What's your study method?

LoopsRN2 · May 21, 2011

Just curious how many of you study for your exams and with what materials. Do you take practice test blind and then study incorrect answers or do you dive into books then take notes? Do you use the same method with each test or do you switch it up? I'm sure a lot of the way you study depends on how you learn. I wanted to know how many of you tackle all the information that is out there for us to wade through.

I read everything in that blasted content guide required readings. I take notes from section A) as I go along on notecards, in mind mapping format. The only thing I may skip is a reading in pharmacology that may be repeated several times through the content guide. I do the practice exam A only after I have finished all reading, but before I begin final review. Usually within a week I will do practice exam B. In my notes, I make graphs, stick figures, diagrams,etc. I absolutely HATE feeling unprepared and this is the only way I can go through my studies. I have also started to read the journal articles in the EC library that correspond to the exam I am working on, and I wish I had found them sooner in my program. I gave up on Lisa's notes and studygroup101. I also follow up with Saunder's NCLEX review when I am done, but I found several conflicts in info between EC and Saunders with LS2. I clarified the info the day prior to my exam in an online conference with an adviser. I am laying off of Saunders for now, only because I use it at the end, and what I do at the end sticks in my head I and would have got some things wrong on my test. I also wouldn't gauge the post tests in Saunders to EC exams, Saunders are far easier than Excelsior's exams. Good luck!

mrstookielpn · May 21, 2011

Wow! Loops , you seem VERY organized. I have to work a little harder at being organized than I do studying the material (I have great recall). My study skills aren't so good as I have relied on my good memory all these years....

BeachieRN84 · May 21, 2011

Oh man Loops, I feel like a slacker, LOL!!! I want to study with you for the CPNE. Let's Skype :-)

I am a big fan of the Saunders, I used it as my primary source of review for most of my exams, and passed all on the first try. I am the worst procrastinator in the world and I tested pretty much every 2 or 3 weeks because otherwise I would have lost my motivation. I always reviewed the content guide and compared it with my Saunders... I do have all the required texts but to be honest with you, the one exam I studied the longest for and did all the required reading for... was my ONLY C!! LOL.

Everybody does things differently. Do what works for you :-)

LoopsRN2 · May 22, 2011

Oh man Loops, I feel like a slacker, LOL!!! I want to study with you for the CPNE. Let's Skype :-)
I am a big fan of the Saunders, I used it as my primary source of review for most of my exams, and passed all on the first try. I am the worst procrastinator in the world and I tested pretty much every 2 or 3 weeks because otherwise I would have lost my motivation. I always reviewed the content guide and compared it with my Saunders... I do have all the required texts but to be honest with you, the one exam I studied the longest for and did all the required reading for... was my ONLY C!! LOL.
Everybody does things differently. Do what works for you :-)

I hope so Beachie!! I think I can...I think I can....! Also, did you print your CPNE guide yet? I thought for Sept they issued a new one....sorry to hijack thread, just thought of that now!

BeachieRN84 · May 22, 2011

I hope so Beachie!! I think I can...I think I can....! Also, did you print your CPNE guide yet? I thought for Sept they issued a new one....sorry to hijack thread, just thought of that now!

Yes mam I did, I did it at work one night... that thing is a monster!!! I have it stashed away in a couple of different binders with the Unit 4 in my fave binder (it's here with me on vacation, sad LOL) since that is the portion that everyone says is the most important. If I put it in one big binder I am going to scare myself. Just the thought of the CPNE gives me a rumbly in my tumbly. Oh dear God now I hope they don't change the study guide... but if they do I guess they will have the updates I can just print separately.

Found out today one of my best friends from high school works at Upstate in Syracuse! She told me alot about the hospital and the area so I am looking forward to a tour now. She said the hospital is so big it has underground tunnels connecting different areas. Crazy!

Find me on Facebook, I found the wrong Ann!!! LOL

Just A Wanderer · May 22, 2011

I read everything over and take notes on the information I think will be on the exam. I also go over notes given by my instructor and go over all the unit quizzes and activities. I just basically reread and reread. My method seems to be working... I'm doing good in my prereqs.

LoopsRN2 · May 22, 2011

Yes mam I did, I did it at work one night... that thing is a monster!!! I have it stashed away in a couple of different binders with the Unit 4 in my fave binder (it's here with me on vacation, sad LOL) since that is the portion that everyone says is the most important. If I put it in one big binder I am going to scare myself. Just the thought of the CPNE gives me a rumbly in my tumbly. Oh dear God now I hope they don't change the study guide... but if they do I guess they will have the updates I can just print separately.
Found out today one of my best friends from high school works at Upstate in Syracuse! She told me alot about the hospital and the area so I am looking forward to a tour now. She said the hospital is so big it has underground tunnels connecting different areas. Crazy!
Find me on Facebook, I found the wrong Ann!!! LOL

Send me a pm on here Beachie, and I will find you!!