Balancing Theory and Skills??

VickyRN, MSN, DNP, RN · Sep 27, 2005

I am in my first semester of nursing school and need advice on how to balance studying theory (lectures, text book material) and practicing skills (vitals, injections). I feel like when I am practicing my skills I should be reading and studying and vice versa, I am having a hard time balancing my time. I feel like I need a lot of practice on the skills, I think the theory comes a little easier because I am used to theory classes. I am just so overwhelmed between watching videos, answering nclex questions, reading, taking bp's, studying, I could work around the clock and still feel unprepared....
Please let me know how you balance skills and learning theory! Any advice would be good! Thanks!

What you are feeling is totally normal for the first semester of nursing school. The learning curve is pretty steep! :banghead: Once you actually start clinicals, you will be able to integrate some of the theory you have been learning and skills you have been so diligently practicing, and it will slowly begin to make better sense. What sort of feedback have you received from your instructors? If I were you, I would seek them out and ask what areas you need to be focusing on. Otherwise, carry on, and try to take one day at a time :)

Bevi · Sep 28, 2005

Hi,

Congrats on being a new nursing student! You've worked hard to get where you are, and probably have some very decent study habits to have succeeded thus far.

I remember feeling how you feel during my first semester. So much stuff coming at you and so much to do.

What worked for me was a schedule. I scheduled an afternoon a week for myself in the nursing lab. I used that time to practice new skills, brush up on beginning skills, and i must admit....i sat in on a few case study sessions that were being held by seniors. ( i kinda got a feel for what was coming that way)

I also scheduled theory study time. I blocked out the time on my calander and didn't let anything deter me. I also taped classes and listened to them....and i was suprised at how helpful it was listening to a lecture twice. I stuck to my schedule no matter what. I graduated last May. A big part of my success was being regimented and organized.

I divided all my theory content by exams. After exam number one, i put all of that content in a large clear plastic envelope and labeled it "EXAM 1". I did this for all my content. After each exam, the theory content was put into its own folder. This was ideal...not only was everything contained, but when it was time for finals, i studied by exam packet. I studied the packets in order of grades...For example...If exam 3 was the lowest exam grade for the semester, i studied that first...that way i knew i was giving it the time i should.

Wow... didn't mean to be so long winded...lol..if you want any more tips, feel free to send me a private message (PM)!

I am in my first semester of nursing school and need advice on how to balance studying theory (lectures, text book material) and practicing skills (vitals, injections). I feel like when I am practicing my skills I should be reading and studying and vice versa, I am having a hard time balancing my time. I feel like I need a lot of practice on the skills, I think the theory comes a little easier because I am used to theory classes. I am just so overwhelmed between watching videos, answering nclex questions, reading, taking bp's, studying, I could work around the clock and still feel unprepared....
Please let me know how you balance skills and learning theory! Any advice would be good! Thanks!

cn2007rn · Sep 28, 2005

Thank you for your replies, this was helpful!!

I will hopefully get into a system soon and get used to everything!!

:)

sjb2005 · Sep 28, 2005

My advice is to focus more on theory. Skills are easy to master with practice after you pass your board examinations and get a nursing position. Get the basics on skills and pass your return demonstration. Mastering nursing theory is essential to successful licensure. Shelly

I am in my first semester of nursing school and need advice on how to balance studying theory (lectures, text book material) and practicing skills (vitals, injections). I feel like when I am practicing my skills I should be reading and studying and vice versa, I am having a hard time balancing my time. I feel like I need a lot of practice on the skills, I think the theory comes a little easier because I am used to theory classes. I am just so overwhelmed between watching videos, answering nclex questions, reading, taking bp's, studying, I could work around the clock and still feel unprepared....
Please let me know how you balance skills and learning theory! Any advice would be good! Thanks!

SarasotaRN2b · Sep 28, 2005

Hi,
Congrats on being a new nursing student! You've worked hard to get where you are, and probably have some very decent study habits to have succeeded thus far.
I remember feeling how you feel during my first semester. So much stuff coming at you and so much to do.
What worked for me was a schedule. I scheduled an afternoon a week for myself in the nursing lab. I used that time to practice new skills, brush up on beginning skills, and i must admit....i sat in on a few case study sessions that were being held by seniors. ( i kinda got a feel for what was coming that way)
I also scheduled theory study time. I blocked out the time on my calander and didn't let anything deter me. I also taped classes and listened to them....and i was suprised at how helpful it was listening to a lecture twice. I stuck to my schedule no matter what. I graduated last May. A big part of my success was being regimented and organized.
I divided all my theory content by exams. After exam number one, i put all of that content in a large clear plastic envelope and labeled it "EXAM 1". I did this for all my content. After each exam, the theory content was put into its own folder. This was ideal...not only was everything contained, but when it was time for finals, i studied by exam packet. I studied the packets in order of grades...For example...If exam 3 was the lowest exam grade for the semester, i studied that first...that way i knew i was giving it the time i should.
Wow... didn't mean to be so long winded...lol..if you want any more tips, feel free to send me a private message (PM)!

Great advice and plan...

Thanks from a future RN student!