In need of some study tips!

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Hello! I'm starting my first semester as an ADN student this fall and would like some study tips. I know I will be studying several hours a day for the next few years and I just need some tips that will help me effectively memorize the material so I can apply them to my tests. Thank you so much in advance! Good luck to all the future nurses!! :)

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first a little background... In high school (more than 10 years ago) I was a C-D student... 4 years ago I decided to go to nursing school after being a CNA for 10 years... I had no idea what I was in for!!! :D On with the story...

I was a 4.0 student my ENTIRE student career, here are my study tips.

1. read or at least skim the material you will be going over in lecture BEFORE class.

2. pay attention in class and either highlight or underline content covered in book

3. make friends, and form a study group!!!!! ( this is key, nursing school is not for the faint of heart and chances are your friends won't understand your need to stay home and study instead of party)

4. For every credit hour the class is, that is how many hours a week you will need to be studying

5. ATI is a wonderful resource. If your program uses it, learn to love it. If you achieve a 60% on your ATI tests that is a pretty decent score.

6. Get to know your instructors, and don't be afraid to ask questions.

Have faith and GOOD LUCK!!! You are about to embark on one AMAZING journey!!!

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Hello! I'm starting my first semester as an ADN student this fall and would like some study tips. I know I will be studying several hours a day for the next few years and I just need some tips that will help me effectively memorize the material so I can apply them to my tests. Thank you so much in advance! Good luck to all the future nurses!! :)

Don't just memorize the material, learn it. And yes, there is a difference. It isn't just knowing the answer, it's applying the answer. I would recommend an NCLEX study guide. They are great and get you in practice of answering questions.

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If your instructor lets you record, do it!!! Just listening to the lecture over again helps you retain information. You have to know your learning style if you want to do well. If youre auditory, well record, if you are a visual then make flashcards, rewrite your notes and highlight key info in your book, and if youre kinesthetic the lab is where you will shine!! Study as much as possible but do not overdo it. Read before class and use ALL resources available. Books, ppts, ATI if your school uses it, and cross reference all the information. Good luck and think positive!

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Specializes in Pediatrics.
first a little background... In high school (more than 10 years ago) I was a C-D student... 4 years ago I decided to go to nursing school after being a CNA for 10 years... I had no idea what I was in for!!! :D On with the story...

I was a 4.0 student my ENTIRE student career, here are my study tips.

1. read or at least skim the material you will be going over in lecture BEFORE class.

2. pay attention in class and either highlight or underline content covered in book

3. make friends, and form a study group!!!!! ( this is key, nursing school is not for the faint of heart and chances are your friends won't understand your need to stay home and study instead of party)

4. For every credit hour the class is, that is how many hours a week you will need to be studying

5. ATI is a wonderful resource. If your program uses it, learn to love it. If you achieve a 60% on your ATI tests that is a pretty decent score.

6. Get to know your instructors, and don't be afraid to ask questions.

Have faith and GOOD LUCK!!! You are about to embark on one AMAZING journey!!!

Can you explain how to study per credit hour? Do you mean if your lecture is 6 hours you study 6 hours.

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Can you explain how to study per credit hour? Do you mean if your lecture is 6 hours you study 6 hours.

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Yes, that is exactly what I mean. 1 credit hour = 1 hour of studying per week.

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Specializes in Pediatrics.

Yes, that is exactly what I mean. 1 credit hour = 1 hour of studying per week.

Oh ok now I understand I start school in September and I hear that all the time but It was never explained to me. Hopefully I can manage a schedule that will work for me.

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Practice NCLEX style questions prior to test days!!! I highly suggest getting Saunders (yellow book). Make sure to read rationales!

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I study more than the credit hour idea. I study about 14 hrs a day.. NO LIE! And yes I have a daughter and husband but luckily I am able to not work while in school. I record lectures and write them all out word for word when I get home and study not only those notes but the chapters too. I study by listening to the teachers and reading so that is why this works for me. I cannot study in groups (the one time I did I failed that test). It all depends on what kind if learner you are and which study habits work better for you. The first semester is where I got the hang of what worked best for me. I have one more semester left so it hasn't failed me yet! Also I do get my hands on as many nclex questions as I can and where you learn the most information is gonna be from the rationales. Hope this helps some.

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Specializes in Nursing Assistant.
I study more than the credit hour idea. I study about 14 hrs a day.. NO LIE! And yes I have a daughter and husband but luckily I am able to not work while in school. I record lectures and write them all out word for word when I get home and study not only those notes but the chapters too. I study by listening to the teachers and reading so that is why this works for me. I cannot study in groups (the one time I did I failed that test). It all depends on what kind if learner you are and which study habits work better for you. The first semester is where I got the hang of what worked best for me. I have one more semester left so it hasn't failed me yet! Also I do get my hands on as many nclex questions as I can and where you learn the most information is gonna be from the rationales. Hope this helps some.

Are we long lost relatives?!

14 hrs a day sounds like me!

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I study more than the credit hour idea. I study about 14 hrs a day.. NO LIE! And yes I have a daughter and husband but luckily I am able to not work while in school. I record lectures and write them all out word for word when I get home and study not only those notes but the chapters too. I study by listening to the teachers and reading so that is why this works for me. I cannot study in groups (the one time I did I failed that test). It all depends on what kind if learner you are and which study habits work better for you. The first semester is where I got the hang of what worked best for me. I have one more semester left so it hasn't failed me yet! Also I do get my hands on as many nclex questions as I can and where you learn the most information is gonna be from the rationales. Hope this helps some.

Yes this definitely helps a lot.....I'm currently waiting patiently on my letter of acceptance, but in the mean-time I'm just reading different posts that is helping me to ease my mind as I wait patiently for my letter. This is exactly how I plan on studying if I am accepted in the nursing program...thank you again

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I study more than the credit hour idea. I study about 14 hrs a day.. NO LIE!

How do you not get burnt out??

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