2nd semester RN SCHOOL? how to prepare?

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i got a B first semester.. which sucks because i spent the entire sem studying.. even my spring break was left to studying.. the only time i didnt study was when i took one weekend off and watched a film a movie theater... what am i doing WRONG? i just read everything twice from the syllabus, but i look over the powerpoints over and over again, about 4 times over.. i listen to lecture right after class... the only notes i have are the ones from lecture/the powerpoints.. i dont make my own notes from assigned reading.. i feel i leave a lot of important detail when i take my own notes/put it into my own words that could be on the test so i just use that time rereading the assigned readings instead ..i study when i best have energy, but i usually feel too fatigued to study... and i end up staring at the wall for a few mins.. i take breaks. i study 50 mins-1 1/2 hr usually.. taking a 30min or 1hr break in between.. i have three calendars.. one month, weekly, then one day one.. but usually dont use the day one because i dont hae time to go over it.. i prioritize, i usually study for the test i have the VERY next day, so yeah, i dont study little bits and here for tests that are far off into the future by like 2-3 days.

even with all this ...i FAILEd one test, because i studied differently.. but i've only got B's in all my previous exams.. i think thats because i valued sleep... and went to bad no later than 1 or 2am... i'm dead by this point. i only go past 2 unless i have a final... i found myself studying one DAY before my final and got 3 hours of sleep...three days to study for my pharm final... unless this is the normal.. and i'm not supposed to have time to study for these classes, and i'm complaining about nothing... and half the people i knew were always weeks done before their projects.. what the hell!

any advice to get rid of anxiety the natural way?? any advice tips on studying? i'm the spatial/auditory type... i've tried flash cards too, dont work for me, studying in groups, i dont live around areas where study groups meet... and driving to places where groups meet takes up too much of my time.. i.e. around 30 mins or more.. sigh.

please help!

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Specializes in CDI Supervisor; Formerly NICU.

If you think making a B your first semester is doing poorly, you're in for a rude awakening when you hit med-surge.

Relax, do your best, and accept that you're not always going to be perfect.

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Specializes in Med Surg, LTC, Home Health.
i listen to lecture right after class...

I found that rewriting the powerpoints in my own words and handwriting, and then studying those condensed pages, proved to be an effective method. Also, making cd's of myself reading those pages to listen to on commutes and at times when i was too tired to study also helped. Speaking, hearing, reading and writing the same material will send the information to your brain in the most ways possible. I recently posted a thread for students on how to effectively record and then utilize the lectures. Here is a link...Good luck!

Tips for being a successful nursing student!

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Specializes in LTC.

Getting a B your first semester is AMAZING!

One thing I found that really helps me studying it going through NCLEX books and studying from those. It helps you get into you use your brain test mind set while your studying instead of just reviwing the information over and over agian.

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Specializes in OB/Neonatal, Med/Surg, Instructor.

A lot of students would be thrilled to get a B their first semester of nursing school. Throw any thoughts you had about a certain GPA out the window, nursing school is about learning and retaining what you learn. That retained knowledge is what will get you through boards (along with honed critical thinking skills), not a high GPA. I'm not encouraging you to strive for mediocraty (sp?), do your very best, just don't get hung up on the grade. Focus on whether or not you learned what you need to know. Good luck!!:)

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I'm not yet in nursing school. I'm still working on my pre-req's. I was a B/C student but I read this book called "How to become a straight A student" by Cal Newport. It's a pretty short book but it deals with how to study more effectively, Ace your tests, and still have time left over to live. I know nursing school is a lot different from the pre-req's, but I've become an A student since reading it. It won't always apply, but it's worth a shot. And I still think B is a great grade for nursing school, from what I've heard. Good luck with your next semester! :typing

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