I have no idea how to study

rob4546, ADN, BSN, MSN · Jul 22, 2014

I usually studied by making master study sheets from the lectures that cover the topics covered on the tests. In this master study sheet I generally made all the associations about each concept that included all vocabulary that was either new or necessary. So what did making this study sheet do? Well just making it made me organize the concepts in a way that it made sense to me. I usually did not study the weird extraneous facts unless it was specifically mentioned in the lecture.

Now that the study sheet is made I kept it with me always. Anytime I had a free moment I would read it over and discuss out loud the pertinent facts, just like I was explaining it to someone else. I always read it before bed because studies show that your mind processes the last thing you see first and gives it more importance. Learned that in a semester survival class for one credit hour.

I also recorded the lectures and listened to then while drive or out exercising. Mastery of the information isn't just learning facts, it is also learning relationships between concepts. Do what ever you need to do to understand how systems work together for homeostasis.

One last thing, which might be a touchy subject. Are you a RN or LPN? If you are then cool, but if you are not then please don't refer to yourself as a nurse.

"Hello my fellow nurses!"

Many here are not nurses but are students. It may seem a minor issue in vernacular, but nurse is a title that is earned after finally passing the NCLEX. Just making you aware.

Good luck.

Rachelj1222 · Jul 22, 2014

I am an RN in my country.

Thanks.

rob4546, ADN, BSN, MSN · Jul 22, 2014

Cool, just checking. Keep checking, there should be a great deal of information coming your way.

Rachelj1222 · Jul 22, 2014

thanks for your input! do you happen to have an example on how these study sheets look? I am a very visual person!

rob4546, ADN, BSN, MSN · Jul 22, 2014

After work I will search for one of my old sheets. It is really like an outline or point list. Nothing real visually different.

Carpediem1012, BSN, RN · Jul 22, 2014

Being a visual learner, have you tried concept maps? Google them for examples. They basically consist of all of your important concepts or vocabulary just written anywhere on a large sheet of paper (the brainstorming part). Then you link concepts/topics using arrows or lines. You can use different colours for different ideas. I really like them and also prefer them to linear care plans. They seem to make everything fit together :)

pmabraham, BSN, RN · Jul 22, 2014

Good day, rob4546:

May I ask a favor? Would you mind posting a finished master study sheet(s) or emailing a copy to [email protected] so I can see what a completed work looks like?

Thank you.

Rachelj1222 · Jul 22, 2014

Thanks rob4546 and Carpediem1012 .

I never did concept maps before, I will try it out.

Thanks so much y'all!

LoriRNCM, ADN, ASN, RN · Jul 22, 2014

This is confusing, I don't understand. If you are an RN what I don't understand is when you said it's the first class with nursing style questions? Are you pursuing an advanced degree? Just curious, trying to understand.

caliotter3 · Jul 22, 2014

Very important that you approach your instructor for help, especially since you failed the first exam. They are in the best position to help you with study tips for this material. Also, by showing interest, you build a positive impression. If you end up on the borderline, the instructor is persuaded to use discretion to give you the benefit of the doubt.

classicdame, MSN, EdD · Jul 22, 2014

does your school offer tutoring, or contact information on whom to hire as a tutor? You may only need a few sessions.