STUDY? HOW?!!!

Nursing Students Pre-Nursing

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I start my pre-nursing program in a few weeks and I'm already starting to freak out! There's a lot riding on me doing well as this will determine if I get accepted into the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program in Sept. 2016.

My problem is when it comes time for midterms and finals I always do terrible. VERY terrible. Luckily my grades throughout the courses are good, otherwise I would definitely fail!

I haven't been in school since high school (20 yrs ago) and seem to have forgotten how to study effectively. Right now, I get so frustrated and upset with myself for not being able to study or for waiting almost to the last moment, that it's freaking me out! I want to be a nurse so very much, but I know that it won't happen if I don't have a good study method.

I'm open to any and all suggestions! What are your methods of studying? What works and can guarantee positive results? Please help!

Thank you.

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Depends on which classes you're in. Ask about specific classes, then I can give you study tips specific to the course. My best general advice is to ask the instructors and your peers for study tips.

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It really depends on the subject, but I used to have the same problem. I started carving out designated study time everyday, and stuck to studying during that time. I had to put the laptop, phone, etc. away completely. Don't start any new shows, games, etc. during the semester. I'm horrible with procrastination, and cannot have any distractions. Also, don't study more than an hour without a break. I try to do 1 hour, 20 minute break, then another hour of studying.

Reading the chapter before class helps a lot, because you are then able to ask questions while the teacher is talking about the subject, and you get it all explained a second time.

Pay attention in class and write good notes. If the teacher posts Powerpoints online, print them out and write extra information on them. Handwriting the notes is better for learning than typing. I'm sure this is a given, but go to every class!

After class, review the notes. It is a really good habit to get into this everyday. If it is a science course think through the concepts, make flashcards (saved me in A&P!), make concept maps, etc. If it is math, review the process, practice problems, etc. Figure out what helps YOU learn the subject. Also, make mini tests and questions! After studying, test your knowledge and re study what you don't know. Explain the concepts to a family member, friend, dog without looking at notes. My Microbiology teacher would always say, "You don't really know it until you can explain it without reference."

Utilize the professor's office hours, any campus tutors, etc. This is when studying early really comes in handy. Ask for clarification of a lesson before they start the next subject if possible. Don't wait until the day/week before the test/midterm/final, it gets busy.

I haven't tried this yet, but saw another member post this tip once. Every Sunday, study as if the test is the next day. Make sure you know all of the information from that week by heart. Do this every week. This way when the test does come up, you should know all the previous information pretty well and won't have to study it as much. (:

Midterms and Finals specifically can be beasts, because they are usually over a lot of information. Cramming information throughout the semester really hurts you here, because when you cram you tend to forget a lot of the information right after the test. So when final time comes around, you have to relearn a large portion of it. Also, leave plenty of time to review and study. Waiting a week before a midterm to start studying 7+ chapters is no bueno! I try to schedule a reasonable amount of studying everyday specifically for the midterm/final, and then have the day or two before the test as easy, light reviewing days.

Make sure to stay healthy! Get plenty of sleep, eat well, exercise. My A&P teacher would always get on us about that, because it is important to keep your immune system up. Lots of students seem to get sick around final time because of lack of sleep and stress, don't be one of them!

Also, most importantly, believe in yourself! It might sound sappy, but negativity is a self-fulfilling prophecy. Never think that you're not smart enough, or you're just "bad" at a subject. Never go into a test thinking you will fail! If you need to, take deep breaths, clear your mind, and focus on the question. Skip the ones you don't know, and answer the ones you do. Then go back and answer the blank ones. What also helps me get through tests is having a "reward" saved for afterwards. The last piece of cake, pancakes, something that I have been wanting. That way I have something enjoyable to look forward to, and can see the end of the test. (:

Hope this helps! (:

Edit:

More tips:

-Have one evening a week completely to yourself. That means absolutely no studying. Some relax time will help prevent you from burning out.

-If the test question is conceptual, think about everything you know about the concept and how it relates to the question.

-Don't be afraid to write on the tests, even if they are multiple choice. Write out steps, conversions, correct the incorrect answers. Just watch the time.

-After the first test, if possible, think of potential questions while studying new material. This is easiest after you have a feel for the teacher's testing style. Before the first test, make the questions as hard, complicated, and conceptual as you can. Interrelate concepts, and really make sure you know the material. Even after the first test, make the questions harder than you think they will be.

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Wow. Thanks betabob! All great suggestions. I'm for sure going to remember all of what you said and try to implement them this year. 👍🏻🌟

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I guess I should specify what classes I'll be taking this year in pre-nursing...

• political science

• sociology

• psychology

• philosophy

Keep the suggestions coming 😃

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Depends on which classes you're in. Ask about specific classes, then I can give you study tips specific to the course. My best general advice is to ask the instructors and your peers for study tips.

Thanks tcRN2015. Also a good suggestion.

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What works for me (I work 40 hours a week and take night class) is to begin reading before the semester. I know it sounds excessive, but it works for me... Think about it. You skim the first few chapters. Or you take notes for them, too. By the time you begin class, you already have a foundation. I have found this effective for me because throughout the semester, I am able to ask more in depth questions about what confuses me and I have more time to absorb material. I even help other students if they're having trouble.

This works for me and I take one class at a time due to my schedule.

Psychology is fun, but I think not a lot of people take the "soft sciences" seriously. Pay close attention to the studies mentioned and it'll help you remember concepts.

I know my situation is a little different, but I do think most people should start early. Maybe I'm just weird.

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Social sciences: Read the book

Natural/life science: Memorize & conceptual knowledge with practice for dimensional analysis (Chem)

Mathematics: Practice, Practice, Practice

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What works for me (I work 40 hours a week and take night class) is to begin reading before the semester. I know it sounds excessive, but it works for me... Think about it. You skim the first few chapters. Or you take notes for them, too. By the time you begin class, you already have a foundation.

I do this, too. My fall semester starts in two weeks. I picked up my books yesterday and spent last night pouring over them.

Another thing I wanted to mention: Khan Academy. Use it. It's your friend.

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Specializes in Hospice.

As an adult learner, you won't be able to do it the way you did in High School.

Adult learners take longer to absorb material, but when we do, it stays with us longer than it does with teenagers.

In other words, no more all night cram sessions the night before the test.

Set aside definite study time. After you have learned the older material, give it a periodic once over as you absorb new material. It helps some people to make lists, with key words to jog that middle-aged memory lol.

The night before a test? Eat a good dinner, review your list, look up anything that doesn't ring a bell, and go to bed at your usual time. Don't pull out the books ten minutes before class, it will do no good and will just confuse you.

Good luck!!

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You're starting pre-reqs? .... READ, write notes- study your notes

Do your assignments and always write more than what you are expected too- instructors notice if students work extra - hand in assignments early- ask questions, and if you're going to be doing a math course- then practice questions all the time. Maintain a very high GPA :) good luck

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Specializes in Med/Surg, Oncology.

While I did my nursing pre-reqs, there was no tool I use more than Quizlet. It helped me to organize all information, it has great memorization tools, and you can use it on-the-go. Also, if you're an auditory learner, it might help to record lectures and collect them in a Drop Box or something. Depends on what works for you! And please PLEASE try to kick the habit of procrastination. If you put things off when you're in nursing school, you will be utterly screwed.

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