Best way to read nursing textbooks?

KarenMS · Aug 25, 2016

I love to read, but never loved text books. Luckily, I found that I WAS interested in nursing texts, because I was extremely invested in the content. It becomes a lot easier to read as you go through clinical and can think about how what you're reading is actively helping you become better (even if it's written in a dull way).

HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD · Aug 25, 2016

It may sound silly, but read it aloud to yourself... or to your dog, baby, or other creature that cannot provide negative feedback about your cruelty :sarcastic: .. This engages additional cognitive pathways that will improve retention. Other students find it helpful to make marginal notes - just a few key words - or use a highlighter for key phrases. Me? I firmly believe that the key to most of my learning is a yellow highlighter (no other color will do).

Natasha A., CNA, LVN · Aug 25, 2016

what class are you taking?

mininurse24 · Aug 25, 2016

I just started Nursing I

tnicnat · Aug 26, 2016

I outline chapters from my text, I get rid of the fluff and extra stuff. I make sure I outline the boxes, and tips. I do it all in different color gel pens, I use sparkle, metallic, etc. Makes it fun, colorful and I remember it. You need to find out what works for you, it took me awhile but this way works for me, I pass all my tests and quizzes and get high B's and A's in my classes. Is it a lot of work? Yes, it's worth it in the end. I'll need a wrist brace for this next semester, I am in the home stretch with the hardest classes.

Natasha A., CNA, LVN · Aug 26, 2016

Fundamentals. I highly suggest you talk to your professor on how to organize the information . And always quiz yourself

pharmtoRn · Aug 27, 2016

I agree, reading aloud is how I aced A&P. When reading your nursing textbooks, read as if you're providing instruction to yourself or someone else. You'll be surprised at how much it sticks. Good luck:)

pharmtoRn · Aug 27, 2016

I agree, reading aloud is how I aced A&P. When reading your nursing textbooks, read as if you're providing instruction to yourself or someone else. You'll be surprised at how much it sticks. Good luck:)

HikingNurse8789 · Aug 27, 2016

I read really fast and when the content is long, I tend to not absorb the information. Now I just read bolded words, info boxes, and skim the paragraphs. I make a lot of concept maps and use the internet if I'm not completely grasping material. I use Quizlet a ton and turn material into test questions. I have all As in pre reqs and nursing so it has worked well and I feel I have learned a lot by not reading for hours but instead making it a more interactive experience for myself.

BDubyaRN · Aug 31, 2016

Have you been screen for ADD/ADHD? I have ADD and even with my medication, some days it was a real struggle to read like I needed to.

First, I would suggest trying to read before you got to lecture. I know this isn't always possible, but if it is then read ahead of time. If you can't read the entire chapters before, at least read your key-points, key term words, and look over any boxes/charts in your text for what you'll be covering that day. That will give you a good idea of what you'll hear in lecture so the connections can start to form in your brain, making the information easier to retain.

Something that I do that I think helped me a lot was writing down everything I knew about a topic before reading it, even if it was only 4-5 key words. I feel like doing that made the connections click faster, and made it easier for me to retain the information as well because my mind was already actively thinking about the subject.

This next thing is probably a BAD IDEA for most people, but it worked for me. I would read the first 1-4 sentences and the last 1-4 sentences of a paragraph depending how long it was. If I still needed more information or I didn't feel I grasped the concept, I would take the time to read the entire paragraph. I paid a lot of attention to boxes, graphs, and nursing alerts. They put the information in easy to read format for a reason!! They will definitely be your friends throughout your nursing program.

I also would talk about the concepts out-loud without referencing my notes as much as possible. If I couldn't get through the entire concept without having to glance down for a key word or for help, then I knew I needed to go back and touch that area of the topic again.

If you do suffer from ADD/ADHD, my biggest advice to you is to just sit in the front row of the classroom to limit distractions. Don't sit by people you will be tempted to talk to or people you know like to talk a lot (and definitely stay away from those that could care less about being in lecture to begin with). Hopefully you can find a system that works for you!