How to not fail nursing school

Cherish · May 16, 2007

I know I'm not in nursing school yet but I have found that re-doing my notes and looking up information from the textbook right after class helps me to retain better information.

I also read an hour before bedtime the same notes I re-did or read a chapter in the textbook. I usually dream about what I just read, so its great to do this 3-4 days before a big exam. If you can listen to your taped lectures before bed or while you asleep it helps too. Sometimes I fall asleep to my professors voice but I understand the information. I guess its like subliminal messages LOL.

If you can get a recorder (must be digital) that you can pause and add your own interpretation of the lecture that would be best. I have a digital recorder that can record a lecture and allows you to edit the lecture and add your POV on the subject without messing up the recorded lecture. It's the best thing ever! Then I load it to my computer and burn it on a cd to play in my truck. I can't use the audio jack since my IPOD is plugged into that jack, but if you have that jack available you can play the lecture thru your radio.

kellyskitties · May 16, 2007

At home fix yourself a study area - and a set study nobody allowed to talk to me time every day. Study more than that, but that will be your sacred time. I used to sit in my back yard at a nice little picnic table on a pretty day and study. I loved it. I got a lot done at that little table, except when my neighbor came outside "hey, you studying hard... haha..." Well, no, I was just sitting here working on my tan. Waddutink?

Plan down time so your relatives will remember who you are. You will also feel more energized afterwards.

3x5 index cards - buy a case now. Carry them in your pockets with stuff on them you are struggling with. 10 mins in bank drive thru - memorized a couple drugs. 20 mins wait at dr ofc - memorized standard lab normals... Use the time you get.

Before you start think about why you want to go. Repeat that as a mantra every morning and everytime you are discouraged or don't want to study.

If you can't bear to study - set a timer for 15 mins and clean something until it buzzes. THEN get your butt back in there and study.

kellyskitties · May 16, 2007

Sorry to double post - but find out what your learning type is. Visual, physical etc. Use that knowledge to plan how you study.

goodstudentnowRN · Feb 18, 2008

First, you need to start working hard from the beginning. Take it from a straight A student. I do not miss a seminar or an assignment. I have to pay too much to fail a class. I am always in touch with my professor. Work, Work, Work and you will pass all your classes.

kcochrane · Feb 18, 2008

I'm probably going to repeat a few things..sorry.

First of all, show up to class. We lost a lot of people that missed a class here and there or a few mintues here and there...and than when a true emergency arose, they had no time left.

Second, if a study group helps, then find a good one. I personally cannot study in a group. I have to go over the info, digest it and study on my own. Make sure the group is serious. Some groups become more of a party group (and those were the ones my age - middled aged) .

I'm with the "stay away from the back" advice. A lot of the talkers are back there. Leave them back there. Of course if your instructor (LPN school) decides to assign seats to break up groups, you might be doomed to be next to a talker.

I ditto, help each other out...as long as you are not being taken advantage of.

Again, totally agree with the tape recorder. The amount of time we spend in the car can be a great time to listen and absorb. If you can't tape the lecture, tape your notes and read the highlights from the chapter.

Don't sign any letters drafted to complain about the teacher or program. Yes, that happened in LPN school. Some students didn't like the instructor (short breaks, a little crazy, but knew her stuff), and drafted a letter to the DON. Most of them did not make it to the end.

If there is truly a problem, there are better ways to deal with those problems.

Most of all, take each day at a time. Promise yourself to get through this day as best as you can. Pretty soon it will be over and you will be a nurse!!!!

As far as why some students are serious. Sometimes it depends on the school. LPN school here isn't as competitive, so you get a lot of students that find they just aren't where they want to be. I think RN school is a bit better - at least I'm finding that out.

Good luck!!!!!!