Poll: Do you skim or read your nursing textbooks?

[na-na]

I am trying to figure out the best method to studying in nursing school. what do you fine helpful? Does anyone actually read the chapters, how do you find time to read all of it.

[kht124]

I personally prefer to read every word. Usually, I would get at least a stable A if I do my reading. I know some people that would barely skim the book and would study the powerpoint and would get an A. I tried that a few times and the best grade I got when skimming was a 91, which is still a B. I can't skim if I want an A.

I think it just depends on how you study. Some people do really well with condense information while others, like me, like to read background information and everything else.

[Red35]

I read whole chapter(s) before class..then after lecture and I've highlighted the important parts I skim....

Nothing worse then attending a class and the teacher asks a question and no one has read the book (duh).

[linzjane88]

Depends on the class/book combination. In m/s we used Timby as our main book. It was great! I read about 85% of what was assigned. In fundamentals? Oooh heck no! That book was painfully boring. And most recently, ob/peds-didn't do much reading there. The book was cumbersome, waaay more in depth than what we needed, and not overly interesting... I would sit with the 296 pound book and space out!

Some teachers test mainly on their lectures. For those classes I focus my energy on studying detailed notes.

[Nursing2102]

I actually read every word of every chapter I am assigned to read. I find that reading the textbook helps me remember the concepts learned in class more than if I were to just skim or go by the notes from class. Sure it is time consuming, but I only work part time (2 days a week) but I find the time.

[PixieRN14]

I read over the power points and record my lectures. Then go back and relisten to my lectures while studying the power points. If I still need more clarity or need to looks at a table then I will open my book. Everyone is different. You just need to see what works best for you.

[Tait, MSN, RN]

I see nursing texts as similar to reference books when it comes to the rote/tasky stuff like A&P etc. I am definitely a skimmer. I read the syllabus, look for the key information, read over power-points and then go to the book for clarification. Books I am more inclined to read have more to do with theory, ethics, etc.

[PatMac10,RN, RN]

I read it thoroughly the first time then scan/speed-read every time after that. There is some content that I feel ok speed-reading initially.

[Kimynurse]

I work , and am taking 4 nursing classes no choice. So I wish I could read whole chapter.

I skim, look up things, read my notes and power points.

I currently have a A in all classes.

[willowita, ADN, RN]

Last semester, I read everything. This semester, I limited my reading to med/surge and pharm. A quick skim and power point memorization for the rest.