Information not sticking

So how are you studying? How much time are you spending ? Nursing school is not like high school or even college, you really have to work at it. For most people it's totally new information and it's hard!

Plan on spending at least 3 hours a night studying even if there is not anything in particular assigned. Read the material at least three times. DO the vocabulary, actually write out the definitions in a separate book.

Highlight all key terms and any words you don't know, look them up. Re -read the material. Ask questions if you don't get it. No distratction while reading or studying. Eat breakfast, sleep well. Write down important ideas from the chapters. Do any workbook pages even if they aren't assigned.

Look and see if your text book has a web site you might find extra worksheets or practice tests. Start working on dosage calculations that's the hardest part for lots of people.

This is not an easy path but if you want it, you will do what ever it takes. I was a teacher for 20 years before this and I am loving every minute and doing really well. Feel free to ask me anything. Good luck! Don't give up!

Thanks for the information. I will follow your advice. Going through nursing school is very important to me.

I use flash cards galore and carry them everywhere I go

Agree w/flash cards. I re-write a lot of info & key points from the powerpoints or from the chapters. Repetition not only helps me remember, but the process sticks & it helps to work through a question. Also taking breaks to process info helps me...usually about 15 minutes or so & then I go on to another section. I record my lectures & listen to them on my ipod sometimes in the evening, but usually when I am going to bed & in the car. It's also best to look up words.terms that you don't understand right away. Make a note or * next to them in a different color or highlight & look them up or ask the instructor ASAP.

I am having a hard time trying to make the info I study stick. I did my first test and I failed:cry:. I know I can do the work, however I am trying not to get discourage. Any advice.

Two questions: How LONG are you studying and how OFTEN do you study?

From a general perspective, you need to take Med-Surg as a "Walk in those shoes..." mindset. Don't simply memorize the material, think about it. Play scenarios in your mind with what you are discussing. Close your eyes and pretend you are the nurse doing the follow-up assessment. Visualization is really the best way to "get" Med-Surg.