Published Jan 17, 2015
lharley
2 Posts
Okay, so I already knew that nursing school would be difficult, but after looking at my course planners and syllabuses I think that was an understatement lol.... What are some tips or pointers that some of you more seasoned nursing students would tell me in order to be a good student. My main worry is just having time to study it all and actually retain it. I have a 3yr old, a 7yr old, and a husband. I'm scared that wont find some balance in being a mom, a wife, and a student. Any suggestions??? Thank you all in advance!
nlitened
739 Posts
Well, I am not a seasoned nurse, but I started nursing school 2 weeks ago. I just wanted to say don't psych yourself out. You will learn very quickly that you need to be flexible, and roll with any changes. Because I promise you that course schedule you have will change about a million times. And there is really no way possible to be prepared for the amount of information that will be thrown at you all at once. But you will find balance. You will need to set up a schedule and stick to it. You could even have your family help you when you study...they not only make great "practice dummies" for things like assessment and vital signs, but you can make it fun and silly for the kids by having them draw pictures of say the kidneys and write your notes about drugs affecting the renal system on their picture or make up a silly song about head to toe assessment and sing and dance your way to memorizing the steps for head to toe. Things like that help greatly with memory recall. But don't start cracking up during an exam or start singing;)
Also, use your time wisely. If you know you have to sit at the car dealership while they put on new tires, bring your book and notes and study. Waiting for the kids in the parent pickup line? Study!
Don't stress yourself out before the semester begins. Just know that you will find time and balance. Yes, it is a lot of work, but if it's something you truly want then you will make it work. Good Luck!
LadyFree28, BSN, LPN, RN
8,429 Posts
Here are a few tips that helped me during nursing school:
-Learn how to smartly read huge chapters: focus on the objectives, tables, and any review questions that are at the end of the chapter. Also pay attention to the chapter layout; my textbook used the nursing process and studied in that format to understand the material in nursing theory way.
-Utilize your learning style and pay mind if you need to adopt another: what I learned in nursing school is to adapt my kinesthetic learning is to use action words to help me understand the material; I also used auditory learning by taping lectures to help me understand the material. I would use guided imagery by imaging myself in scenarios as a hands-on way to help with studying and answering questions on a test.
-Utilize the "recommended reading": students sometimes dismiss the "recommended reading", which have a TON of info and are great resources that help one beyond nursing school and can help during ones career as a nurse. I rented my textbooks and got the recommended reading material new or used in good condition to help with understanding nursing concepts.
There are many supplemental books that will help with studying and understanding nursing-style questions. Review books like The Success Series helps with subject review and can help one be prepared for tests.
Thank you both so much... I'm going to try my best to not freak out and to do my best!!! I have already started organizing my calender for my all of my classes and hopefully I will figure out where to plug in study time. Again thanks for your advice!
HisKids37
90 Posts
You are doing the right things. Get organized - for school and for your home life. Get your binders ready, your supplies, whatever you need. And at home, if you don't already have a system for laundry, menu planning etc., get one going. But I think you already know that. The thing that helped me the MOST was watching youtube videos about nursing school and being encouraged to go into it thinking, "this is going to be such an amazingly exciting adventure!" I still tell myself that. I think it changes how you see all of the work if you think about it in a positive light instead of giving in to the feeling of "Oh crap, this is going to be awful". You earned your place in your nursing program. You're equipped to do well. You're going to make close friends, learn a TON of interesting stuff, bond with your patients and think about them long after your clinical day is through, and feel SO PROUD when you pass those nursing exams and finals. Go get 'em, tiger!!
nurseprnRN, BSN, RN
1 Article; 5,116 Posts
You have inspired me to write an article. I hope the mods approve it... and then you will have my answer.
Meanwhile...Short answer: Lose the panic and "freaking out." They are of no use to you or anyone. :)
Natasha A., CNA, LVN
1,696 Posts
Hi LadyFree28, you have some really great study tools and I'm also a kinesthetic learner as well. Can you please elaborate and give an example on how you use action words to help you understand the material. I may have idea on what you are talking about. For instance, if I were to read a textbook on the kidney system filters and transports so you focus on "filter" and "transport" right? is guided imagery the same as visualization? how did you organize your power point slides as a kinesthetic learner? also, what helped you also succeed in a&p? sorry the many question. thanks:)