how many of you actually read all the chapters?

SopranoKris, MSN, RN, NP · Sep 24, 2014

I read the key points of the chapter and make sure I look at all tables, diagrams, pictures, etc. in the chapter. I read the sections that follow the course objectives or any assigned readings. If I had to read the entire chapter, I'd never have enough time to keep up my homework. If your prof gives you an outline or objectives, use that to guide your reading. Most textbooks have online features from the publishers. Typically, they have a "Key Points" or "Chapter Summary" that contains the nuts & bolts you need. If the chapter is very short (or I'm just really intrigued with the topic), I might read the whole entire chapter, but that is rare. I typically go for the info I need.

Please don't get me wrong. I still read a LOT of information, but I try to maximize my study time by making sure I can answer any questions about the course objectives first. 90% of our questions are based on the objectives. The other 10% are either med math questions or questions related to a table, graph or diagram in the book. Always make sure you know pertinent info in the tables/graphs! (E.g. insulin types, onset, peak, duration, asthma meds, ABG values, electrolyte values, etc.)

This method has worked well for me. I'm more of an auditory learner, so my best learning comes from listening to lecture or discussing the chapter topics with my study group. The more I verbalize the information, the better I can remember it. You may learn in different way (visual, kinesthetic, etc.). Use what works best for you to retain the info.

vintagemother, BSN, CNA, LVN, RN · Sep 24, 2014

I didn't read. It was pointless in my school. The test questions had very little to do with the text books.

sjalv · Sep 24, 2014

I haven't opened my book once this semester and my test grades have been a 97 and an 88. I'm in my 3rd semester of my ADN program so it's not like I'm new to the game, but reading the chapters just doesn't really help me. I have used my book in the past as a reference point, reading charts, tables, etc like another poster mentioned, but I cannot get through reading two pages word-for-word without dozing off. The text is just so dry. I prefer preparing for tests by doing NCLEX questions, thousands of which are available via books, apps, and the Internet. I feel like having to apply my knowledge critically via questions is a lot more effective in assessing my knowledge and reinforcing what I already know as opposed to simply reading a textbook. You only have so much time to prepare for a test and a person should do what he or she knows works best for him or her.

rob4546, ADN, BSN, MSN · Sep 24, 2014

I guess I was the weird one. I read everything that was assigned, and some that wasn't, up until my last semester. By that time the material was just the same but written by a different author. I had almost everything read before the lecture as well so I could discuss the material with some knowledge.

Not saying this is what was necessary, just saying that this is how it worked best for me. I did really good, but sacrificed time for my mental sanity and time with the family. Find out what works for you and do it. Don't spend time wishing you did it some other way. This is your education.

jaytee12003 · Sep 24, 2014

gearedup, It was way to much to read for me, I focus on the key points of chapters. If I would have read it all I would not have time to finished before the next test.

Larry3373 · Sep 24, 2014

I am an RN who mostly studied my lecture notes. Knowing what I now know I would have at least looked at all the tables and read my NCLEX review books. Also I would look up Michael linares or David Woodruff on YouTube.com

HelloWish, ADN, BSN · Sep 24, 2014

So far, I am one month into nursing school, I haven't had time to even read. I have no idea when I will have time.

So far I have made one B, A, and C on exams. So, I have to figure out where I missing info and read it. I think I need to just read the sections associated with my exam reviews or learning objectives. I do look at all the boxes in my book!

If I had enough time, I would read the material! Maybe if I didn't check All Nurses, I'd have time. ;-)

studentnursemon86 · Sep 24, 2014

I focus on what they go over in class, the bold vocabulary in the book, and the boxes of information in the book.

If I read my books word for word I am sure to lose my mind.

AlwaysLearning_22 · Sep 26, 2014

I read the assigned chapters, and write up chapter outlines that I take to lecture and I highlight everything the instructor talks about and notes what she emphasizes. It's time consuming but so far I've gotten above 95% on every test.

WookieeRN, BSN, MSN, RN · Sep 26, 2014

I read the assigned chapters, and write up chapter outlines that I take to lecture and I highlight everything the instructor talks about and notes what she emphasizes. It's time consuming but so far I've gotten above 95% on every test.

This is what I've done as a pre-nursing student and intend to do as a nursing student when I start my program in January. I've been told reading the whole assigned reading is not realistic (because others said they were unable to) but I've been a speed reader since high school (still being able to absorb the info) so I think it'll work for me.

LindseyRN86 · Sep 26, 2014

I read each and every chapter. I need to make note cards, and write things over and over. I did extremely well in school.