How do you avoid distractions while studying?

[Brian]

Nursing Students are good at tuning out distractions. There are many ways to avoid distractions as we study: noise-reduction headphones, keep the music volume low, turn off the phone, turn off allnurses.com ... No, wait!! You cannot turn off allnurses.com! O.k., so how do you avoid distractions while studying?

[Purple_roses]

Am I the only one that MUST be at home to study? Libraries, Starbucks, anything like that, and I can't focus. People walking by, shuffling of papers, any small noise at all, and I'm focused on everything BUT my notes. Then again, I live on my own with no kids or pets, so perhaps this is why home is ideal for me. Sadly, this is also where the junk food is and who can really study without snacking? Really now... )

Me too! I have to be at my apartment or a relative's house.

[marie.rn2419, RN]

QUOTE=ICUman;8284630]I clicked your link and read through the reviews…some stating that it doesn't work correctly and causes issues on the whole computer. Now I'm hesitant! I thought this app sounded like a really great idea.

I have an android device so I can't 100% guarantee anything. Its directly from mac (macintosh/apple) & is supposedly the only way to get the app for iphone; I just was passing along a possible solution for your dilemma. Another option is maybe just really buckling down and setting limits for yourself. You could try setting a timer for 50 minutes of study time then doing a ten minute timed break to check your email and whatnot. Its hard to stay focused but if you keep your sights set on your goal of becoming an RN, you'll do just fine. :) Good luck!!

[Summer Days]

I do quite well studying at home. When I mean to study I study with every electronic gadget turned off. I have also done well studying at starbucks.

[RN_Incredible]

I saved up on some soundproof headphones. My main spots to study were my school library, coffee shops, and my kitchen. I woudl be sure I would have almonds on the side (any type of snack), it became a habit. I decided to take out chapters of my textbook and made my own booklet that was organized the way the chapters on my syllabus were set up. On my way to school and back home I would read on the train/bus or a few minutes before school. I would also record my classes and listen back to the recording immediately after class and jot down anything I might have missed during lecture. Prior to my last 2 semesters of nursing school, I had the worst test anxiety and I couldn't focus at all. However, after a few days of organizing myself before my semester started, I would organize myself to make sure I really am focused on what I am studying for my classes. Eventually, I found a way to study that really worked for me :)

[chwcbesteph, RN]

I put on a timer. I go for 30 minutes, take a 5 minute stretch break, go for another 30, then take a 15 minute snack/Facebook break. I can do that for about 3 hours tops. But I get sooooooo much done! It forces me to prioritize and take advantage of my time, more than if I just sat down and tried to focus without the structure.

And I have to study at home- I'm 20 miles from a town of 3,000 people, so coffeeshops aren't an option. I just make it clear that mom's off limits and I'm going back into my room to study. I'm lucky to have a great partner who will cook and keep the kids entertained :)