How do you LEARN the material as opposed to just reading or cramming

[2blessings]

Hi,

I am a first semester nursing student in an ADN program.I just completed the second week of clinical rotation at a LTC.My question is how do you learn the material (theory) so you can apply it in the clinical setting?

I have read a few threads were people say "I didn't just read/cram the material,I learnt it",so I am wondering what that means and how I can do that. I feel like I am not connecting the dots or thinking like a nurse.

Is it too early to be worried because I am a new student? I also think part of the problem is that I have forgotten my A & P (lol).

Anyway thanks for any advice

[pharmgirl]

One of the things I ask myself when I study is: "Can I explain this to a 10 yr old?" If you can, then yes you have learned it. If not, you have memorized it. All the body processes effect other processes. This all goes back to A&P. When learning something in nursing...ask yourself "why". If you don't get the "why" behind it, go back to your A&P and try to work it out. Hope this helps. Good Luck!!

[myviefolle07]

You are in 1st semester and most of the syllabus is Fundamentals.. like infection control, patient safety, skills, med administration, privacy etc.. These are really basic things which you will require for the next 2 yrs everyday and for the rest of your career. don't cram it up as it is like shoving it in. My advice: read a lot. but dont just read, retain it too. if u understand it, then you don't have to learn it..its really that simple...for example: i am sure by now you know hand washing is the best way to prevent infection. was that difficult to retain? similarly, address your topics again and again. revisit them whenever you can. some say, flashcards help. i have never used them.by the way, i am in 3rd semester and this was the first time the term "critical thinking" made sense to me when i worked in ICU. so a lot of 1st semester will make sense when you practically do it later. right now, try to understand the concepts to the best of your knowledge. trust me you'll learn a lot if you allow it to get to you. don't forget to have fun too.. coz you learn more when you yourself are peaceful and stress-free .. sorry if i went off topic.. Good luck!!

[Saysfaa]

I agree with pharmgirl.

Also, learning it so you can explain in the next week, month, several months and not just within the first 24 hours. Usually, means returning to it several times at gradually lengthening intervals. Sometimes it means knowing it off the top of your head vs having to figure it out or having to use several steps. Only sometimes because sometimes it is reasonable to use a mnemonic if you can use it easily.

[That Guy, BSN, RN, EMT-B]

repetition repetition repetition repetition

See what I did there^^^^^

Knowing the why I think is the most critical part of it all. You have to understand and get what you are doing and why it is the MOST or BEST or FIRST action to take.

[Zoe*aka*studentnurse]

HI

go over and over and over and over it until you get it. Like others have said being able to expalin it to someone else also works really well. Unless you really understand it you won't be able to expalin it.

Good luck,

[NSALVADORE]

One of the things I ask myself when I study is: "Can I explain this to a 10 yr old?" If you can, then yes you have learned it. If not, you have memorized it. All the body processes effect other processes. This all goes back to A&P. When learning something in nursing...ask yourself "why". If you don't get the "why" behind it, go back to your A&P and try to work it out. Hope this helps. Good Luck!!

Exactly!!!