How to study for exams?

[mininurse24]

How does everyone else study for quizzes and exams? I've been doing all the readings, reviewing my notes daily, doing the optional study guides, etc. and I still failed my first quiz. So that obviously means I'm doing something wrong or i'm missing something. I have my first exam this Monday and i'm freaking out bad. I've been trying to re-read the assigned chapters but I find that since I've gone over it so many times before my brain just isn't taking it in and it's like i'm reading it but not really comprehending anything. Any tips are greatly appreciated

[Meeshie]

It really depends on how you learn best. Exams in nursing subjects require you to synthesize the knowledge and use it instead of just memorizing and regurgitating. People learn best in different ways and figuring out early how you learn is a good first step. Do you learn best by listening to lectures? Writing things down? Drawing diagrams and flow charts? Teaching it to other people? Reading it? Alone? In a group?

Once you know your learning style you can come up with a study plan that will work best for you as an individual.

[fustudent610, BSN, RN, EMT-B]

I would highly recommend doing practice questions in the subject being tested. I don't know where you are in the year or what class, but if your school has ati, do the practice tests related to the content.

[dcpjmd225]

Hi FU. I am trying to reach you but I don't have access to private message. I am really worried about some of my PreReqs for Fairfield. If you have any B-'s will they make me retake those courses?

[barcode120x, RN, NP]

It really depends on how you learn best. Exams in nursing subjects require you to synthesize the knowledge and use it instead of just memorizing and regurgitating. People learn best in different ways and figuring out early how you learn is a good first step. Do you learn best by listening to lectures? Writing things down? Drawing diagrams and flow charts? Teaching it to other people? Reading it? Alone? In a group?

All true! I started off the NP studying alone, reading everything and going through notes from class. I gravitated to study groups 4-5 times a week every week for the most part of nursing school. Last semester was when I got a feel for being on my own and ended up study grouping 1-2 times a week and going over notes/textbook and listening to lectures again.

But yes, if what you are currently doing is getting your grade up, you need to change your study style. What I love about study groups is that I turned from a sponge to a squeezer. Soaking up content didn't stick to me. When I was in study groups I was the one regurgitation info and teaching to other classmates. That's how I learned nursing.

[HikingNurse8789]

I bought the Saunder's NCLEX book just to use them for tests in nursing school. I just had my first OB/Peds test, got a 90%, most people were in the low 80s and I owe my score to that book. I just do whatever questions that go with that particular test material. I also turn power points and book notes into test questions on Quizlet and review as much as I can everyday.