Nursing Student Study Tips Contest

sue8997 · Sep 23, 2015

I agree with buying books, instead of e-books. The one thing I always did was to take copious amount of notes in each class in a notebook, and that noc when I sat down to study, I would copy my notes in different colored inks, and add things from my readings. I felt that by reading, taking notes, rewriting them, and adding from my readings I was actually studying the classes 4 times!! Sometimes I would fall behind, but that's what weekends are for!! The last thing I did was to get plenty of rest, if you are too tired you won't do well. Eat a good diet. I graduated at the age of 41, 14 years ago!! I had 2 teenagers and a newborn! Managed to graduate with family, work, and DETERMINATION!! Good luck!!

Erusso · Sep 24, 2015

Thank you. I'm very happy in hear that you made it. I hope that God give strength to finish

Sarah E. Hardy, R.N. · Oct 3, 2015

My study habits going through an L.P.N. program and an R.N. program, way back then, consisted of having the book open during lecture so I could take, what I thought were noteworthy, notes. I mostly listened during lectures. My next step was to read through the material(s) in the book(s) or handout(s). Lastly, it was test time and I was fully prepared.

tish44 · Oct 3, 2015

I would say that your goal should be to UNDERSTAND whatever you are studying. However you can make that happen is the key to your success. Memorizing facts may seem more expedient but in the long run don't serve you as well. For instance, if you are studying the cardiovascular system don't memorize the flow of blood but rather look at photos, animations, ask questions and actually learn and understand the circulation. That makes answering any question about that system, or effects on that system much easier.

Try an experiment...say you need to find out how the coronary arteries get THEIR blood........read about it, watch videos of it, learn it and then try to teach it to someone. If you can't teach it to someone else you do not understand it. I agree some things are harder than others to learn but the extra effort you take now to truly "get it" will serve you long after nursing school is over! Good Luck!

rachelyp · Oct 3, 2015

Read ahead or at least try to read ahead so lectures make more sense. Figure out your learning style and maximize it. If you've found yourself to be more visual/audio try to find videos/topics on Youtube or make your own recordings/videos. When studying and taking tests try to imagine real life situationâ€¦.if you're the nurse and your patient has the disease processâ€¦what would you assess, what would you do and think what is more important.

rncher · Oct 5, 2015

The only way I could study was 1) take lecture notes in class on legal paper. 2) go to a place that is quiet and read notes and check them with the book. 3) Underline or highlight the actual book of what was said in class. 4) Rewrite the word with the answer's on the legal paper. 5)

write in Red the main word you are studying then figure out the answer which is what you wrote in class and what the answer in the book said. Make your study notebook look fab and you know that what you wrote is correct because you read your notes and checked them with the book. Study and Study some more.. I wrote and rewrote my notes, that is the only way I could remember and study. I had a 4 yr old son and was going to Nursing school full time and working part-time. I got a A's and B's in all my classes. Fast forward 22 yrs later and I think I will attend Aspen University for my BSN, I will be 50. Any idea's what online school I should go to any help appreciated.

Bailando · Oct 5, 2015

I'm starting the program in Jan so I'm looking forward to getting tips from everyone!!

Nanz_B · Oct 7, 2015

When studying for tests, I would set my timer for 30-45 minutes for each subject area. Sometimes, when we are studying, we get caught up in studying certain areas more and don't designate as much time to other areas. This allows all areas to be touched upon.

Kiki1970 · Oct 7, 2015

Rachelyp said it!! If you know your learning style (auditory, visual, tactile, etc...) you'll find what works best for you.

I'm a combination of a couple but most have a dominant learning preference.

For instance, I'm tied at auditory and tactile, but visual isn't far behind! So when it comes to learning, I listen to the lecture, watch or read about the subject and then do some sort of practice or find a way to apply it if applicable. Once I understood this approach, studying became much more enjoyable!

micR0bi0l0v3, BSN · Oct 8, 2015

Studying more does not mean studying effectively. Different subjects require different study approaches. Physiology requires understanding concepts whereas pharmacology can be a lot of rote memorization.

Studying in nursing school requires endurance and self-paced discipline. A useful study tool like workcycle http://www.magicworkcycle.com/# keeps you on task.

np1967 · Oct 9, 2015

Nursing school was tough. It's the hardest thing I've ever done. With this said, you have to find it in your heart, mind and soul that YOU CAN DO IT! Do not doubt yourself. You got in nursing school for a reason. Because you can do it. The program will require you to stay focused. The materials are overwhelming, yet doable. I truly believe that the stressful nature of nursing programs is a precursor to what you will see in the real clinical setting.

One of the most important study habit that really worked for me was having a Saunders NCLEX book by my side. When I study a concept, let's say the Cardiovascular System, I always test how I can APPLY what I've learned by answering the cardiovascular questions in my Saunder's. You may choose another book to your liking. This habit got me used to answering NCLEX type questions and helped me understand a concept a lot better. It's good to have a knowledge base of things, but remember that you should be able to apply what you've learned.

Stay away from the drama of nursing school. Focus your energy in studying and pay attention to the learning objectives. Your course syllabus will have that. The objectives and outcomes will pretty much clue you in in what you really need to know.

I study better at night. It's a personal preference. Find what works for you and stick to it until it becomes a habit.

Have fun and good luck.