Studying for NP School - Need Tips

Trauma Columnist · Dec 5, 2014

For me, I worked full time and went to school full-time so had to make good use of my time:

1. I listened to tapes while driving.

2. I looked at the syllabus and the objectives of the course and studied this material first.

3. As time permitted, I studied other details, more information.

4. I didn't sweat it if I got a B

There will be others with other advice. I think the best advice is to find what works for you and then concentrate on those strategies.

mommy2anangel · Dec 5, 2014

I'm not there yet, but have been teaching for a few years. I love the previous posters suggestions. They cover several different types of learning styles which will help you retain the information better. If the test is done correctly, it will based off of your objectives so always make sure you know that content at a minimum. If you have never done a learning style inventory, I suggest you do one. They are usually free. They will tell you what kind of learner you are and usually give you suggestions that will help you specifically. I am a tactile learner. Things that help tactile learners are chewing gum while studying, retyping your notes, and sitting on an exercise ball while studying. Sounds crazy at first, but it did help me. Good luck.

BirkieGirl · Dec 6, 2014

i am about halfway through my program and up until now, i have been doing mostly the theory classes and the 'universal' classes (the ones that ALL the MSN specialties share). It has been generally pretty easy, and doing my reading during my lunch hours at work has helped a lot too.

now that i'm entering into the clinical portion of my program, i am nervous about time management too. i work 5-8s right now, but plan to drop to 4-8s soon. it's not much, but that one extra day will make a world of difference because my kids are in school all day and i will have a quiet house to focus!

i have heard that buying one of the various CD review courses is extremely helpful. these include songs, rhymes, etc to help you memorize patho, pharm, etc. Of course this is all based on reading, but i DO plan to get one set...ANYTHING to help!

pertz · Dec 7, 2014

Do you by chance know what the name of the CD review is? I would like to invest in something that's going to help solidify this information. Like you said, anything that helps!

BirkieGirl · Dec 7, 2014

Fitzgerald and Barkley are the two that I see mentioned here on the threads the most.

they are both fairly pricey, but E-bay and Amazon have older ones for pretty cheap.

I will probably buy a set that is a year old or more, because i'm not using this set to study for my boards. when that time comes, then i will cave and invest in a full actual review class (read that Fitzgerald review course is awesome)...

also, i have read lots of great threads on here that offer good advice about little study guides and such to have. i already purchased the "Pathophysiology made Incredibly Easy" book and have started some reading in that, and i'm going to probably invest in a pharm guide next...i'm trying to stay ahead of the game because i am generally a huge procrastinator!

PeacockMaiden · Dec 12, 2014

I just started a PMHNP program. I bought the Barkley study guide and CDs. I listen to the CDs in my car. I am making my own vocal recordings on my Iphone of me reading the study guide so I can listen to that too on my drive to work.

BirkieGirl · Dec 12, 2014

I am buying a Barkley set because I have read multiple times that it has some better preparation for the ANCC exam, which is the exam my school directs grads to take...

CallieNicole · Dec 12, 2014

Listening to Barkley CDs frustrated me especially in the Peds section because the woman talked too much about other things not specific to the topic at hand(at least with the CD that I got) and time was an essence for me. HOWEVER, reading his review book(comes with the CD or review class) cover to cover became my foundation of knowledge. Listening to Amelie's CDs was a much better experience for me, BUT, since she simplifies everything, if you don't have the basic knowledge, it will be difficult for you to follow that's why I recommend reading Barkley's review book cover to cover first.

I agree that Barkley is designed for ANCC takers.

1TraumaNurse · Dec 14, 2014

I have taken the first 5 courses, I have only worked two twelve hour shifts on the weekend because I doubled up on classes and work 24 hours a week and school full time. I have three kids so while they are in school during the week I study and do my discussion threads and papers. I work only the weekends for now. Once clinical hit, that may have to change to once a week or PRN but for now it works. Good luck!