Questions for the experiencedl

The object is not finding a way to study harder, but find a way to study more efficiently. You need to find out the kind of studier you are. Does recording the lectures and playing them back before a test help? Are you a write stuff on note cards person? Do you need quiet to study or group study? What works for one person may not work for you.

You need to concentrate on studying and passing classes, don't worry about trying to fit in a CNA job. Once you get into nursing school you can try to cut back on your current job and pick up a hospital job (most hospitals have jobs for nursing students). That will get you into an RN job at the hospital easier than a CNA job at a nursing home (unless you want to work as an RN in a nursing home).

I can answer 1 and 3, not really sure about 2 or 4. Here goes:

1) The simple answer is you need to find what method of learning is best for you. Learning Styles - Visual, Auditory, and Tactile I usually pull up my slides and my textbook and cover the materials presented in class using the book to go more in depth. That may not work for you based on how your professors likes to test (more from notes more from book etc), or because it is just not your style. I also take the quizzes the text has as part of the support materials. Regardless I'd say don't wait until the last minute to study. Repetition does wonders especially right before bed and when you first get up. I leave at least 2 days minimum before a test or quiz to go over the material and I go over it more than once because the second time helps it stick. I also break up my study periods. If I get to the point where I can not longer retain the information, it doesn't make sense, I have a headache, etc I stop. I take a shower read a novel, watch tv, get food, or go out. My head needs to clear before I can go back to it. This happens to most people I know hence why I recommended at least 2 days to spread it out, but you may need more.

3) I know a lot of people that are working and going to school at the same time. I personally am not, but I know I can't handle it with the current number of credits I have. I don't know about NYC, but in PA nursing students who have passed at least 1 clinical are able to work as CNAs while going to school, but had to provide transcripts as proof and keep the GPA above a certain point as set by the institution. Some hospitals also offer nurse externships which you can do during the summer months to gain experience.

hope that helps

In all seriousness have you looked at the job situation in NYC. I would suggest you research it. The reason I state this is that I sat next to a girl at a luncheon last week and she told me she is almost 100k in debt for her nursing degree. She does not have a job at this point. Nursing is very tough economically right now. I have years of experience and do not have a full time job. I also have zero benefits. I am not saying not to do it. The situation will change possibly a few years out and after our national healthcare issues iron out. I am just saying right now if you have a steady income, you may want to consider keeping it.

1.) Don't let studying bore you, you'll get distracted every time because there are always more exciting things to do. I learned this early on. Reading and outlining is boring. Make studying as fun as you can, get creative. Test yourself jeopardy style, make stories out of the material, study in different locations, draw on a white board with colorful markers. Whatever it is that sparks your interest. Try to get yourself out of "studying in a chore" mode and put yourself into "studying is learning and learning is my favorite" mode. Haha. I for one get distracted by the internet often. Now when I sit down to study I turn off my Wifi connection. I also find that studying in a 30-20-10 interval works real well for me (Study for 30, Be Productive (clean, do errands) for 20, Do whatever you want for 10)

3.) I don't know how it is in NYC, but in the DC area some Long Term Care facilities are willing to train CNA's and after your certification you may be able to move on to a hospital setting?