Now That the Semester is over....What Will You Do Better Next Semester

intensity_too · Dec 16, 2008

My plan is to not slack the last part of the semester. I went strong for the first 2/3 of the semester, but really started to slack and fall behind the last 1/3 of the semester.

I plan on finding a way to keep me motivated throughout the whole semester!!

missjennmb · Dec 16, 2008

1) get ahead of the game - I just really need to do more ahead of time so that I'm not seeing material for the first time when I study for the tests

2) take AP more seriously - because I know now that I can miss the final if my tests are good, and it was just luck that got me through this last semester

I just cut my work days from 4 to 2 (and down to the two weekend/calm days) so that should help. Plus I am already starting on next semester's work which will help me get ahead. I'm going to make notecards for AP and bring them on my vacation (going to spend Xmas w/ my family 3 states away).

congrats to everyone who made it through! It was tougher than I thought, more rewarding than I thought, and I am SO GLAD that I made it (and even more happy that I have no tests for a few weeks!)

Trixiebell · Dec 16, 2008

I plan to learn the material week by week rather then in chunks before tests. I will NOT let myself get behind on my reading. I plan to ask the lecturers a whole load more questions. I will find a magic self confidence pill and start having some faith in my own answers and abilities rather then paralyzing myself with self doubting.

Esther2007 · Dec 16, 2008

I am keeping the same method, if it's not broken, dont fix it. I got an A- in Med surg IV, there is nothing else I could have done better. I only did bad in one quiz, and it was because I did not sleep that night. I now know before and exam, I have to sleep at least 6 hours in order to do well.

rubystar · Dec 16, 2008

I would like to study more consistently. I would study for a week solid, then hit burn out and leave it for over a week. Spread things out more so that I don't hit burnout from trying to fill every minute of the day reading nursing material.

LovingLearning · Dec 16, 2008

~Record lectures and listen, listen, listen to them while I'm trailriding with my horse, or cleaning house.

~Get the reading done before I attend lecture.

~Be a bit more (fine, a LOT more) organized at home...nothing like digging around for the proper textbook at 4 am...sigh.

~Get a second and third set of uniforms, so I don't have to run laundry every clinical evening.

But mostly, do the same stuff I've been doing. I've got As and Bs, so far...

Best-

Lovin' Learning

blessedx2 · Dec 16, 2008

This is EXTREMELY helpful to those of us who have not started yet. Thanks OP for this thread!!

I am seeing a trend of reading & organization!

lainith · Dec 16, 2008

Study more often. And give my new instructor a real warm reception, hoping she will be less of a flake than my first semester instructor. *sigh*

kikisrdb · Dec 16, 2008

CONGRATS TO ALL OF YOU WHO'VE PASSED AND ARE MOVING ON TO THE NEXT SEMESTER!! GOOD JOB!! :yeah:

I am starting over again next fall I had too many personal issues this semester and should have withdrawn but I did not. I missed my target points by 2. So, I am not planning for next semester. I am planning for next Fall! I now know what to except and what is expected of me and I will make sure that my life is free and clear of distractions first! :banghead:

LeesaRN · Dec 17, 2008

I am also addicted to this site. I just finished my third semester. Had to study for my final and I went through withdrawls from this site. I will incorporate more NCLEX questions in my study habits. :typing

mochabean · Dec 17, 2008

I plan to study the materials ahead of time and be more organized.

pinkiepie_RN · Dec 17, 2008

This has actually been my best semester yet, and it's because I started out strong and figured out what worked for me early on and from previous semesters too. I did pick up things along the way though...

I really made sure I did practice questions and knew how to apply the information. I also made sure I took note of things that instructors claimed to be "important" in lecture, as they did show up on the exams. I didn't kill myself to make it to the lectures where they posted powerpoint presentations or where I knew I knew my stuff, because I had a lot of personal issues going on that took precedence over school. I quizzed myself before exams and made sure that I was always up to date on the lecture material, because I knew it would catch up to me if I wasn't. I also made best friends with my clinical instructors. I took advice from them as it was given and made adjustments accordingly. I made sure to be honest with them as I was having serious issues come up in my life and I wanted to be sure they had my back. Always have documentation for illness---it goes a long way!

Long story short: study smarter, not harder. Know what works for you, make sure you get enough sleep, and don't sweat the small stuff. Worry about what's really important and you'll be fine!