How do you retain knowledge post grad?

[brettt]

So I did an LPN to RN bridge and I'm about to finish in December. One would think I know this stuff back to back but I still feel I lack in areas. I made really good grades but a good chunk of it didn't stay in my long term memory. I know I'll get the majority of my knowledge base in the field but how else can I?

Any suggestions on good books, magazines, or other resources? I have two great med surg books but I can seem to get motivated to crack them open and just start reading. How do you guys stay sharp?

[classicdame, MSN, EdD]

the same way you remember now - you use the information, you talk it and you walk it. Also, many states require continuing education (and the smart nurse does anyway). Think about the nursing process with YOU being the patient - assess your first need, which is to pass school. Next, learn your job. Then you can plan other interventions to fill knowledge gaps and augment your practice. Good luck!

[tokyoROSE, BSN, RN]

I'm not trying to be a smart ass, but how do you not retain info? Perhaps if you were five years post grad I could understand. But for two and a half years I've got this stuff drilled into my head. No way am I forgetting it that quickly. And to answer the question- NCLEX reviews.

[xtxrn, ASN, RN]

Yep. I still get NCLEX review books, and I graduated/passed boards in 1985. :)

And, when you work, you USE the information. It's not some assignment you have to get through to get to the next bit of torture:up:

[healthstar, BSN, RN]

I'm not trying to be a smart ass, but how do you not retain info? Perhaps if you were five years post grad I could understand. But for two and a half years I've got this stuff drilled into my head. No way am I forgetting it that quickly. And to answer the question- NCLEX reviews.

Wow! Really, you remember every detail you learned during bsn program?!! Hmmm, every single Instuctor I had, and they all are NPs, they always say I know you are not going to remember everything, but you will always learn the basics. They are NP and they have a hard time remembering stuff lol. No one on earth can remember everything they learned in school unless you are extremely gifted.

[joanna73, BSN, RN]

Aside from learning on the job, inservices, and reviewing texts, I read journals from my nursing association. I also took a post grad course in geriatrics because I work with seniors.

The key is to keep on learning. Where I live, we have mandatory learning plans. If you haven't completed them, you can't renew your license.