Help with studying

LoopsRN2 · Jan 30, 2011

Hey
I was wondering if anyone has any tips on studying for the Health Safety Exam for Excelsior. This is my 1st test and I am wondering how to decipher all the information from the content guide and the StudyGroup 101 notes. I have been a medic for 10 years and have great study habits. I just need to figure the best way possible to get myself to remember all this info. Has anyone used flash cards to help them, and how do you set up the flash card to relay the information to your brain. The study guide is a big help but it has so much info it is crazy. Any tips to systematically go through and retain would help
MedicRN76

This is what I normally do; I start the required readings, and as I get through the material, I find the corresponding info in the content guide. For that first Health Saftey exam, I memorized every portion of the nursing process too. When I find the corresponding info, I write the info out on colored index cards (new color for every system or concept change). I keep my index cards clipped together and in my purse, pocket, book bag...where ever I go and spot read my card whenever I can. The unfortunate part of this is it takes alot of time, but it has worked out for me well. I did try study group 101 (notes you purchase online) but felt they deviated from the content guide, that there was alot of info not necessary as well as old info. Lisa Arends notes are okay to but I am just better off with my own system. Good luck on finding your system. The practice exams are well worth every single penny :) Good luck!!

firemedic149 · Jan 30, 2011

Could you elaborate a little more on WHat the cards are for. I understand you follow the content guide and the assigned reading chapters but can you give and example of what you are saying. Sorry I am actually looking at the content guide right now, I. is the Nursing Process then a box with the required readings (chapters) then it goes A. Basic concepts then an outline of examples etc.. So if you could elaborate more that would be so helpful

LoopsRN2 · Jan 30, 2011

Could you elaborate a little more on WHat the cards are for. I understand you follow the content guide and the assigned reading chapters but can you give and example of what you are saying. Sorry I am actually looking at the content guide right now, I. is the Nursing Process then a box with the required readings (chapters) then it goes A. Basic concepts then an outline of examples etc.. So if you could elaborate more that would be so helpful

Sure, I can try :) I will use my content guide for an example:

The content guide starts off with your first section and the required chapter reading assignments. I begin reading those. As I do, I have my content guide open and I am reading with

A. Basic Concepts

1. Types of cardiovascular problems

a. Impairment of blood vessels (for example: **hypertension, peripheral vascular disease, angina pectoris...etc)

*it is here that I begin my note taking....I will start my index card out with **Hypertension: definition, causes, complications of, treatment, management and nursing interventions of....and then move on to peripheral vascular disease, angina etc....

Does that make sense? I hope this has helped!

firemedic149 · Jan 30, 2011

Sure does, so you are basically following along and for example here is mine: I. Nursing Process then required reading then as I read I have my A. Basic concepts 1. Characteristics of the nursing process a. Universally applied in a variety of settings then an example. It is here that I dontinue to elaborate with detailed notes on the notecard? I can see how this will work. Thank you very much.

LoopsRN2 · Jan 30, 2011

Sure does, so you are basically following along and for example here is mine: I. Nursing Process then required reading then as I read I have my A. Basic concepts 1. Characteristics of the nursing process a. Universally applied in a variety of settings then an example. It is here that I dontinue to elaborate with detailed notes on the notecard? I can see how this will work. Thank you very much.

Bingo :) Then when you hit the next section B. Nursing Process and can start to apply the info from A. Basic Concepts, as well as research the added info (the for examples). The first test is odd because it all about the nursing process, but you get very accustom to that section B as you keep working through all of the exams.

INLPN93 · Feb 1, 2011

I buy a notebook for each Outline, then I write out the Outline and look up the topic/answer according to the text. So all I need to carry is my current notebook.

Example:

(Health Safety)

I. Nursing Process

A Basic Concepts

1. Characteristics of the nursing process

a. Universally applied in a variety of settings

eg: acute care, extended care, home care

then I read the text, and make notes that apply. I'd try the index cards but I'd probably lose them. Also, I write kinda big so I need the space.

I bought the Studyguide101 but I found the text is faster & easier.

Studyguide was just too unorganized in its set up, lots of info all over the place and alot of info that isn't covered on the Outline. Those discs are from 2008 for Health Safety/Differences.

Just another way to look at being able to keep your notes with you and having access to reviewing alot of info.

Good Luck! :)

caliotter3 · Feb 2, 2011

I would try to condense the info down into flashcard type questions.

P-medic2RN · Feb 3, 2011

hey there firemedic, take that pracitce tests...i can't stress that enough. follow the study guides and do the end of chapter review questions in the texts. you will do just fine after you think you are done studying take the second practice test to see what you need to brush up on before taking the exam. good luck. you'll do fine.