I think I should be trying harder

NamasteNurse, BSN, RN · Mar 16, 2009

How do you plan on knowing what to do before you have "years of floor experience"? How are you possibly doing well withour reading? I'm baffled. Nursing isn't about "the big picture" it's about all the millions of little things we do with each and every patient. I think you know you should trying harder otherwise, why even ask a bunch of strangers?? I'd be scared to death of caring for people if I didn't do any of the reading and planned on being competent after years on the floor! So much of what we do is memorization. I can't imagine how you are telling your teachers the sites for injections, the needle gauges and lengths, the medication hold parameters, without memorization?!

Nurse Allison · Mar 16, 2009

I would love to know how you are pulling A and B's. I am studying my rear end off, doing ALL of the readings, practicing NCLEX questions daily, and cant even pull a C on any of the tests. I am great at memorizing information, but that is not the key to nursing.The critical thinking style questions are killing me. I am even going for tutoring next week. Most of our class is failing as well. It sickens me to be failing. I've worked so hard to get here and want it so badly. Your lucky that it's coming easy to you.

However...If you are asking yourself if you should be studying harder, than you should.

Irene joy · Mar 17, 2009

If you think you should be trying harder than you should be. Here's the deal, right now you may be doing okay on tests, mabey it's the tests, mabey they're somewhat easy or mabey she makes tests that are right out of the power points or lectures. Next quarter you will have a new instructor who may really throw you a loop. You need to be developing good study skills right now so you can weather those kinds of instructors. Aso, think of it this way, you are studying for NCLEX right now! There is no going back over it again. Once a subject is covered in school it's up to you to remember it a year and a half from now. Yes, get a good grasp of things now, it will help you in the future!

jackson145 · Mar 17, 2009

So far, I've never done any of the readings. I just listen to the lectures & take the tests. I've had 2 B's & the rest A's. I'm 7 weeks away from graduation and set to graduate Magna Cum Laude. My system works well for me.

Everyone has a different style of learning and not everyone has to study for 20 hours a day to get it.

I feel like my hardest semester was the 1st one when they tried so hard to weed out the people they didn't want. Also, the tests seemed harder that 1st semester because I wasn't familiar with NCLEX style questions.

If you're making good grades in lecture & doing well at clinicals, I wouldn't complain. If you feel like you're slacking off, then give yourself a kick in the pants & get moving!

Also, every single nurse I've spoken to said it took them several years of bedside floor nursing before they felt confident & competant. Another thing I've heard is that NS is only the beginning of the learning process & that the 1st year of working as a nurse is when you really start to learn things.

Prettyladie · Mar 17, 2009

i agree with jackson. everybody has different study habits. if you're passing thats all that matters. if you feel like you should study more do it, if not dont. dont listen to all these bitter people who wish they could study like you =) its fine..

Prettyladie · Mar 17, 2009

people can do fine without having to read all the pages. if she is comprehending it. why are you so upset about it. i say be "baffled" all you want. she or he asked for an opinion, not your personal statement of why you're mad that she isnt reading.

avahnel, ASN, RN · Mar 17, 2009

I don't read either. I have a high B in my course, and only read the book if I don't understand something. I study from the power point lecture notes, and NCLEX study books. I like just memorizing what is important. I have always been a good test taker. I love clinical and being able to put all of the peices together. Sometimes I feel bad too, but then I think if I was struggling I would work harder, and because I don't have to I can spend more time with my family than I thought I would get to.

BMXMom · Mar 17, 2009

I won't worry about it. Sounds like you found what works for you. I also found that in certain classes I didn't have to do the reading, but I did have to study off of the power points and hand outs. If you have a good instructor, you may not need to do all the reading. The power points are there to indicate what they want you to concentrate on. You'll know when you need to study more, your grades will reflect it.

sh1901 · Mar 17, 2009

If you are comfortable with the level of knowledge that you are walking away with, then that is your decision. It is YOUR education and no one else can tell you how to get that education. If you think that you should be working a bit harder, then maybe do some of the readings or something else that you feel will help you. It's really up to you. Only you can determine if you are procrastinating, or if you are doing adequate work.

I wish you the best of luck!!

NurseLoveJoy88, ASN, RN · Mar 17, 2009

Don't feel bad some people just don't have to study to get it. I'm not that person, but I'm happy that you are doing well, keep up the good work.