xonurses

I love this post. Agree with everything. Something I might add is to set goals. For instance is your goal to pass every class and advance to the next level or get straight A's. Only you know what you want. It's a personal choice and you goals determine your actions and plans. Along the same line I get asked all the time my grades. Does the person asking really care? My goals may be different than theirs. Always have something with you to study. Maybe you're waiting at a doctors office or at an airport or on the subway or bus. 5-10 minutes here and there really adds up. Do some exercise. We are in healthcare so take care of yours. It will pay dividends. You'll sleep better, you'll be healthier. Don't neglect your own well being. Even if it means you parking at the other end of campus. Like studying little bits add up. Along the same lines try to eat well too. Easier said than done but try anyway. Prioritize. One class may be 1 credit and another may be 5. Which carries more weight in the end? Which should demand more of your attention? As mentioned the importance of attendance can't be overstated? Show up. Your paying a lot of money for this education. Get your money's worth. Listen. Teachers often tell you what will be on the exams. I'm always surprised on exam review day and students get indignant that the professor never covered that in class. Yes they did and if you were there AND listened you would have the notes. Let me show you my notes which I highlighted in class with big red letters, 'ON EXAM!!!'. Answer practice questions if available. Buy an NCLEX test bank and start. A few a day. You'll see them again somewhere down the line or very close. Take breaks. Stand up and stretch. Better or have 6 solid 20 minute sessions than 1 2- hour session the last 40 minutes you can't remember what you did. 20 minute power sessions. But more importantly find what works for you. Make an exam schedule and post it on your wall where it is visible. You will always know what's coming up. And post your grades on it as they occur. You will always know where you stand. Hope per these add to the original post and all the other great suggestions. You can do it!