Feeling overwhelmed by study time I figure I will need

essarge · Aug 21, 2001

I know what you mean. Feel like a juggler yet?

The thing I did first was look at all of my sylibi and did the assignments that I could do ahead of time to get them out of the way. I had 5 journal reports to do for A&P and I kept them in a folder. It might make for a couple of really long nights, but it will save you time in the long run.

Then, again using the sylibi, I read ahead each and every night and wrote a list of questions on things I didn't understand. As the lecture progressed I checked off the ones that were answered and I was able to ask the rest at the end of class.

That leaves the assignments that cannot be done early. Those have to be prioritized. I did the hardest ones as soon as I got home. Did as much as possible until I was seeing double on the other assignments. I then set my alarm for about an hour and a half before I had to leave to finish the rest.

Keep the TV OFF!!! I choose to listen to classical music and it really helped. That is "soft" classical, not things like Beethoven's 5th!!

Hope this helps!!

MRed94 · Aug 21, 2001

I keep my books with me at all times, and whenever I get a few minutes, I do something else.

3 kids and a job keep me busy, but I manage to work a lot of night shifts, and get lots of homework done then.

A little bit each night is MUCH better than cramming all at once.

You just have to remember that it will all be worth it in the end.

Keep the faith, you can do it!!! :eek:

crnasomeday · Aug 22, 2001

You know, I've never had to spend that much time studying. I make sure that I keep up with readings, and I study a little bit every day. Then, for about the week or so prior to an exam I put in extra time. I also try to do assignments early, so that I can do them leisurely. Most of my study time comes between classes, and at night after the kids have gone to bed. I keep my notecards with me wherever I go, so I can utilize the ten minutes of free time I have here, and the five minutes I have there. That has worked well for me. I'm a highly organized person, and that also helps I think.

I know what you mean too about trying to qualify for scholarships. I do have some scholarships, but I also have a lot of student loans. I'll be about $30,000 in debt after I graduate....scary, huh.

delirium · Aug 22, 2001

I think you may be overestimating the time you'll need to spend studying. Of course, I advocate someone working very diligently in school and spending beaucoup time studying... but 50 hours per week? That's a lot.

I think you'll do just fine if you get organized, outline your chapters or make use of the outlines in the textbook, reinforce the information in some way and try to make a connection. You'll be surprised what you can retain. I was pretty overwhelmed when I went back to school... the pressure you put on yourself is enough, but then there are stupid rumors, at least in my school: You can't take A&P II with the lab. Its too hard. You'll fail. Or, my personal favorite: You're taking 10 credits and working too? You can't do that with A&P (insert any other course here). You'll fail. It seems as if other students delight in making newer students feel insecure and nervous. I don't know if that's the case in your situation, or if you're doing this to yourself.

Anyway, my best advice to you is: relax. Pay attention in lecture, do your scheduled assignments as ahead of the due date as you can (and sometimes this will be the night before and that's fine), remember to take time for yourself and what is important to you. It is wonderful and a credit to your character that you are prepared to take so much time to study, but I really believe you'll find that you won't need quite that much.

You'll be awesome. Don't worry.

God bless,

Reb

BrandyBSN · Aug 22, 2001

I agree with Reb, I know that is the "estimate" that some programs tell you to use... but here is my take on it.

I am the SLOWEST reader in the entire world when it comes to textbooks. If i try to read fast, i end up having to reread it anyway. I usually spend 4-5 hours a night, usually closer to 4, 5 nights a week, and then If I have a test, my friend Amy comes over, and we study for 6-8 hours the night before the test. It might require a bit more time on your part, but just to begin with. Once you have a good solid foundation, you will be able to cut back on the study time. Yes Friends, it is possible to go to nursing school and have a life! (not a huge life, but atleast a decent one!) :) Make sure you go out and do something fun atleast once a week, so that you dont burn out before you even get started.

Dont worry, everything seems like a huge deal now, but it will get better, you will figure it out, and things will relax again.

Good luck

BrandyBSN

peaceful2100, BSN, RN · Aug 23, 2001

Thanks everyone who replied to my post. After my first two days of classes I am much more relax and not so worried like I was eariler in the week. I now see that I am not going to need 50 hours of study time each and every week. I am going to study a little everyday and keep up with the readings. IF I do that then I will be okay. I also found out something that has been said for the longest if you read before coming to class you will understand the lecture better. Well in the past I use to have this attitude well if I read after the lecture I will understand better and fill in the blanks. Well I read the assigned reading for the first day before the first day and I understood the lecture pretty well and only re-read the things I felt I need more understanding on to make sure I really had it. I am going to make it and I was way too nervous to begin with. Now I am better.

Thanks everyone.