Gulp...This sure is a lot of studying.

windmill182 · Jul 29, 2011

Ill give you my experience with studying for Pre-Reqs. Not to toot my own horn (honestly), but I did maintain a 4.0 while working 40 hours a week. Note Cards are a great idea and were a big help for learning new terms or just quizzing yourself with questions. Take the note cards with you wherever you go! If you have 2 minutes look at a few of them :) Take notes during lecture and then consider rewriting them to be more organized when you get home. I found that tests and quizzes were largely based on lectures, at least with my classes.

I will admit working and going to school is very tiresome, but worth it in the end. Keep reminding yourself that. I would usually study 2 hours during days I worked and would study 4+ hours on days I had off. TAKE BREAKS THOUGH! I would study for 30-40 minutes then take 15-20 minutes to clean my house or surf the web. I would also recommend a quiet environment without any distractions.

Everyone has a different learning style, so you may find something better for you. It really just takes determination and time management. Don't be afraid to ask the professor for help when you need it. You so got this!! And remember this is just my experience with pre-reqs...Ive heard Nursing school is different.

BelleNscrubs04 · Jul 29, 2011

I took a study skills class at my school that was really helpful. You might want to see if your school has one or find a book on study skills in the library.

My take:

A&P and Chem in the same semester is really difficult. I had to, so I did it but don't if you don't!

I studied about 3 hours/weekday & 10 hours on the weekend during my pre-reqs. I was taking 2 sciences at a time plus a couple of fluff classes.

I learn well through reading and writing. Most don't. Explore what kind of learning style you have online if you can't take a study skills class. I'm not the biggest fan of study cards but they work for some. They are better for memorization (like anatomy) and less effective for understanding concepts.

I sometimes have to use music to drown out more distracting noise. If I do listen to music I listen to coffeehouse style or classical not music that I'll sing along to. You just have to experiment to find what works for you.

We learned that research shows you should take 10-15 minute breaks every 45-60 minutes. I usually don't break that often though because I like to really dig down deep when I'm studying. I lose momentum when I break. Set a timer if you come here for your breaks or you'll get sucked in! For hours! : )

Iridescent Orchid, CNA, LPN · Jul 29, 2011

Hey! Best of luck to you!

I'm in the last semester of my prerequisites and I'm realizing just how important it is to study and retain this information I'm learning. I was just as you, which is why I took the time to reply as much as I am about to! I remember just a few years ago while I was in High School, I didn't care, really. I could have made such better grades if I had just spent more time studying, and honestly, caring. I cared more about going outside to hang out with friends around the neighborhood, cared more about lunch time so I could go sit outside with my friends, and cared even more about that bell ringing at 2:45 every school day.

I also still live at home with my parents. In a way, that is such a perk to being a Nursing Student, especially if your parents are very supportive and don't mind you being unemployed for a bit. I'm actually working right now, but I am going to be focusing on my last 2 pre-reqs work-free, along with majority of the Nursing Program. I don't have to work, as long as I have enough to pay for my car insurance and needs. It's really a Godsend to stay at home until you're through with college and have a steady road for you to travel on when it's all said and done.

Student loans may be the devil in disguise to a lot of people, and of course they have their downfalls and crashes, but so does everything else! They are there, so utilize them for your education and future if need be. You'll be able to pay them back - if that's the route you want to take. For some, they don't even give themselves the option of student loans, which is smart, I can't deny that, but I'm not afraid to take them for my college/living needs to get through NS and to be able to focus solely on my studies, and most of all, the knowledge I have as a Nurse in the end.

It's amazing what a couple of years can do to make you realize what's truly important. Those friends I sacrificed my studies for, where do you think they are now? Hell, if I know. I can't remember the last time I've even spoken to them. Point is, social lives may be fun and healthy, but there comes a time where it needs to be cut down to a minimum, if not on halt for a couple of years. These studies and the knowledge are more important than going out and drinking when all is said and done, even though occasional outings never hurt anyone! :) Of course, still go have fun every now and then! But don't let it interfere with any second of what you feel you need to study for.

Index cards...they are my savior. I literally take notes in class in form of an outline, which ends up being like second nature once you get used to the layout - when I get home, it all goes on my note cards. I'll have stacks that are inches upon inches high of material I need to know for tests and beyond. For me, that is the most beneficial and easiest way for me to learn everything that I must beat into my brain.

When it comes to how many hours I study, it depends on how well I understand/don't understand the material. Some things I catch onto and learn so much more quickly than others. I base my study time on that factor more than anything else.

Good luck! :)

WKredz5 · Jul 30, 2011

I was thinking of taking the CNA class as i already took the EMT class twice so I have a rough understanding of the human body, diseases, treatments etc... figured it wasnt so different the transmission from EMT to CNA

plan : work as CNA while going to school to get my RN's experience + education