Lacking Motivation to Study.... anyone else?

tbanurse · Jul 18, 2008

]I totally understand how you feel, I had the same thing right after I finished school. I was so tired of studying and completing careplans that I just wanted to leave it behind and relax. Unfortunately, relaxing became a little too easy and as I started to think about it, I realized that the longer I put off studying for the NCLEX, the harder it would be. What I did was force myself to get up at the same time I would have if I was going to class and get into a routine. I would study every morning with intermittant breaks and stay away from the computer, tv, etc. I tried going to the library, bookstore, just somewhere away from home to study, but found that it really did work best for me to have a designated study area at home. My family was behind me 100% and I think you will have to have that encouragement as well. Let them know how important it is for you to have study time and make it your job!! Also, set a goal for yourself for each day--mine was to complete 150-200 questions each day, and it's amazing how good you feel when you complete that goal and find that you're just chipping away at the review chapters! I took the test last week and am still waiting for my results, but I have packed up all of my study material and have been trying to keep a positive attitude that I won't have to pull all of it out again!! Good luck!!

supermo · Jul 18, 2008

I graduated in May with good grades also.

I simply could not force myself to sit in front of the computer day after day and do the Q:down:bank questions. I have work, kids, and other classes (for my minor) this summer. On June 30, I brushed up on lab values, electrolyte imbalances, and insulin. My test was July 1. I just had to put faith in the fact that sitting there cramming was not what I needed. I figured that I either know my stuff, or I don't.

I know myself, I didn't think I needed the massive amount of studying that some people on here do. No one (in the "real" world :) that I have talked to about it has gone to the great lengths that some of the people on here have. I just didn't have the time or gumption in me to do that. More power to you guys.

Bottom line, you know you. You know your level of knowledge and ability to take tests, and you can decide how much preparation to do. Don't feel like you are not doing enough just because everyone else is doing 400 questions before breakfast, they're not. Some people are, most are not.

GOOD LUCK TO YOU

supermo

Did I mention that I passed with 80 questions?

make that supermo, RN :nurse:

whoa, that's the first time I put RN behind my name...... kewl :yeah:

Butterflybee · Jul 19, 2008

Im feeling you here. I went through the same thing once I was done with school. It took me about 2 months to get settled. I was truly burned out. I had real reasons that I couldnt concentrate on my studies but that is besides the point, I did manage to graduate with high grades. While I was going through the burnt out period, I did manage to do NCLEX questions a couple of times a week. Bottom line, your brain probably needs a break before you break. Try to do a few questions, read some if you can. The motivation will come back. Dont be hard on yourself...you are the one going through it and it sounds like you are going through alot. You will prepare for NCLEX when youre ready. Even being on this board helps as you read the different threads pertaining to NCLEX topics. You will be fine and get with it when youre ready. Dont be hard on yourself, you prob just need a little bit of a rest.

WDWpixieRN, RN · Jul 19, 2008

I was totally burned out too. But I didn't want to take that test twice. So in addition to learning a new job as a graduate nurse and all the orientation and training that was taking place there, I made myself go through Saunders' CD and all the Kaplan questions. I won't tell you I was relentless or didn't do it without the TV in the background, etc., but I did make myself go through them. Most everyone I know in my class who passed did the same. I also made sure I knew lab values (not that I needed them much, lol).

I wasn't cuckoo about it. I maybe averaged 50 - 100 questions a day in the month leading up to the test. I honestly only cracked my Saunders book to do a review of endocrine and some L&D things that weren't fresh in my mind (a very quick review, NOT a study session).

I would do the best that you can to get in some studying every other day at the least concentrating on the questions in the Saunders CD, with the goal in mind to pass the first time.

Then, like many of us who DID pass, you can truly put the books behind you.

Well, the textbooks anyway, lol. I am looking at mounds of paperwork from my graduate nurse position that I need to start reviewing!!

Best wishes!!

carluvscats · Jul 21, 2008

I really appreciate the replies. I'm going to take something from each of them, as each post really spoke something different to me!

It helps tremendously to just admit I was lacking motivation. I was feeling so guilty about that. I am slowly getting back to my center, where I can trust my instincts to know how to do this.

So THANK YOU tbanurse, supermo, Butterflybee and WDWpixieRN. Your thoughts and insights were very much taken to heart, and I appreciate you sharing your own experiences with me.

The support from allnurses is truly invaluable. :bow:

Jules A, MSN · Jul 21, 2008

Perhaps you should schedule your exam? That would probably increase your motivation and also the statistics show that the sooner after graduating someone sits for the boards the better the chances of passing. I did both my LPN and RN 3 weeks after graduation to get it over with, lol.

Good luck!

AimeeJo RN · Jul 21, 2008

I feel the same way. I graduate the bridge program in less than a month. With 3 kids I am having a hard time making time to study. I keep my NCLEX review book next to the bed and read about an hour before bed every night usually while breastfeeding, it helps. It has been a struggle to keep motivated sometimes I go online and look up jobs and RN salaries to give myself a boost.

skeeter96 · Jul 21, 2008

Caroleneo I'm at that point right now. I graduated on the 27th of june. have already scheduled my test for Aug. but still have no motivation to study!! I fel as if i don't know anything!!

WDWpixieRN, RN · Jul 22, 2008

Perhaps you should schedule your exam? That would probably increase your motivation and also the statistics show that the sooner after graduating someone sits for the boards the better the chances of passing. I did both my LPN and RN 3 weeks after graduation to get it over with, lol.

Our college encouraged us to do the NCLEX as soon as possible. We graduated May 17th or so. I did not much of anything forth for several weeks. I scheduled my NCLEX for June 30th and then realized I wasn't putting the time I felt I needed. I rescheduled for July 9th and knew that would be FIRM. I let them know at work and therefore my scheduling had been done around that and I would have had a very difficult time rescheduling again. Plus I realized I couldn't put this off forever.

Get a date a month or so from scheduled and just make yourself sit down some everyday. Try Suzanne's tips for getting started and then when you just can stand SITTING with a text in your lap, do those questions -- again and again. Also, Saunders has a Pharmacology section that would probably be an excellent review.

Get in that "test" mode and just go over and over them. Doing online questions from Kaplan and/or Saunders can be a drag, but I liked that they were at least somewhat interactive. Go through that CD until you have done just about every question.

Except for the fact that you, like me, will probably want to do anything BUT more questions, I think those will be your best bet.

I truly wish you the best and look forward to hearing that you PASSED the first time!! :yeah: