First semester -- first week. Overwhelmed

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So within the first week. We did over 200 pages and vital signs (all manual).

I am overwhelmed , check offs for vital signs and correct entering/exiting a room is already next week plus an exam the following (plus next week we have another 300-400 pages and more skills to be learned.

My main problem is how to study. I'm good with studying the facts but I don't really understand how to study when it comes to application of this study if that makes sense...

Any tips???

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Also tips on focusing.... Like when anxiety gets high and you can't Focus on studying what do you do

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Practice, practice, practice. With skills, the best way to learn and remember is repetition.

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What about non skill stuff just info

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What about non skill stuff just info

Like what? Give me some examples so I know which concepts or information you are struggling with.

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Specializes in Psychiatric, LTC, teaching.

200 pages of reading seems bad, but it is the name of the game from this point on. The sooner you accept that the better off you'll be emotionally. LOL! I know that seems harsh, but it really is your reality. Accept it, girl! Also, the best thing you can do is break it up. I've heard a lot lately that you need to study for 45 minutes at a time then get up, move around, run an errand, exercise, fix dinner, whatever.... then come back and study another 45 minutes. Utilize your outcomes and chapter summaries to guide your reading.

As far as test taking, they usually gradually introduce you to this type of testing (analytical/application). It is basically taking the knowledge you have and using it to answer questions. For example:

"To facilitate drainage of oral secretions in a child who had cleft lip repair, the nurse should place the child in what position?"

Well, first you should have a good understanding of the different positions and post op care of a pedi patient undergoing this procedure. Your textbook may not actually tell you the answer, but you will know what you need to avoid (such as aspiration/choking) and you can deduce that the child should be placed side-lying.

Hope that helps!

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Specializes in ICU.

You just do it. You just do. I'm on my final semester and I guess I'm used to it, but this is not the prereqs anymore. This isn't oh I have 2 hard science classes what do I do to regurgitate info? This is nursing school. The level of work has been exponentially been raised.

You will get used to it, I promise. You learn how much studying you need to do and where to place your priorities. Certain areas will be more difficult than others. I practiced for check offs with my son the day before and focused more on the book work. But I'm better at the hands on stuff. Find your learning style.

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Specializes in Operating Room.

It's early in the game, so feel out the semester a little longer and see what your first exams are like - that might help you to determine what you should be focusing on. I'm sure all your classmates are feeling the same way, so reach out to them and find out what they are doing. Maybe as a class, nicely approach your instructors about what sort of focus areas they would suggest? This doesn't always work, but at least you tried. I can say the things I have come to focus on the most when studying are signs/symptoms, nursing assessments and interventions, medications and lab values relating to topic. Good luck!

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Thank you all !!

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Specializes in Oncology.

I always start off looking at the objectives listed in my syllabus. This helps me focus on parts that I know I will be tested on, and the other stuff I look at, but not as closely. Just take a deep breath in and take it one step at a time.

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