Studying... How did you do it?

SmilingBluEyes · Oct 6, 2005

I used to make notes in the margins of my books after reading paragraphs. Then I would review my notes regaring the "main points" for study. (we had 300-400 page reading assignments; obviously can't read ALL that twice).

NCLEX study guides were my friends. I used these to review for tests, and scored mostly 90% and above, doing so.

Study groups were a huge no-no and problem for me. Seems there was always the slacker or two who did not pull her weight and expected us to carry her. No thanks. I had ONE study partner and we would bounce things off each other weekends before tests (we had a test every other Monday, 100 to 125 questions each).

I found these habits were what worked for me. I graduated w/a 4.0 doing this, so I would say it served me well.

AngelsRN · Oct 6, 2005

I used Saunders Comprehensive Review and it helped me immensely. I am in my last semester and now am using Saunders and a Mosby's review book to study for the NCLEX. I also read the text taking notes on what I read as well as copied over my class notes. For me, writing the material over and over helped to get it into my head.

Good Luck!!

babybee3184 · Oct 7, 2005

I think it depends on your classes, really. I rarely read from the book b/c our professors always use their own notes and only test off of those. Nursing is more application than memorization...So, I would study the notes until I knew them and then think of situations or problems to where I would apply that knowledge. That way when there were application test questions I felt more prepared (since they seem to be the hardest). Also, I would re write the most important parts of my notes over in a separate notebook to ingrain it in my head. Then when I went to review, I had all the highlights and major components in shorter note form and it seemed less overwhelming. Study groups may help, too b/c people can think up of unique ways to remember information that may help you as well.

But, just study study. You'll probably study in nursing like you've never had before.

mommy2BCD · Oct 7, 2005

Hello, I am having a time with studying. When I study for previous classes(before Nursing School), the format worked well. But at Nursing school, my format is not working. I try to read the chapters, go back with the study guide and then go back again and take notes on what i have read. Can anyone please give me any tips on studying that helped you?
Thanks so much :)
Monipv

I am also having a very hard time with nursing courses. They are not simply memorizing the material so that's where the problems come in! Our professors like to throw stuff at us all the time that we have NEVER discussed in class and aparently we are supposed to "know" it, even though I don't even read it in the books we have. I just feel so stupid sometimes when i go to take my tests. I have always had very good grades up until this point, but I am struggling with these application type questions Any advice would be welcomed on my part too~!

AngelsRN · Oct 7, 2005

Do you have a manual for the course outlining objectives etc for each topic. We do and I have found that often any topic not discussed in class was in the objectives - so I learned to review them and anything not discussed in class review on my own. It takes time, but . . .

AMARTIN1 · Oct 8, 2005

As most of the posts stated, using the NCLEX study guides and discs do work. I also took advantage of the discs in our study books for school and found most of the exams in school came from our books. I never could read those ridiculous "required reading" pages...60 to 70 pgs a week? please. We were taught only to memorize information in boxes in our study books. Important things like vital signs, s/s of certain disease processes and lab values. If you can get down the basics of pathophysiology, you can think your way through any test. You have to know normal and abnormal labs and the underlying disease process and how it affects other systems to do well. The study guides like Mosbys and Saunders help to train your brain early and get you thinking critically. You also find that the answer is not always complicated either, never forget to look at common sense things like changes in level of conciousness or sudden shortness of breath. I made it through school with lots of prayer and writing down information three or four times to make it stick. It's really hard to retrain your brain to critically think when we've spent half our lives "memorizing" but it can be done. I didn't like study groups either. People tend to try to do things their way and lose focus, which complicates things more. Be easy on yourselves and good luck, it gets easier with time. I didn't "get it" until my last semester in critical care, GO FIGURE!!! :lol2: GOD BLESS!! AMARTIN1

PhoenixGirl · Oct 8, 2005

I agree with the posters who said use the Nclex study guides. My instructors said to wait and use them later, but I opened my from day one! I find that the chapters coincide with many nclex reviews so i will open them up and do the ones that are the same subject. Reading the nclex study books will give you lots of tips and hints for how to handle nursing school test questions.

As for the reading, I highlight the important stuff as I'm reading. Stuff that I just know I want to learn for myself, plus stuff that is in our power points. So when I go back and review my books I don't read everything, just my highlighted stuff.

I also have a study group that is great. But all the people in my study group are bigtime studyers, we don't have any slackers. I think it's great because I always get help memorizing stuff with little tricks my friends share.

Good luck!