Study schedule

Nursey Me · Oct 20, 2016

I'm in an ABSN program. My first session, we had two classes on Tues/Wed, lab on thurs, and clinical Friday.

We had tests every Tuesday. I would try to finish my assigned reading for the next week and any homework on Wednesday and Thursday. Then I would use friday night through Monday to study for my tests. While this plan in theory sounded good, it can be hard to stick to (especially since I have a 3 year old). You just have to make school your life and prioritize to ensure you spend enough time on school work.

Take study breaks to get up, stretch your legs.

During class, I follow along in my book and highlight as my professor talks. If she mentions something important that isn't in the book, I'll write it directly in the book so it's in the section she was referencing. After class, I type up a chapter summary of the parts that I highlighted and important things that were mentioned. I use my chapter summaries, quizzes at the end of the chapter, and quizzes on evolve to study. I sometimes use quizlet, but I do not rely on it. I usually spend 3 hours a day studying, usually more on Monday before the test.

Hope this helps!

verene, MSN · Oct 20, 2016

How you study I think is very individualized by person and by how your courses are set up.

I am in an ABSN program which means independent study is emphasized. I currently spend about 16 hours per week in clincial/skills training, 10 hours per week in lecture, and about 24 hours per week studying and doing assignments.

At the beginning of the quarter I make a master calendar with all major assignment, exams, and important meetings. My planner is for keeping track of deadlines and commitments on a weekly basis. I use "to-do list" sticky notes to keep track of assignment components and small details that might otherwise get lost. I update it daily and keep it stuck to the current day of my planner.

I typically approach classes and studying by skimming reading material, doing the assignment/going to class, seeking out additional information if needed, and then testing my knowledge with practice questions. I'll then meet with a study group to go over what I don't understand - we all take turns teaching other about concepts and discussing rationals -and then will usually take one more pass over practice questions on my own. The school work is never ending. I do try keep to a schedule though - on days when I have fewer commitments I'll still go to campus and spend the time studying - I typically spend 8-10 hours a day on non-clincial days on campus between lecture and time for study. This minimizes the amount of time I need to spend at home on school so my family sees a bit more of me - I also focus much better on campus, and can usually find other students or instructors if I have questions.

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I try to take 1 evening per week and all of Saturday off from school related activities. It's better for my mental health.

If developing good time management and study skills is something you feel you need assistance with, see if your campus/program offers a student learning specialist or student support specialist. I went to one my first quarter for advice on how to better organize my time and good some good advice. I know the services they offer are broader than that and their mission is to give students the tools they need in order to succeed in the program.