Getting a 4.0 in nursing school seems impossible right? Well it's not! Here are 4 tips for getting straight A's in nursing school. They worked for me, and I know they will work for you!
1. Participate in class!!!!
This was the hardest thing for me, but so so so important. The more engaged you are, the more information you will retain. Don't be afraid to ask a "dumb question" because chances are that several other students have the same question but are afraid to ask.
2. Don't do all the reading!!!
I wish someone would have told me this my first semester. If you do all the reading, you will get burnt out and you wont remember very much. If your school offers powerpoints, study guides, or recorded lectures, those resources should encompass the majority of your study time. Remember: Study smarter, not harder. If you do enjoy reading, make sure you focus on bold terms and the tables/charts in the book.
3. Take advantage of tutoring and/or professors!!
This was the most important thing for me. Tutors are great because they have been in your shoes and often know what you need to know. Rather than reading 100 pages for homework, I would simply go to a tutor for an hour each day. If you don't have access to a tutor, meet often with your instructors outside of class. You will be surprised how much they will help if you just ask!
4. Find out what learning/study method works for you!
Learning: I realized that I am a visual learner; I retain information better if I actually see it. This is why I like powerpoints and youtube videos. You can find out what method best fits your brain at What's Your Learning Style? 2 Questions.
Study: Also, figure out early on whether or not you study well in groups. I personally study better alone because I am easily distracted in large groups. However, small groups (2 or 3) can be a great thing because you get insights from different people, without the major risk of getting distracted. Make sure the people you study with are "top students" because you can pick up really good study habits from them.
I hope this helps! Remember, you are in control of your grades and your future. If you follow these tips and believe in yourself, you can get straight A's too.
These tips won't work for everyone. I think better advice would be to find a quiet place to study and dedicate time each day to study. Work as little as possible.
Randy, thanks for the thread, great advice! I am currently in nursing school and so far have been enjoying it - such a great experience in clinicals it is only reaffirming my "calling" to become a nurse.
Out of all of your tips the toughest one for me is the "Don't Read Everything" tip. I have trouble with that, I have heard of a few different ways to try to shorten the readings or stick with PPTs, Handouts, Lectures, etc etc but I've always been concerned I would miss something or not be fully prepared. So because of that I.do.read.every.word. yes I know it sucks, I give myself time to do it all along with the other resources but time does get tight. Maybe I should try to slowly wean myself off the heavy reading and see how it goes? Either way - pray for me.
Specializes in Nursing is my Second Career; Future FNP DNP.
I appreciate you posting this article for us to get our game plan in order. I also used the link to find out what type of learning style I have. Thank you. :)
There is no "easy way" to graduate from nursing school with a 4.0.
I did it, but there was blood on every A I made. Some people could follow these recommendations to the letter and still not make straight As. The tips listed might well help a person do as well as they are capable of doing, but following them will not guarantee a perfect GPA.
F the GPA. Sure, it makes you look good on paper, but your co-workers aren't going to care and I've worked with many new grads that came into our department with 3.8-4.0 GPA's and they were dumb as all get out. Couldn't do the simplest tasks and many washed out before their eval period was over, or had it extended. On the other hand, I've worked with many nurses that had 2.3,2.5, etc. GPA's and they were freakin rock stars right off the bat. You can be book smart all you want, but if you can't apply what you read in that book into actual situations and perform, that 4.0 doesn't mean crap to your co-workers, the patients, or yourself.
yes I know it sucks, I give myself time to do it all along with the other resources but time does get tight. Maybe I should try to slowly wean myself off the heavy reading and see how it goes? Either way - pray for me. 
applesxoranges, BSN, RN
2,242 Posts
These tips won't work for everyone. I think better advice would be to find a quiet place to study and dedicate time each day to study. Work as little as possible.