Reading, reading and more reading but not enough time.

KimberlyRN89, BSN, RN · Jun 10, 2011

My books each came with free resources on evolve.elsevier.com & I would read the chapter summaries, and take the practice tests posted there. That was really helpful.

sommeil, ASN, RN · Jun 10, 2011

i've got Fundamentals of Nursing made Incredibly Easy and Med Surg made Incredibly easy and i've been reading those FIRST and then reading whatever I can in the books paying close attention to Chapter Titles, Boxes, and Tables. My first test is tomorrow. I guess i'll see if it worked.

MN-Nurse, ASN, RN · Jun 10, 2011

i am wondering what some of you guys use as study techniques, is it really possible to read every page of each book? Any advise would be greatly appreciated.

Unfortunately it is not possible to read every page of every book. But you can skim it. I used the SQ3R method when first addressing the material. Easy to look up anywhere I did the Scan and Question parts before lecture so I was somewhat familiar with the material. I would read for a little over and hour before each two hour lecture.

After lecture, I would to the Read, Recite and Review parts focusing on what the lecturer focused on. Then I would do the chapter questions and questions out of any Study guides or online material until I thought I had it. I didn't make too many notecards, but did when applicable (drugs, F and E stuff, etc...)

The biggest help was that I started implanting the material early. I could never wait and cram like some of my younger classmates.

This worked well for me, I got outta nursing school with a 4.0 by the skin of my teeth.

Good luck!

Jazdani4 · Jun 10, 2011

for health assessment I would focus on abnormals and techniques for other classes like pharm i used Mosby's pharm memory notecards a huge help, and for fundamental a nclex study guide. I think a may have actually completely read maybe 3 whole chapters in any book throughout my entire program lol and Im in my last semester...just find a really good studyguide that corresponds with lectures and your book mine is saunders nclex-rn study guide

silverbells_star · Jun 10, 2011

In my last year of nursing school and read very little of the books. Just skim the main points and focus on what is taught in class. If you don't understand a concept then go back and read that section.

sweet_von · Jun 11, 2011

Thanks guys for the awesome advise, i am studying as i type and will keep all these techniques in mind as i continue this journey. Thanks again!

sommeil, ASN, RN · Jun 11, 2011

ended up with an 86 on the first test.. seems like i've got an 'okay' method so far but there is def. room for improvement.