Study Tips for Aspiring Nurse?

Simplistic · May 11, 2017

Theres no point in studying ahead of the semester. Just brush up on your anatomy and physiology. Other then that, relax and spend time with your family and friends. Once school starts, make sure you have good time management skills. I suggest buying a planner and writing down everything that needs to be done.

cinderfloof · May 11, 2017

Alright! Thank you so much for your advice and time! I'll make sure to pick up all of that stuff so that I can get off on a good start. Do you know what particular areas in physiology and anatomy or should I just study it in general? Quite honestly, I only took anatomy for one semester in my gym class so it's not something I know much about (beyond memorizing bones and muscles, that is).

xxstarrynitesxx · Jun 14, 2017

Hello!
I'm fairly new here, but I'll admit to lurking here for quite a bit. I always wanted to become a nurse and I was just accepted into the Early Admission Nursing Program at Western Illinois University! I was so proud and I'm excited to begin college in the Fall. Anyway, I know that nursing school is difficult. I'm a bit afraid, I'll admit. I'm a good student but I've never gone through anything near as rigorous. So, I want to lessen the burden on myself now! I figure that if I build good study and mental health habits in the present, then Nursing School will be just a bit easier for myself.
Also, is there anything that I can begin studying now before I begin? I've read that there's endless medical jargon to memorize and dosage mathematics, so it would be beneficial for me to practice way before I start. Is there anything else you guys can think of? Also, where should I get the information on where to study?
Thanks so much for your time!

If you have not started your prerequisite courses yet, I would first figure out what your schedule will look like in the fall semester. Try to have a healthy balance of classes so you're not left too stressed or overwhelmed. For those pre-nursing courses you will be taking, see if you can find the book and get ahold of an old syllabus. I'm personally taking the summer to go over information for my second semester Anatomy/Physiology course to get ahead. It is a notoriously difficult course at my school and I want to take the time to familiarize myself with what I will be learning. I have a friend who recommended this to me and it is effective for helping to get the desired grade. Khan Academy and Crash Course on Youtube can help big time!

If you are able to, try to find a student who has just taken the course or has taken it before with your professor. He or she can give you tips on how to succeed in the class before you even set foot in there. Sometimes you will find that what you need to know is solely based off the lecture and not the readings, vice versa, or a combination of both. I also like to ask the professor once the course starts what he or she would recommend.

From there, I pay attention in class and actively participate. If needed, scan the material you will be covering that day beforehand and start forming questions. Recording the lecture (with permission of course) can do wonders. In class, ask those questions and answer the professor's questions. I personally try to make connections between different topics as I go. Within 24 hours, review the material you covered in class. Say it out loud, write it on a whiteboard, etc. My goal is to be able to teach it to someone else. Find a learning style that works best for you.

You may find studying with others to be helpful. Just make sure you and the other person or people come prepared and stay on track. Smaller groups tend to work better. You can take turns "teaching" each other and giving each other feedback. They may tell you something that you completely missed in lecture.

Lastly, I can't stress enough the reviewing after the class. It helps the information stay in your long term memory. Cramming might work for awhile, but it most likely won't get you to pass the NCLEX. Do not procrastinate as much as possible. The night before the exam get plenty of rest, eat a good breakfast the morning of, and wear clothes that are comfy. You do not what to be worrying about a stomach making noise or an itchy tag on your shirt.

Make time for yourself to just relax. Do not abuse this of course, but it is important for your mental health. I do all of these things and it has worked out well for me since I have started my journey to nursing school. I have not gotten anything less than an A in any of my college courses and I have my last class in the fall to take before I apply to my program. I try to do so well throughout the semester and have the highest grade possible. Come finals week, my grades are usually where I need a 20-50% on the final to still have an A in the course haha. This depends on the grading criteria for the class. I still do my best for the finals though!

Lastly, if/when you feel the burn out happening, want to give up, or want to procrastinate, remind yourself why you chose nursing for a career. What you learn is going to one day help someone else. When you actually get to nursing school, you may have to change your approach. That is perfectly fine! I hope this helps and best of wishes as you start your path to becoming a nurse.

ItsThatJenGirl, CNA · Jun 14, 2017

I'd figure out how you learn best. There are lots and lots of tests out there on the 'net that will tell you after answering a few questions. That will help get you started on figuring out the best way to study. I need repetition. I also like to say things out loud to reaffirm my learning, so I "teach" my dog a lot.

Since you're starting pre-req's, you have plenty of time to figure it out. Just do your best, make sure you make time for yourself and don't be too hard on yourself.

Best of luck!

Meesh21 · Jun 28, 2017

I actually went to Western and took their anatomy and physiology class along with chemistry and a couple others. I got accepted into their program but I denied my seat because I wasn't feeling that school at all. Anyways, I would say to just keep on top of your classes and don't fall behind. I am in a nursing program now and all i can say is a lot of the stuff is built up from your pre reqs, especially anatomy and physiology.