Excelsior Study Tips NEEDED!

Its going to take time, even with me as I am 3 exams from being done, I have had to learn a new study method for the last 3 exams (2 of them I failed last month). Initially, I did SG101, Saunders and the practice exams. But I failed Chronicity & LS3. So I've had to figure out a new way to study.

This time, I'm taking my own notes from various resources. SG101 is pretty good for the first few exams but once you get into the LS series, its more about the nurses approach to care of the pt with disease X. You really need to know the specifics of the disease in order to care for them. I don't know if what I am doing is working yet, I take LS2 later this month. For it, I am using an earlier edition of the recommended MS text (cost me $20) and the psych book + SG101 and saunders. I start with the recommended readings, take notes on disease, s/s, treatment, meds, labs, nursing care etc (using the content guide to make of template of what I need to be looking for), then fill in the missing areas with SG101 and Saunders.

I've been using flashcard xchange also. I haven't taken the practice exams yet but I most definately will before I test and I will memorize them also (however this was not beneficial for me with LS3 but it was on all of the other exams I had taken).

I have a friend who has been a med-surg RN for several years (an LPN for 20 before). Once a week we get together for coffee and go over one SG101 practice test - depending on which exam I'm workin on. We discuss each question and she gives me much needed insight by being able to relate to a disease or situation and talk about what to do or not do etc. I'm getting so much better at answering questions and 'deductive reasoning'!. I actually got an A on LS1 last week by studying the SG101, looking up anything I missed on the practice tests, and talking over the subject areas with my 'mentor' coffee buddy. I was just praying to pass! Oh and I took twice as long to study for this than I did the others - just over 2 months, I'm gonna do that with LS2 and 3 also because they are harder exams. But I will definately take that A!! If you don't have anyone who can discuss the material with you, maybe someone on the board here would be willing - you could ask for a buddy!

Thanks so much for the advice, these both sound like great techniques!

Have you tried recording your readings as you study? I always fall asleep while reading so I started recording voice memos on my iPhone to help me stay awake (although you hear an occasional yawn, lol) and then I can replay it throughout the day. That helped me in LPN school. I am also getting ready to start EC's ASN program, so I am so excited!!! Good Luck!