Help! How do I study these gigantic chapters!?

jadelpn, LPN, EMT-B · Aug 20, 2015

Look at the chapter objectives.

Look up and define all the vocabulary (and old school me would make index cards of vocab words so I could study them HAHA)

Look up and hit the highlights of any meds that are prevalent (and again with the index cards--different color)

Finally, you should do some cards on labs that are prevalent. What are "norms" what is not and what that could mean.

My old type A butt even had 4 different recipe card holder boxes (you can get them at the dollar store) and each had different color index cards.

As you are reading the chapter, use highlighters. You may (or may not) want to take some small notes, about how the chapter objectives were met.

When you are in class, take notes, or if you have already taken notes, make say a green marker your class note marker, and add to the notes you have taken.

This should organize you for your exams. At the end of the semester, organize an accordion folder of your notes regarding body systems, disease processes, KEEP ON HAND and "administration/leadership" as the NCLEX does have questions regarding delegation.

Good luck this year! Wishes you all the best!

Been there,done that, ASN, RN · Aug 20, 2015

Know your syllabus.Answer the objectives .

It is your tool for learning, not a big intimidating book. Please take your question to a school counselor.

sallyrnrrt, ADN, RN · Aug 20, 2015

Per syllabus, read the appropriate text chapter before the next lecture, therefore what is lectured on, will be familiar, and increases percentage of learning,

I actually would outline the chapter to the left of a sheet of paper, take straight edge, divide your paper vertically or horizontally in half...for your outline, and maybe outlined in pencil.... I then used another color or ink to take notes on the blank half in class.....(I know paper and pen note taking dates me, but I made As....with my methods)......find a. System that works for you, I can not emphasize enough to pre read from text books etc, what will be lectured on in the near future....it will increase your learning curve.....

Oceanpacific · Aug 20, 2015

I think you will find that you will not be reading the entire book. You will be assigned specific chapters and your syllabus will list those chapters. Good luck

mirandaaa · Aug 20, 2015

It is your tool for learning, not a big intimidating book. Please take your question to a school counselor.

I feel that was rather rudely stated and a little unnecessary.

I'm sure when you started nursing school and started getting your books, you also were amazed at the sheer size and weight of them.

OP stating that it's huge and intimidating isn't something to be snarky about; they are huge books and the amount of information within them is intimidating. Asking for study pointers for using these books was a great question and thank you jadelpn for answering.

xoemmylouox, ASN, RN · Aug 20, 2015

I feel that was rather rudely stated and a little unnecessary.
I'm sure when you started nursing school and started getting your books, you also were amazed at the sheer size and weight of them.
OP stating that it's huge and intimidating isn't something to be snarky about; they are huge books and the amount of information within them is intimidating. Asking for study pointers for using these books was a great question and thank you jadelpn for answering.

See I didn't take it in a negative way at all. Your school counselor/guide/advisor is there to help you. That's their job. I think Been There, Done That offered advice not everyone else was going to. We can all say the same thing, study vocab, create outlines, etc. At some point that just becomes redundant.

That's the loss of typed words- you do not always "hear" the intention of the author. Our bias is what clouds what is written. My post I'm sure will be seen negatively by some, others will see some merit, while others won't care and will keep scrolling on.