How do you study for Nursing Exams

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Hey fellow nursing students; I'm starting Nursing 1 in September. I was wondering what are some of the different studying habaits that you have found that help with the Nursing exams. Currently I am thinking about reading the power points they go over and then read the recommended readings. But, im not sure any input would be lovely.

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Personally, I gather up all of my notes in date order and rewrite everything (either based on a review given by the proff or all notes from the entire semester). After that I have everything I need to know in one package which is handy and helps keep me organized. After that I take a couple pages at a time, read them over twice in detail and then start reciting things pack/memorizing specific things. Usually I get the notes done a week or two ahead of time and because I have reviewed it already it only take me a couple days to memorize everything. For clinicals/labs I find it much easier because I've had hands on experience and don't need to go over everything again.

Good Luck :)

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Specializes in Neurosciences, Med-Surg-CNA.
Personally, I gather up all of my notes in date order and rewrite everything (either based on a review given by the proff or all notes from the entire semester). After that I have everything I need to know in one package which is handy and helps keep me organized. After that I take a couple pages at a time, read them over twice in detail and then start reciting things pack/memorizing specific things. Usually I get the notes done a week or two ahead of time and because I have reviewed it already it only take me a couple days to memorize everything. For clinicals/labs I find it much easier because I've had hands on experience and don't need to go over everything again.

Good Luck :)

That is EXACTLY what I did, and it helped me more than anything else. I just graduated from nursing school and after failing the first 2 tests, I thought I was going to fail out. Then I started to write ALL of my notes and put them in a neatly organized packet, with page numbers and everything, and I would go through and read it over and over again. Whatever I didn't understand I would look it up in the book. I would recommend writing down everything your teacher says!! They know whats on the test and they will tell you if you listen hard enough.

Good luck with everything!! Hope you enjoy it! :nurse:

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Mrsshifflette09: Everyone else in my program never seems to study! I don't understand it! I'm terrified to use any other method because this has been working for me - a friend just reads her notes a couple times and goes from there. I wish easier methods worked for me but oh, well, what can you do?

Congrats on graduating - that is awesome! I still have two years left but we're really into clinicals now so I'm hoping to have more fun this year than the last tow :)

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phelipa. It seems like ur in the same program that I am in:chuckle. I always hear of every1 in my RNclass not studying until 1-2 days before the exam. They read the material once or twice. I have to go through everything numerous of times spread out through numerous of days. My outlook on that is, if I try to be like them and remember everything in 1 sitting I will have put too much pressure on myself. I will feel too guilty if I forget something. However, if I review it multiple of times that pressure will be off. Before I start studying I tell myself that I am not going to be able to remember everything today. The next time I study I will catch something else that I had missed the first time, etc.

Dragtail. Right after each lecture class I transfer my notes onto colored notecards sometimes using colored pens. Some people may think this is a waste of time since u already have your notes in your notebook, but this helps me categorize my topics (cardio, signs'nsymptoms, meds, etc.) I Read my textbook & highlight info. Then I go back & review my notecards like crazy not all in 1 sitting of course. I draw pictures on my notecards & cont. to draw lines, arrows, circle words each time I study my notecards. What kind of a learner are you visual/kinesthetic/aural? If u don't know find out 'cause I have some info on it. You do have to think critically about the material as you are studying it.

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Well, first let me give you a congrats to getting in your program !!! And secondly let me warn you... hang on to your hat and boots and be ready on for the ride of your life !!!!!! LOL!!! I am a second year student and the thought of going back and doing that first year again is not a process I would ever want to do !!! But seriously, you need to read, read, read and read again !!! Don't rely alone on those power points. You have to know the information in the text and you have to know it inside and out, frontwards and backwards !!!! Most tests come from test banks based on the texts you are taught from so all information is up for grabs to be on a test. Power points are great to give you an idea of what your instructor thinks is important, but the tests are like I said from a test bank. Good Luck !!!

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Specializes in med/surg, telemetry, IV therapy, mgmt.

i just want to add that reading notes is one thing, but there is an element to the testing that that no one has mentioned and that is critical thinking. you can read and memorize all you want, but if you are unable to pull the information together and process it logically you will be frustrated with the application questions on tests if you choose the wrong answers.

read the information on this thread: https://allnurses.com/forums/f50/looking-test-taking-stratagies-224581.html - looking for test taking strategies

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Specializes in Oncology.

I graduate in 2 days!!!! I took very good notes during lecture. I made flash cards for any material that required memorization such as lab values, drug info, lists etc. I read everything that was assigned. The first reading I did for comprehension making sure I understood the material. I would then go back over the material and highlight things that were mentioned in lecture or I felt were important. One of the MOST important things that you can do to help yourself is to really study and understand the pathophysiology of the diseases that you are studying. If you do this, you can figure out answers based upon how the body system and disease works. If you don't understand it by reading it in the text, then use alternative methods. I looked up many things on the internet when studying! I have begun studying for the NCLEX and have found that really understanding the pathophysiology of diseases helps tremendously!! GOOD LUCK!

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Specializes in med/surg, telemetry, IV therapy, mgmt.

you also need to incorporate the nursing process as well as nursing and scientific principles when answering your exam questions. the questions won't always direct you to do this. you just have to know or you will not get the correct answers. as rns you are learning to solve problems and not just spit out information. you are expected to use that information and apply it to resolve situations that come up. i keep a list of threads where students have asked about test questions that stumped them. in most cases it was usually some element of critical thinking that was the problem in getting to the correct answer.

the nclex test information specifically tell students what is on the test regarding critical thinking. see https://www.ncsbn.org/2007_nclex_rn_detailed_test_plan_candidate.pdf

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First - I think it is important to learn your teacher. You will get a handle on how they emphasize and what they think is important after the first exam.

I think re-copying notes is useful and going over lecture notes is as well. One of my favorite questions to ask the instructor during lecture is "What would be the nurses first priority in this situation?" or some derivation of that question.

Finally - I think the thing that has helped me most has been studying NCLEX questions covering that specific topic. It helps me critically think through the situation. Good luck!

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yeah! thanks for the information everyone. I think I am going to do a little bit of everything said. Plus buy a Saunders NCLEX review and go over the questions based on what content that I am learning for each test.

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I bought this book called, "Saunders Strategies for Success for the NCLEX-RN examination" It's really good in learning how one should think about when answering a test question in nursing. Definitely worth reading.

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