. How do you guys study for these tests without getting so stressed out about it?

[LoriRNCM, ADN, ASN, RN]

That part doesn't change. I am fourth semester, and I just studied 70 hours for a test and got an 84. I know this is just my opinion, but most of (what's left) of my nursing class is really stressed all the time, because we have three courses, two with clinicals, and tests and projects and on and on...... I have always gotten As and Bs in my nursing courses but I feel like right now I just want to survive last semester and be done with school for a while! But I can tell you, while it doesn't get easier, it does go fast. Try to keep the big picture in mind and just do what you need to do to get it done. :)

[Shjnsn]

Don't cram all of the information into the night before a test. Study a bit each day. What works for me is to go back over my notes the same day of class, then again the next day and then review all notes every couple of days. As you know this is a progressive knowledge base and not just a binge and purge of information that you might be used to in your prerequisite classes. Take it a little at a time and review. I think by feeling a little more prepared will also help reduce the stress. Good luck!

[bas22]

When I was in nursing school, I had to completely change my way of thinking and methods of study. Nursing tests are difficult because they are not 'knowledge based' questions; instead, they are 'application' and higher order thinking questions.They force you to critically think your way through a question. With this, I learned the importance of studying the 'why' behind things instead of just memorizing the 'what' of things. For example, instead of just memorizing s/s of a specific ailment or deficiency, study to understand why these things are happening. Instead of memorizing specific interventions r/t an illness look at why we are doing these things. I found that having a concrete understanding of patho allowed me to 'critically think'- I was better able to anticipate potential outcomes as well as possible interventions and s/s.

I also found that mock teaching helped me tremendously. When preparing for a test, I would pretend I was lecturing a class over the said material.'Teaching', for me, really helped solidify my understanding of the material and promoted better information retention.

I also would mention that study groups are worth their weight in gold!

Nursing school is tough- hang in there!!