Do you read the entire book?

CruzanNurseRN, BSN, RN · Aug 24, 2012

I just finished Fundamentals. I am going to say it depends on your teacher and learning style! My professor did a powerpoint for every chapter we would be tested on ..she basically told us what we needed. If there was something we needed to know from the text book, she would point it out on her powerpoint. On my first exam I tried memorizing the powerpoints and textbooks, and it was too much!!

Abigail612 · Aug 24, 2012

I read through the chapter once, go to class and listen to the lectures and then read the chapters through again before the test.

Tonks57 · Aug 24, 2012

Thank you for the comments everyone. So far, I have read 3 of the 4 chapters. The first 2 were a piece of cake and then came the 3rd... :uhoh3: Just brought back a TON of physiology that I thought I knew still. Def time to brush up on the systems. I think that they use mostly the book in my program along with power points. We are required to bring all of our books to class, so I think she probably dives really deep into the book. We also have the ATI modules on top of all this. Anyone else have the ATI modules? We have to get a minimum of 90% on all of them. Good Lord I am getting nervous now!

MrPopeye · Aug 24, 2012

I'm with most everyone else. I can't read everything. In just this section, we have 7 chapters. We also have 11 Power Points. Our instructors tell us which parts of the PP's to highlight, then tell us to concentrate on KNOWING the objectives for each concept. Then we are encouraged to go through the questions at the end of each chapter.

Knowing the boxes and tables from each chapter is a good bit of advice. At least in OUR books, all that the tables and boxes do is summarize what's in the chapters.

Hell, there's no way that I could take all books into class! We have 12 books! I just take the fundamentals book, along with our dosage calculations book, and my tablet. Everything else stays in my car.

ER(notso)n00b, ASN, RN · Aug 25, 2012

I usually try to read all of the "boxes" in my books, but otherwise just read the sections I'm having trouble with. The instructors are always telling us to "read the book!" but I do fine with studying lecture notes.

Anoetos, BSN, RN · Aug 25, 2012

I read every word.

It's how I learn. The instructor was just reading PowerPoint slides anyway.

On the other hand, after your first exam, you'll know for yourself for rue.

PinkCupcake · Aug 25, 2012

My instructor tests 100% from her notes and she flat out told us that she doesn't expect us to get all of the reading done. She told us to skim it for the main ideas and she breaks down the nitty gritty stuff in the notes. I have gone back to the book a couple of times to see how well her notes match with the book and it's pretty dang close so it has saved me a lot of time study wise.

I do like doing the questions in the back of the chapters for practice and I also use the CD from the book so I can listen and learn the different heart and lungs sounds and things like that.

To be honest many people don't read every word that is assigned after time you will get better at picking out what is the important stuff...yes it's all important but I think you guys understand what I mean lol.

thenameismac · Aug 25, 2012

Just curious, whether you read all of the chapters, charts, tables five times or whether you just skimmed the notes what is/was your GPA? I was just wondering if there is a correlation between those who read everything to understand the material and those who read just to pass the exams/ NCLEX,which is indeed the ultimate goal.

RainbowDash · Aug 25, 2012

I have always been an eager and voracious reader, far above and beyond my grade level, devouring a good novel in a single day - but from what I have been reading lately, I am starting to get VERY nervous :uhoh3:

Lovie12 · Aug 25, 2012

It depends on the teacher. My pharm teacher told us to go by her notes. Use the book as a reference guide. My fundamental teacher told us to read the book. Mind you the book is just as big with small font. But you do what you have to to pass. Good luck

~passionateSN~ · Aug 25, 2012

Just curious, whether you read all of the chapters, charts, tables five times or whether you just skimmed the notes what is/was your GPA? I was just wondering if there is a correlation between those who read everything to understand the material and those who read just to pass the exams/ NCLEX,which is indeed the ultimate goal.

I read everything and before nursing school I had a 4.0 but after first level I went to 3.6 because it was impossible for me to make straight A's but I came out with A's and B's! I think it's worth it to read it all BUT it depends on how you learn too :)

Mrsladysoul83 · Aug 25, 2012

One time before i call myself skimming over chapters studying for a nursing exam(my 1st attempt in RN school, current LPN student) & when i took the exam, i made an 68:( I learned my lesson & from that point on, I read EVERY WORD! I read at least twice, before class & while making my notes to add to the powerpoints the teacher gives us. The 1st time I read I kinda speed read & have missed sumthing & when I go back the 2nd time I read outloud & I catch what I didn't read the 1st time around. If I'm lucky enough I may can squeeze in a 3rd reading. I guess its a good thing im a BOOKWORM & I luv to read:) In my program the current teacher I have test strictly from the book so therefore you have to read. She tells us the we are responsible for the content in the book because she skips over alot of the powerpoints. I'd rather overstudy than understudy because you might not be tested on it now but it may be on your final or the next test or your exit exam! But like what mostly everyone has said go by what your teacher tells you or after your 1st exam you'll know how to study.