How many hours a week...

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Hello all, How many hours do you average a week studying for nursing classes? I start this fall in adn progam and I was talking to a women who is finishing up her first semester of nursing, she said the instructors told the class that they should put in 42 hours a week. Is this the average and if so how do you do it? Thanks:)

Specializes in Telemetry, Stepdown.

In the 1st and 2nd semesters I just studied 2hrs a day. It will be different for each individual though.

Wow! If I have to put in 42 hours a week just studying, I'm going to be in trouble.:uhoh21: Doesn't leave a lot of time for work and family, does it???( I start in the fall too)

I'm a 4th semester student in an ADN program. I wouldn't say that I study 40 plus hours a week all the time, but if I have a test that week I do. Usually it is all within two or three days. Just a tip.....prepare to experience some major changes in your life. I was a so-so student in high school. I don't think I ever made A's except maybe in art class. When I started nursing school I had to totally change everything. I study all the time. I haven't ridden my horses in almost a year. I don't go on vacation anymore. My husband is a stranger. It is a trade off. I love school, but it is a huge commitment. You will spend a lot of time studying, reading, and writing care plans :uhoh21: :crying2: :angryfire . (You'll learn what I mean about the care plans....UGGGG!!) You have to learn to prioritize and become very efficient. For example, you would be amazed at the things you can do while studying. You will learn to cook, clean, brush your teeth, and drive around note cards. You get really good at this. The most important thing is a good support system. You will need helpful, understanding people in your life to keep you positive and confident. Good luck. Nursing school will be one of the most challenging and rewarding things in your life.

Study time varies from day to day and week to week. I've seen weeks when I only studied for 10 hours, then I've had weeks when I've spent 40 plus. It all depends on the material and what else you are trying to accomplish.

You will learn how to juggle it all. I always bring my notes where ever I am to sneak in extra study time. I even got a neat little binder that holds my indexcards.I try to study after class for an hour or so at a local library. I find the school one too noisy and if I go home, I'll find something else "more important" to do. :rolleyes: I also have "planned" studytime every night from 8-9:30 or till I fall asleep. Having planned time works best for me.

It is possible if you put your mind to it.

Good luck, Berta

Specializes in Critical Care / Psychiatry.

I think how many hours you will need study depends solely on you! It's sort of silly for a program to tell you that you will have to study X amount of hours. Everyone is different and it does not reflect your intelligence - it's just the way you learn best! I do fine studying for a couple of hours the night before the exam. Mind you, those hours are quality hours and I never miss a class, but that is all it takes for me. I have a good memory and I can often picture the diagram I studied or hear the instructor's voice in my head as I take the test. This being said, I go to school full-time, work full-time and also have much time for myself and my hubby. Of course, I can picture myself eating these very words when I finish my nursing prerequisites! :)

Shel

Everything changes when you start nursing school. I had to totally reorganize everything. I felt really overwhelmed with all the information that was being dumped on me. I had to develop a strategy to make every second of the day count. I read all the assigned materials, go to every class, and take really good notes. For my first and second semesters I taped all the lectures so I could play them in the car. I never studied either before nursing school. If I studied then like I do now I'd probably be in medical school with a full scholarship.:chuckle You're right though. How much you need to study is very individual. You'll figure out what you need to do to learn and remember. Once you get a routine established it gets a lot easier.

Specializes in Emergency Dept, M/S.

I'm anticipating doing a lot more studying than I am currently. Yes, I have a high GPA and that came with a lot of studying, but I know my study habits WILL have to change if I'm to make it in nursing school.

I don't care what anyone says, the more you study the better you do. I am very lucky to not have to work during school and would recommend to others to do the same if possible. I have a very good GPA now, but I study all the time. I really admire the students in my class who have kids and work. They ought to give them awards at the end of all of this. That would be really hard.

Can you count a husband as a kid????? He's the messiest person I've ever met!

Specializes in Emergency Dept, M/S.

Can you count a husband as a kid????? He's the messiest person I've ever met!

Actually, they are counted as 3 extra kids!! Mine makes more of a mess than my 4 do put together! :chuckle

I wonder if they have a rehab program for dirty husbands? I could get so much done if I wasn't picking up after him all the time, but he is the reason I am able to do all of this without working so it's a trade off! He's worth it.:rolleyes:

Actually, they are counted as 3 extra kids!! Mine makes more of a mess than my 4 do put together! :chuckle
Specializes in Pediatrics.

My husband definitely needs a rehab! How exactly does your underwear make it to the living room without you?! :rotfl: No, seriously, I appreciate my DH also, he is the reason I can concentrate solely on school (and my three kids).

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