study hours??

Rena RN 2003, RN · Nov 18, 2002

i think it depends entirely on how you learn. you could read a book for 300 hours a week and still know nothing if you are a visual learner and learn best by experience.

and when it comes to nursing classes, credit hours don't mean a thing. i have an 8 credit hour class that i actually attend 16 hours a week. am i expected to study 2-3 hours for each of those 16 hours? why, there isn't enough time in this lifetime.

you just have to figure out what's best for you. but worrying now and putting the cart before the horse won't solve anything. :) relax and take it one day at a time. don't borrow trouble......

(and all those other awful cliches that people like to throw in :chuckle )

memphispanda, RN · Nov 18, 2002

I personally don't study anywhere near that much. I have learned that if I get enough rest (for me, about 9 hours/night) I pick up a LOT of what we need to know during lecture. Then I don't have to study nearly so much as if I was trying to learn it on my own. I spend maybe 12 hours/week studying and doing paperwork. I don't have an A average, but then neither does anyone else...I do have a high B. My advice is to do whatever you can to prepare for class--read tha section of the book ahead of time, etc. Know what you don't know or what you are not comfortable with so you can ask questions if you need to. Then review/rewrite your notes so it sticks in your head.

jdomep · Nov 18, 2002

I try to study at least 2-3 hours a day . But that includes making my study tapes and listening to them as I am driving 4 boys here, there, and everywhere...it works for me. I also have note cards with me at all times.

Amy W. · Nov 19, 2002

Originally posted by Alie
In registration last week my school said we need to study 18-27 hours a week (2-3 hours per class hour=9). We actualy are in class and clinicals 25 hours per week. It scares me to think my brain is going to go into overload. My dh says I'm getting all exited to soon.

How has it been for everyone who has already started nursing I?
Is it like that every week(any breaks)?

I'm obsessive when it comes to school. I feel like I have to know all material backwards and forwards. I end up making 100's. I need to find a happy medium.

I find that if I go home and recopy my notes that it helps me to study and keep it fresh. I also color code things to help recall information at a later time.

P.S. DON'T expect to make 100's in nursing school!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:roll

2banurse · Nov 19, 2002

I can totally understand your stress and I think many of us do the same. We get so hooked up on grades, but I think sometimes learning the material falls wayside. I know for me, I took statistics and calculus, got A's in both (only taken within the past year), do I remember much...nah! I would have a major anxiety attack if I was told that I would have a test in both subjects now. Even now I am finishing a science class and my grade til now is 88 (not a bad grade, still being in the top 20%), and I am still angling the the prof to find out how I can bring it to an A.

I think, however, that when it comes time for nursing classes, I have to scale down and learn the stuff on the practical side because we will be responsible for this information not only through nursing school but AFTER as well.

Amy W. said, no one makes 100's in nursing school. My feeling is that maybe some students will, but are they learning what they are studying???

javamom · Nov 19, 2002

Alie, I start this January and have been told the same thing about the 3 hrs of study per credit hour. I think it really has to do with your learning style, etc... I'm trying very hard, not to wig myself out, just yet! Good luck!