How to focus on nursing school textbook reading?

[slightlycanadian, BSN]

So I had my first day of orientation and I'm a little overwhelmed with the reading. Especially pharmacology. She has a "module map" made which is super helpful, but she requires us to read before class and she will randomly call on someone and ask a question. My think is, it is so hard for me to read 30-40 pages for both class and lab that she asks (so basically about 70ish prior to classes each week). I feel burnt out already and like my brain isn't retaining anything. Im not sure how to approach this or what ways to help me study better but this already feels like a huge burden on top of everything else (yes I know nursing school isn't gonna be easy, but it takes me forever just to get through 10 pages)

[katyq82]

The reading is really overwhelming, especially at first. And this is coming from someone who likes to read! And Pharmacology is the worst for me, so I get it. They want you to do the reading before class so that when you hear the lecture it isn't the first time you are learning the information. You will get a lot more out of lecture if you do the reading first. I would start with either her module map, a print out of the lecture power point if you get it ahead of time, or make yourself a concept map from the chapter summary. As you go through the reading, fill in the details for each concept either in outline format or on your handmade concept map. This isn't the kind of reading that you are going to sit back on the couch and read it over once and understand it, at least not for me. I have to be at a table or desk and taking notes while I am reading and I need to hand write things, not type. But something else might work for you. I think when you start thinking of doing the reading as active learning time to prepare for class, you will find methods that work for you. Your professor will want to give you additional details and examples to bring the text to life during lecture, and if you have no idea what she is talking about then you won't get much out of the lecture. Good luck!

[xxstarrynitesxx]

Do not be afraid to step back and give yourself plenty of breaks while you are reading. I can either be the best person in the world when it comes to reading or the absolute worst. With that said, I usually do not read before my classes (disclaimer: I am finishing up my last prerequisite so I am not in nursing yet), but I do definitely scan the text beforehand and look over any PowerPoints provided. My friend who just finished up his first semester actually told me that this was something that he to figure out while in the nursing program. I would recommend reaching out to your professors to see if you are able to get any advice from them about how to succeed in their class or what other students have done in the past. Best wishes!

[prettywishes]

The reading is really overwhelming, especially at first. And this is coming from someone who likes to read! And Pharmacology is the worst for me, so I get it. They want you to do the reading before class so that when you hear the lecture it isn't the first time you are learning the information. You will get a lot more out of lecture if you do the reading first. I would start with either her module map, a print out of the lecture power point if you get it ahead of time, or make yourself a concept map from the chapter summary. As you go through the reading, fill in the details for each concept either in outline format or on your handmade concept map. This isn't the kind of reading that you are going to sit back on the couch and read it over once and understand it, at least not for me. I have to be at a table or desk and taking notes while I am reading and I need to hand write things, not type. But something else might work for you. I think when you start thinking of doing the reading as active learning time to prepare for class, you will find methods that work for you. Your professor will want to give you additional details and examples to bring the text to life during lecture, and if you have no idea what she is talking about then you won't get much out of the lecture. Good luck!

Thank you!!! I was blessed to barely ever have to study outside of class before nursing school, so I was having trouble figuring out how to tackle not only my lack of knowing how to study but fears of failing as a first year student. We have to read close to 300 pages of our fundamentals textbook before the first class, and I was wondering how in the world I would even begin to retain this information.

Example : I used your "web" approach. I made a web for ADPIE, putting the basics in each bubble surrounding the main topic (the nursing process). I plan on making individual webs for each to further build the knowledge of each step.

I'm not sure where all the things I learned from "Introduction to College Studies" went, then again I took it over two years ago and sometimes I forget even how to study LOL..This is sink or swim for me though, and sinking is definitely NOT an option!

Thanks so much, I appreciate it this and any other study tips you may have!!!