How to study properly?

There is no one right way to study. We all do it differently. You just have to figure out what works for you. Do you know your learning style? I would start there.

I'm a visual learner, so I write down notes. My problem is that I think I'm writing down too much.

Do you print your PPTs? I've used mine as a study guide if the professor has them available. I just print them out and add to that during the lecture. Then, when you're reading the chapter, add notes from there that weren't in the lecture material to the corresponding slide. You could also add a few blank slides to the end of it before you print it.

I started outlining the whole chapter. But now I have power points and our nursing manual as guides. Our manual breaks down /includes learning outcomes for every subject. So unless it's on the power point or part of the learning outcomes, I don't outline it. I've skipped entire sections doing this way. Much more effective. After class, if there is something I missed, I go back and reread

I do have access to power points before class and our school gives us the entire manual for the whole semester so we can plan /study accordingly

Ok thanks for the advice

So basically my main focus should be on my power points? Lately I've been reading and taking notes off the entire chapter in the book. I realized it took up a lot of time so I was thinking I was over doing it.

Everyone is different. I personally study differently for different instructors. The first exam usually causes me anxiety, but then after that I get a feel for how they are going to test. Straight out of lecture and power points or more so from the book. Then I know where to focus my efforts. Pretty sure this hasn't helped you, but do know you are not alone in how you are feeling.

sounds like me before i started clinicals, like what others said, try focusing on the topics the powerpoint went over. i used to rewrite notes, i damn near rewrote my entire microbiology book, it worked but VERY inefficient with time. i adjusted and began to highlight instead, worked just as good and much faster. good luck.

Lol I felt like I was rewriting my entire chapters as well. Thanks a lot! I got it now. Focus mostly on the topics in powerpoints! :)

I am also in my second week of nursing school. I was also trying to take notes while reading but I find that it was taking too much time. By the time I took my notes I had forgotten what I read! I think my best bet is reading the chapter first in its entirety while underlying key points. I then go back and write quick notes after doing all of the vocab words. I also read the chapter objectives and summary at the end. Then over the next couple of days I try to skim through the chapter. I find it takes less time doing this than trying to take notes while doing my first read through

Also, I don't write notes on things I already know and I don't write vocabulary words I already know. Why? Because nursing tests aren't about knowing the content, but knowing how to apply for that information. So I only take notes on things I don't understand.

I make sure to do the practice questions at the end of the chapter as well as do questions on the the same subject in my NCLEX review book. Helps you get used to the type of questions you'll see and understanding rationales.