Study Tips!

[avianale]

I am taking about 8 classes this semester (registered for 7, but in one class we are taught both nursing math and a different course separately).

It's so challenging to study for my skills, on top of 3-5 chapters of reading assignments, on top of weekly quizzes and essays, on top of thoroughly understanding the concept and not just getting them done, and acing everything I'm assigned to do.

So so overwhelming for me. I also want that invitation from STTI (Sigma Theta Tau International) at the end of my junior year. I feel quite discourage that I'm unable to handle all this stress and work.

Once I overcome this week and feel like I actually completed my to-do list, come Sunday night I'm back to feeling behind all over again. When does the stress end?! Lol.

[runsalot]

Do you need to take that many? Can you drop some?

That's a lot. You are taking 24 or 21 credits?

[avianale]

No I can't drop any. They're all part of my first semester in nursing school. It's just a total of 17 credits (two classes is 1 credit each and the rest are 3) even though it feels like it's more than that haha.

[barcode120x, RN, NP]

Edit: just saw your next reply.

All I can say is time management and by the looks of it, you may literally have to give up social life (not joking either). Find out what classes are easy and focus on them a little less. Any chance you get free time, rest up, sleep, and de-stress if you can.

[pmabraham, BSN, RN]

Good day:

First, look only at the the present, and just upcoming (i.e. no more than a few months away -- and only those items that require you to start acting sooner than later). Worrying about what will or will not happen in your junior year does what for your motivation? For your energy levels? Etc.

Second, as shared above, time management.

See https://allnurses.com/pre-nursing-student/how-get-any-846733.html

Your syllabus should be driving your schedule. You need to determine how much study time is needed for each class (a "general" rule of thumb is a minimum of two hours of study time per week for each hour of lecture or lab time; you may find some classes require less, and some classes require far far more). You then set up a calendar system breaking down when you have classes, when you will need to start working on what specific papers, when you will study, when you might study more because of a test, etc.

Then you follow your calendar as best as possible only deviating for true emergencies or if you really are that far ahead you can give yourself a short break.

Do try to map out physical activities such as walking, running, working out, etc. -- not just for staying in shape, but giving your mind recovery time.

Thank you.