First-Time Male Nursing Student Seeks Valuable Advice from Experienced nurses

[Brandon Misenheimer]

I am in my first semester of clinicals, going for my Associate's degree. I would REALLY APPRECIATE some advice on how to study effectively. My first 2 exams were D's even after studying like I have never studied before. ANY ADVICE per topic would be helpful!!!!

[Lyssi1712]

I'm in my last semester of an Associate Degree program. I use flashcards a lot, I put everything on flashcards because I find that writing things down makes them stick in my mind better. Also, do they post your lectures online? They do ours, so I listen to them again sometimes that also helps because I catch things I missed. If they don't then I would get a tape recorder and record lectures. Another study tool is NCLEX review books. When we did Cardiology for a semester I bought one of those "Made Easy" books on Cardiology and it was a godsend. Hope this helps!

[DirtyBlackSocks]

It really depends on your Instructor.

Are you given key points to review for tests, or just told to wing it and study through the whole book?

Either way, the most helpful thing I've found to do is to take any information that requires memorizing and type out a key component of that.

I.e. electroencephalogram

Print all of the words out 20 times, and just sit down and keep filling in the definitions for whatever it pertains to.

Eventually it gets stuck in your head (usually within 5 or 6 times of writing it down).

[PeteZar]

Flashcards and practice questions will help a lot. Memorization will only take you so far. Do a lot of practice questions and try to truly understand the rationale behind answers. Nursing tests are different from other subjects because a lot of critical thinking is involved. You need to be able to prioritize and understand the rationale behind the question and the potential answers in order to do well on exams.

[Rentbee]

I feel your struggle man because I went through the exact same situation. I'm in my second semester about to transition from peds to ob and I'm doing horrible test-wise. I can study all night but still get a C+ at best. If I learned anything from 101, it's that you gotta use your texts and when in doubt memorize absolutely everything. Use that highlighter! Also what really helps is going through your text and saying to yourself "if i was my instructor what questions would i pick from here for test questions?"...that helps me a lot...and wouldn't ya know it they just so happen to show up on the test.

[Giant Panda]

Are you a part of a study group? Or do you know someone who would be willing to sit down and help you out? I find that the best way to test yourself is to explain something (ie definition, thought process for a practice question, etc) to another person (better if the person is in the program with you that way they can correct you if you're wrong somewhere or just offer some advice on how to improve your answer). If you're able to explain whatever is you are trying to learn, then not only have you memorized the topic, but you also now understand it.

While I am not in a nursing program at the moment, I find the study method mentioned above to be quite helpful throughout my academic career and plan on using it one accepted. :)

Wish you the best!

[That Guy, BSN, RN, EMT-B]

Our teacher basis so much off the NCLEX that I use the NCLEX books, Kaplan review tests and the tests that come with the books. That of course is augmented with notes, books and REPETITION!

[nlion87]

Buy Saunders Nclex RN review book with CD (latest edition) and match topics covered in class/textbook with the corresponding Saunders review section/questions/test including rationales for each question

[chansen]

I, too, like using flash cards for studying, especially with my ipod touch. I create the cards as I'm studying or going over notes online, which then syncs with my ipod touch and I can review anytime I get a few minutes to do so. The particular app that I use is iflipr (iflipr.com) but there are numerous out there that are likely better.