I have another question grads!

mom and nurse · Aug 8, 2004

Study tip: Don't wait until the class to look over the material that is being covered.

My one valuable object: For clinical :The little notebook (with my black pen) that I carried around in my pocket. I took notes in the notebook (like where various things were on the unit...information the teacher threw out that we needed to remember, questions I had that I knew I'd forget to ask if I didn't write them down in the midst of the busy clinical day).

For class: My assignment notebook where I would list things that were due and the date they were due...it made me feel good to check things off after I'd completed them.

CaptnsRN · Aug 8, 2004

when i went back to get my rn i found if i took notes in a spiral notebook, then everynight transcribed the days notes onto loose leaf and put in a binder it was like reviewing everything again, studying was helpful as it was rewritten and remembered. and as far as life savers, well that was coffee and tic tacs...lol....good luck !!! i went back to school after years of being away and did fine because i wanted to .

DR2004RN · Aug 8, 2004

I agree with the previous poster COFFEE was my lifesaver! I was nothing without my coffee in the morning! LOL! No, seriously, take notes, notes, notes!!!! I also taped my lectures and reviewed my notes as well as the taped lecture, I would highlight areas that the instructor emphasized on, or areas that they said would be on the test. I hope that we have been able to help. Good luck!

happystudent, RN · Aug 17, 2004

do you have any study tips for those of us just starting out in the program? also what one item {or items} was your live saver in college? thanks :)

the library, and study groups!!!! groups are good because you can bounce ideas off each other and it helps you to remember more information because you are talking about it.

happy!

Gompers, BSN, RN · Aug 17, 2004

Honestly, my lifesaver was taking the weekends off! I would try to get ALL my studying and projects done during the week so I could spend the weekends relaxing and just enjoying my life. I got through nursing school with no problems, stayed sane, and had quality time with my family, friends, boyfriend...heck, I even joined a sorority.

As for study tips, I did the re-writing thing and it works. I have horrible penmanship though, so I actually typed up my notes every evening. It was faster, too, since I type 65+ words a minute!

chris_at_lucas_RN, RN · Aug 17, 2004

I'm a fairly speedy typist too, and my laptop was my lifeline.

Also, http://www.google.com. I found all kinds of info on the web. Everytime I came across something I didn't quite "get" or something that bored me out of my gourd if I tried to learn it from lecture or the book, I googled it. It's amazing what's out there in "real" language.

Maybe the most important thing is take care of yourself. Nursing students put on weight (some say 20# or more by the time we graduate) because of stress. So, eat right, exercise some, get enough sleep, HAVE SOME FUN EVERY DAY, laugh, and stay positive.

Good luck!

jemommyRN · Aug 17, 2004

Honestly, my lifesaver was taking the weekends off! I would try to get ALL my studying and projects done during the week so I could spend the weekends relaxing and just enjoying my life.

I am going to try this. I thought this was a far fetched idea but I think it'll be the best thing for me to do since i have a family that I want to spend time with.

purplemania, BSN, RN · Aug 17, 2004

My lifesaver was the study group. There were never more than 6 people allowed in the group and we set very high standards. Everyone had to be prepared before we met, and NOTHING was allowed to detract us. We met once a week, on Sunday, and studied several hours. Talking out, or "teaching" a concept, made the concepts stick in my head.

Rena RN 2003, RN · Aug 18, 2004

beer :lol

Kristin G · Aug 18, 2004

do you have any study tips for those of us just starting out in the program? also what one item {or items} was your live saver in college? thanks :)

my sony digital voice recorder. i would record the lectures, download them on my home computer and burn them onto cd's. then i would listen to those suckers in the car, while i was cleaning, just over and over again....couldn't have lived without that!! i would also suggest taking an nclex review class before the second year...after i took mine i thought that it would have been so helpful for me on those tests...

EvelynRN-BSN · Aug 20, 2004

If you can get the syllabus before class begins...get it and review the material. Always stay on top of the reading as much as possible. Take notes and then compare them with a friend at the end just to make sure you did'nt miss anything. The same day after lecture, take the time to review your notes and rewrite or retype them. That helps to keep it in memory. I also taped the lecture and listened to it while driving. I would always hear something that I missed in class. Study, study, study. I reviewed my notes every night and retyped them. The weekends were my study time. I over did it, let's just say I spent the entire day from sun up to sun down with my books and the computer. Google is a lifesaver when there is something you can't figure out. Have a support person that you can talk with. There will be hard times and even times you may feel like you want to give up, but you will get through it and it is worth it.

My lifesaver through this time was my support person....My mother who is my best friend. I could cry on her shoulders and laugh on them too. She was always excited to come over and visit with me to hear about my exciting day. Plus I would teach her about the disease process or whatever I learned in class and that helped a lot. I would refer to my notes when I could'nt answer a question she would throw at me through teaching her about stuff. That was very helpful. Find someone interested in learning what you are learning so you can teach them about what you have learned. You will be suprised about the information you will retain.

Remember to enjoy life, don't make it too difficult and find some time for yourself.

Good Luck!

Evelyn:p