Do you really have to do all the reading?

[HeartsOpenWide, RN]

I am a good girl. Doing ALL of my reading, taking detailed notes on everything...several people have told me now (and from two different programs, including the one I am in) that the test questions all come from the lectures. Don't get me wrong, I am still going to do all the reading but, I wonder if I need to be taking notes on every little detail like I am now.

[vamedic4, EMT-P]

As a former (and current) nursing student (though now in a "non traditional" program) I can only say that the taking of notes during lecture is invaluable if you want to make a good grade in the class.

It depends on the program you are in, however, as some instructors will take information from your books and incorporate it into your tests...it all depends.

One instructor I had used the lecture as our learning, testing us almost completely on what we learned from it. Another tested us on our readings in the book...exclusively. At the time I HATED TO READ...and hence ended up taking the class over again after scoring a "D"...ouch.

Looking at your syllabus is a great way to find out what you'll be tested on. Some syllabi are VERY SPECIFIC and that can be a bonus for you with regard to testing. Others are very general and can lead to those "whatever you've read is fair game on the tests."

Figure out what type of instructor you have. Ask if they use a ratio in their tests...like 50% from what you've read, 50% from your notes, et cetera...sometimes instructors are willing to give out that info.

Bottom line, however, is that reading assignments are given to SUPPLEMENT what you are taught in class in order to expand your knowledge and make you a better nurse. Read it, know it, remember it, apply it. That's what nursing is all about.

Keep up the good work!!

vamedic4

Going to work later.

[wildmountainchild]

Honestly I think doing all of the reading is a waste of valuable time. If you know that the tests come from the lectures I would take really detailed lecture notes and then go back and read the parts of the text relevant to the lecture. There is so much excess detail in the text, you can't possibly memorize it all so I try to only pay attention to what is relevant.

That said, I usually start the semester reading everything but once I really get into it I don't have the time. Study smart, not hard (or too long). That's what the index is for!

[Jules A, MSN]

All of our exams came from the test bank so you could sleep through lecture but reading the textbook was crucial. At least in the beginning I would study everything until you figure out for yourself what is likely to be on the exams.

[allthingsbright]

I usually pre-skim the reading--except for M/S where we have a QUIZ everyday over the reading, so you have to do it or you miss 10 points--the testing is over really obscure info.

It does all depend on the class. I dont understand half of what they are saying in some classes unless I read (due to physiology, pathology, etiology, etc) but some classes it is just lecture based teasting (like Mental Health).

GL :)

[MuddaMia]

NO.....:chair:

[MuddaMia]

...and all the questions usually come from the test bank the textbooks make. When short on time read the summary of the chapters...the learning objectives in the front of chapter (and look further into things you have no clue about) the boxes throughout chapter that highlight and bullet certain points...and ESPECIALLY read the questions and answers at the end of chapter. Works for me.

[smilin_gp]

For some classes, doing all the reading isn't necessary to make the grade, but doing the suppemental reading seems to make the reviewing easier when the HESI or NCLEX comes around.

[RNursingStudent]

We have different instructions that go over different lessons. Each instructor makes up her own questions for the test for the lectures that she did for that unit. And let me tell you, they ALL get their questions from different sources. Some mainly the book, others their lecture and powerpoints. Get to know your instructors and how they test. Reading all those chapters is almost impossible, but I do know people who do it. I just don't know how they find time. If you can read it, do. But, mainly, you have to find out what works for you.

[SNKerri]

For me and my classmates doing all of the reading is the difference of about one half of a grade. say somone who did all the reading got an A-, the person who didnt would get a B+ or a B. The reading really helps to rienforce lecture material and can sometimes explain it in different ways than the professor can.

[Imafloat, BSN, RN]

I am in my preceptorship and I made a 3.95 in NS without reading. I scored high on the HESI too. My only B was the class I actually read for. I did buy the books and used them for concepts that I couldn't grasp during lecture, it clarified things for me.

[MuddaMia]

I made a 3.95 in NS without reading

Well... LaDeeeeDa!!!!! Wink...Im kidding:flowersfo --Good Job!