Study and Organizational tips for Nursing Shool!! thx!:)

Christine2009 · Sep 26, 2010

As far as studying goes...I read the textbook and take notes. Basically, my notes answer the questions associated with the objectives at the begining of the chapter. I then cross reference my notes with the lecture notes.

When I first start a chapter, I begin with reading the outline/summary at the end of the chapterfirst, then I read the objectives, finally I read the chapter while highlighting important points while taking notes that correlate to the objectives presented at the begining of the chapter.

I also get together with a study group and we teach each other the materials we are presented. We were told that if you can teach someone else the material, then you have mastered it. So, far this is working for me.

All in all, you need to find what works best for you. I took bits and pieces of information from other people in my class along with others from this site and designed a study system that fit my needs and helped me retain the information.

HTH!

IaCountryGirl · Sep 26, 2010

My best tips are:

Don't procastinate, even if you have a worksheet due over a week away. Get it done asap!

Some of my classmates use sticky tabs to mark pages so they can flip their books right open. I haven't done that, however my books came with the ebook codes so I take my laptop to class. I then have every book available to me without the heavy load. And I do highlight and mark stuff in it since it allows me to- this was helpful for the 6 drugs we were just quizzed over because I can go in, do a search for the bookmarks I labeled "Drugs" and get specific pages- without flipping through hundreds of pages trying to find one little box!

The Nursing Diagnosis Handbook is still kind of confusing for me and it's hard to remember everything.....so I rewrite it out in my own words and substitute "I need to" in some sections. This way it's more personal to me.

I have a binder system. A 1 inch that I put the current unit into, a thicker one that I put past units into and another one for two classes that don't have much paperwork. I keep the syllabuses, plus calendars, and anything else they give us pertaining to the classes but not specific sections in the binders at all times.

Blessed S.N.23 · Sep 26, 2010

One thing i always do is highlight the chapters and make flash cards or take my own notes based on what i read! Thanks so much!

Blessed S.N.23 · Sep 26, 2010

Youve couldve said it better!! Im better now when it comes to being on top of my work but a while back I was the biggest procrastinator! I definately want this Nursing thing bad so im doing whatever I have to do to make the grades and stay focused! Thx alot!

joanna73, BSN, RN · Sep 26, 2010

I think in the first semester, you'll learn through trial and error. Learning is very different, and individual for everyone. However, I can say that people who do well in nursing school usually made some kind of a weekly schedule for themselves and planned in advance of due dates. Cramming the night before doesn't work over the long term, and remember, you are preparing for clinicals, and a major exam at the end of all of it.

As I study now for my RN exam, which is next week, I am glad that the majority of what I am covering is actually review. I personally found that going to class helps alot, because then you don't spend hours reading something you won't need. Also, as far as the reading....it IS alot, but don't let that discourage you. Read the main points in a chapter, the text boxes, and the key summaries. Try to discern what is important, and a priority, from the less important stuff in those books.

Sleep, and have a life. It is possible, if you are organized. I did well throughout my program, as many people do because I maintained other interests aside from the school work. Mainly, as you get into the program and build your skills and knowledge, it will get much easier.

Good luck :)

Blessed S.N.23 · Sep 26, 2010

Thanks so much! I truly believe im going to do great this semester but i get very nervous at times because i fear failure but im going to stay on top of my studies and really have fun at the same time! thx again!