Physiology anxiety!!

SopranoKris, MSN, RN, NP · Oct 4, 2012

First of all....breathe! It will be OK. You can do this!

Check to see if your school offers Supplemental Instruction (e.g. tutoring). Most will work around your schedule. This is immensely helpful, especially with exam reviews. Second, get a planner or calendar and write out all the due dates for reading assignments, quizzes, tests, labs, etc. That way you can see, at a glance, what is coming up. That way, you can ensure you're prepared ahead of time. I would highly recommend viewing Dr. Leslie Samuels videos on YouTube (look for Interactive-Biology). He has a GREAT way of putting complex concepts into a way that's easier to understand (e.g. action potentials, cellular respiration, cardiac cycle, etc.) Just search for the topic you're looking for in his YouTube channel or go to his website (free!): http://www.interactive-biology.com

My prof puts all of her lectures on PowerPoint and I notice most people in the class print them out and take notes on them. I find I retain the information much better if I simply take notes the good, old-fashioned way. If she goes too quickly to a new slide...no worries. I know I can still look at the slides to review. Keep your book open on your desk while your prof is lecturing to follow along with the material. Make references to the page number that corresponds to the lecture material. This way, when you're studying, you have a quick way to find what you need in the book, should you need additional information. I take note of page numbers, Figures/Drawings, Tables, etc., that are referenced in the book during the lectures. It's a GREAT study tool.

Ask your classmates if they're interested in starting a study group or at least an exam review group, if your school doesn't offer SI. Sometimes, just quizzing each other can really show you what you know and what you need to review. If you can't form a study group, then try putting what you learn into "plain English" and try to explain it to someone (spouse, friend, relative, etc.) Again, it really helps you realize you know more than you think you know :)

Best of luck to you!

zoe92 · Oct 4, 2012

I agree with the PP, SI is a God send! I am actually going tomorrow morning from 9 am to 12 pm because it's so helpful! My teacher also does power points, but I use a notebook to write along. I do not write what is on the slides, just the title of the slide and ANYTHING I see her seriously hinting at or exaggerating because that means it will most likely be on the exam. When it comes to specific body systems/parts, I use wikipedia. I know it isn't reputable, but I like to use it as a study tool because the entries are written in easy-to-read terms. I can read about different disorders or similar situations with that particular part of the body. I always consult my textbook first, but wikipedia is just a nice way to find pictures or little facts that helps it all come together for me. Good luck!!!