Study tips needed

Published

This is my first post so not sure how it works. I am a first year nursing student. I have read study tips from this site but my question is, does anyone have any input on how to pick out the what important key information when making study notes/flash cards/concept maps? I have trouble narrowing down the mass amount of information to what is crucial.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
This is my first post so not sure how it works. I am a first year nursing student. I have read study tips from this site but my question is, does anyone have any input on how to pick out the what important key information when making study notes/flash cards/concept maps? I have trouble narrowing down the mass amount of information to what is crucial.

You need to understand the material and how it all connects. Memorizing notes and flashcards might not be effective for you the way it has been in prerequisite classes.

I found simply reading the book to be the most helpful. Even though I didn't remember every detail, I had enough understanding to guess the right answers. I also listened in class instead of taking notes. People who write frantically are not actually paying attention to what they're hearing or writing.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
You need to understand the material and how it all connects. Memorizing notes and flashcards might not be effective for you the way it has been in prerequisite classes.

I found simply reading the book to be the most helpful. Even though I didn't remember every detail, I had enough understanding to guess the right answers. I also listened in class instead of taking notes. People who write frantically are not actually paying attention to what they're hearing or writing.

Understanding is the key --- read the material prior to class (including power point slides if you have access to them)... this will give you a basic understanding that will allow you to participate in class discussions and answer questions directed towards the class... take notes on key topics presented in class... ask questions on concepts you are exactly clear on... reread the chapter after class and then complete any homework... also use any study material that is provided (tip: most texts have online resources including practice questions that you can register for and it's included in the cost of the text.)

I remember classmates that didn't do well and would say that they spent XX hours studying for an exam and would later realize that they actually spent more hours preparing note cards, outlines, re-writing their notes etc than they did actually studying the material.

This is time intensive, but after some time doing it you will start to realize what works best for you and it will start coming together more easily.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in NICU, ICU, PICU, Academia.

Reading for Comprehension 101: Usually the first sentence in a paragraph contains the key point- with subsequent sentences providing supporting detail.

Mortimer Adler's classic "How to Read a Book" is a great way to improve your comprehension as you enter the reading-heavy world of nursing school.

Good luck!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Most books have summary charts in them. For me, understanding the WHY behind the info is crucial. If I understand that, then the rest falls into place.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

What has been said is what has really helped me. Because if you understand how something works, you can usually reason out most of the other information. Instead of trying to memorize 10 symptoms of a disease, you can understand the disease and be able to figure out how it will affect the body. That just leaves you with maybe a few things to memorize. I also think that helps you with critical thinking because you start getting used to making connections.

Otherwise, use the PowerPoints to determine what topics your professor feels is necessary to know. You may need to know further details on those topics than there is in the PowerPoint but you could also be able to skip entire sections if a topic isn't even mentioned.

Also, YouTube is a great tool for videos that consolidate the info, sometimes with helpful diagrams, etc. I like to go over the PowerPoint while typing up notes, watch a few YouTube videos about it (adding to my notes),and then go to the chapter to skim what I already know and read the extra details that weren't in the other stuff. (Again, adding anything relevant to my notes.) I usually do this before class so the class is a review or clarification of anything I wasn't totally sure on.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thanks to all for the great advice, much appreciated!!! :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion