So much to study, so little time

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I'm a new student that has returned to school after almost 10 years. It's been tough with work and a 1 year old!! I am not yet a Pre-Nursing student since I am having to retake a couple GenEd courses and also taking the NLN Pre Exam in January to be admitted next Fall.

Because of all the study time that is required of me for A&P, I'm having a hard time focusing and organizing what I need to do and how much time I need to delegate to a certain task. I use a planner, I write outlines as I speed read, underline, highlight, review, and use the speaker tool on Quizlet. On top of this, I need to make time to review and study for NLN exam. I may be answering my own question, but I could just be overwhelmed with it all.

Any guides or useful tips are appreciated!

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Specializes in NICU, Trauma, Oncology.

Prioritize and make a schedule. As nursing/pre nursing students we tend to get overwhelmed and type A. Schedule x amount of time to read/outline/etc. write down in your planner exactly what time you intend to do it (I.e read and outline chapter 2 Monday 9-11 am. Nln study 1-3. Etc). I find that works best for me to put time limits on everything.

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I am also in the beginning of my long trip to becoming an RN. I have to finish up 3 pre-reqs before I start the program, and I have to take an entrance exam probably in February or March of 2016.

I have been out of school since about 2011, so not as long, but it's crazy how quickly you can get out of that routine of school.

I bought a big planner, one of the ones that has plenty of space to write for both the calendar and daily. I've assigned highlighter colors for everything (A&P Lecture, A&P Lab, CNA Class, Personal, Event) things like that. Just to keep me organized.

I'm actually starting this week to write out time frames for each task. I think it'll work out easier, because before I just had it written that I needed to do it, but by the end of the day I'd be like "Where did the time go?'

Keeping organized and scheduling out times for each thing will really help you. Even if you have to schedule things not school related, since you have work and a 1 year old.

Also, make flashcards! Then you can take them with you. Study at lunch, study at a red light, study during nap time. Flashcards are amazing. haha

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I second the flashcards, have used the site Studyblue for Bio 030,130, 131 and A&P. Some people don't, or can't work off flash cards, but after taking notes from reading the chapter, taking notes in class and then uploading the flashcards the information does stick

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