How much time do you put into homework and studying?

VampyrSlayer, CNA · Sep 3, 2013

I have to study a lot more than I'd like to. In the week leading up to classes starting, I did about 20 hours but now that it's started I'll be doing tons more. I'm taking 11 credits and an LNA course. I have severe test anxiety and worrying about financials doesn't help. I'm working part time which is good for income, not so good for studying. I plan to eat, sleep, and breathe my A&p II and micro class. Eep!

CDEWannaBe · Sep 3, 2013

Anatomy takes a lot of time. But it's worth it to put the time in to learn something so important to your future career. Only spend your time on the study options that really help you. Videos are sometimes good, but I found them more effective for Physiology. The best way to learn Anatomy is get the flashcards (or an app, if you prefer) and carry them with you everywhere. The short little study burst of 5 minutes waiting at the post office or 10 minutes waiting at the doctor was more effective than hours going over the same material.

You'll have other classes, like Nutrition, that probably won't be time consuming. I did it as an online summer class and spent about 4 hours total on the whole class (including studying, assignments, tests).

The 3 hours for each credit is old school. My philosophy is that any good teacher should be able to hit the highlights and not waste my time. For this reason (and to save money) I try to take well rated teachers who don't use the textbook. They tend to focus on the important information and give it to you in a powerpoint, rather than assigning you 100 pages written by a long-winded textbook author.

megkat · Sep 3, 2013

For this reason (and to save money) I try to take well rated teachers who don't use the textbook. They tend to focus on the important information and give it to you in a powerpoint, rather than assigning you 100 pages written by a long-winded textbook author.

This is what I usually try to do. However for this particular class, the two professors that teach the class co-wrote all FIVE text books for lecture and lab. In our first week we were assigned 4 chapters from the lecture text, 2 from the lab text, and a hand full of optional study assignments... one of which can be submitted for extra credit.. We have to read and work ahead to be on time. It's like the old saying goes "To be early is to be on time, to be on time is to be late, and to be late is unacceptable."

Trenata · Sep 3, 2013

I too feel that I put a lot more than the "recommended" amount of time for science courses in particular. I think it will pay off in the long run. I am older too, almost 37, so maybe age has affected my ability to learn as quickly - I don't know...sometimes when someone says "oh I only studied 2-3 a week for microbiology" and now that I am taking it, I wonder how it is even possible to study that little.

Idiosyncratic, BSN, RN · Sep 3, 2013

I put a ridiculous amount of time into my studies. I'd say at least 4 hours a day, or more. The weekends have been solely dedicated all day to class. I'm taking AP, Micro, English, and Med Term. The week leading up to school I read the first two chapters of AP, with decent notes. I've been doing the homework early, extra credit, and making copies/flash cards when needed.

I feel like its probably not too crazy much right now. We are still covering basics, but I know it'll become more soon.

MrsStudentNurse · Sep 3, 2013

It really does depend on what classes. Anatomy and physiology 1 and 2 especially 2 was for time demanding for me. I'm finding this semester with microbio, chem, math and world religions it hasn't been too time exhaustive. Yes I have to put in the time but it was nowhere like anatomy and physiology were for me probably because ap1 and 2 cover so much!! I always say ill spend a much time as it takes for me to get it and get A's. Everyone has their areas of strength and weakness. I also think just cramming info into short term memory like many of us can and fudging the way through pre reqs is not wise because nursing school will require much more than that.

MyOwnBlueSky · Sep 3, 2013

My AP professor teaches a separate workshop on "how to study". She says that just because you are reading for 3 hours does not mean you are studying for 3 hours. Your eyes are skimming the words but you are not retaining the info. She has a hardcore system of how to study smarter, not harder.

Before taking her workshop, I was researching a great deal on this subject of studying smarter and not harder, and if it were not for my professors wise words and study techniques, I would be spending lots of wasted time on studying in an ineffective way.

pmabraham, BSN, RN · Sep 3, 2013

Good day:

While I tend to block as many hours as I can per time period to study, I do my best to break that time down into the following segments:

* Reading 25 minutes or less

* Review 5 minutes

* Break 5 minutes

Then rinse and repeat.

The break is 5 minutes away from the material where I try to do something physical; This can be lift weights, mini (but fast paced) jog, etc.

Thank you.

mz23 · Sep 3, 2013

My AP professor teaches a separate workshop on "how to study". She says that just because you are reading for 3 hours does not mean you are studying for 3 hours. Your eyes are skimming the words but you are not retaining the info. She has a hardcore system of how to study smarter, not harder.
Before taking her workshop, I was researching a great deal on this subject of studying smarter and not harder, and if it were not for my professors wise words and study techniques, I would be spending lots of wasted time on studying in an ineffective way.

So true. I end up having to reread and renote take several times because when I study I aim to complete so many sections. Even if im really tired ill keep reading but I notice its not sinking in at all. But its hard for me because im a single mom to a baby who doesnt like to sleep very much and wakes up many times at night. The only time I can study at nighy and I have to utilize that time to read as much as I can. I like to read the chapter then take notes and when ive read all the chapters I do tje study guide. In physio, I eventually had to stop reading and writing about every detail because I wouldnt be able to finish by the time the test would come!!! Ive gotten better at studying, but I qlways feel pressed for time which also makes studying stressful in a way.

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CDEWannaBe · Sep 3, 2013

This is what I usually try to do. However for this particular class, the two professors that teach the class co-wrote all FIVE text books for lecture and lab. In our first week we were assigned 4 chapters from the lecture text, 2 from the lab text, and a hand full of optional study assignments... one of which can be submitted for extra credit.. We have to read and work ahead to be on time. It's like the old saying goes "To be early is to be on time, to be on time is to be late, and to be late is unacceptable."

Yikes! I'm impressed you covered all the material in 50 hours. Sounds like you just need to put the time in with this class. You will be an Anatomy expert when you're done!

I'm back in school at 40 with a family and busy full-time job and long commute. I have to be efficient with my study time because it's hard to come by. Of course I say that as I'm posting on AllNurses... =)

16mm · Sep 3, 2013

If I am not at work, interacting with my children or cleaning house then I am studying :)