Studying Issues

Published

Specializes in NICU, ED, Forensic Nursing.

I am having the same problems trying to study now that bit me in the butt last semester. I have never had to study. Not during highschool, hardly during ADN prereqs. I am now having to study. This is my one shot to get this right. I have 2 months to get this information down, or I will not be able to continue in the program. Ok. The point of this post is not to whine, the point is to find a way to fix this.

For me every time I crack open a textbook, my brain is thinking, "Yay it is time to go to sleep." I get exhausted, like I cannot keep my eyes open whatsoever. I try to power through it, but I can't, sleep is inevitable. I have tried studying at the library, at home, in my bedroom, in the school cafeteria (where it is so noisy I can't concentrate). Studying while eating helps the most, but I am already overweight, the last thing I need to do is nothing but munch for the next two years. Help me Please. What are some of the tips and tricks you use while studying? How do you guys keep yourselves absorbed and interested in textbook material. I LOVE Nursing, I LOVE being a PCT, How can I get myself through the studying part of it? Anything is appreciated.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

i understand you completely.

i started out as an elementary education major, and didn't really have or need good study habits. when i switched my major to nursing, the science classes overwhelmed me and i needed to learn how to study quickly.

i'm halfway done with nursing school and here are some tips i've learned along the way that may help you:

coffee.

studying in groups. make it fun. me and nursing buddies would meet for coffee and bagels and study pharmacology on a saturday morning.

starting early helps. you're more refreshed and then you'll have the rest of your day to enjoy yourself.

instead of eating (eating helps me study too, but it's also helped me pack on a few) try mints or lifesavers.

good luck!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I'll tell you what I do - however lengthy the chapter in front of me is, I try to get myself excited for it (even if I'm not really excited about reading it). It's silly, but I basically have to say out loud "Endocrine system is so interesting! I've always wanted to learn more about it! Now is my chance" Don't forget to smile while doing it, or it won't work lol. Just trust me. Then, as I'm reading, I try to either think of a friend of a friend who has this disorder, of picture myself having it someday, or make up a patient in my mind who has it. This adds a little "personality" to the words on the paper. Get excited about the material!

As far as staying awake - I would suggest taking frequent breaks. So, read for 15 minutes - really focus - then take a 5 minute break by walking around, getting up and having a glass of cold water, washing your face, whatever works. Eventually, increase the reading increments to 45 minutes and take 15 minute breaks in between. The key here is to get up, stretch, get your blood flowing.

I wouldn't eat too much if I were you, b/c that will just weigh you down and make you more sleepy. A cold drink on the other hand is a great idea.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Are you getting enough sleep? If I'm tired, I can't study. I just can't. I have to make sure I am getting adequate rest. My brain functions much better when I've had enough rest.

Secondly. Figure out how much you can handle at a time. Don't try to "power" past that. For me its about 30-45 mins and then I need to take a break. Otherwise its just gibberish after that no matter how many hours I try to study.

I might study 3 hours but it won't be all at once. I might do 3 study sessions. In the morning, afternoon and then later that evening. That is far more effective to me than trying to study for 3 hours straight. But even during those sessions, I will take a break for 10-15 mins and do something else. Even if its just going outside and walking down the block and back again. Watch Family Guy or something funny on tv for a laugh.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in gyn.

Aromatherapy works for me. Peppermint is so stimulating. I burn peppermint essential oil or light a peppermint candle. Peppermint herbal tea is also a refreshing pick-me-up.

Redbull is awesome, but I don't drink it every day. It's a great mid-afternoon pick-me-up when you're sleep deprived and HAVE to concentrate.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Try doing it in small bites...read 15 min then break and make some note cards on what you just read and then repeat til your done.

Record your lectures if possible and listen to them as you drive.

And lots of coffee!! :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×

No matter how much sleep I get, I do the same thing. :zzzzz Here's a couple of ideas I use that may work for you too:

One thing that works fairly well for me is recognizing changes in my ability to comprehend. Once I start losing focus or forgetting what I just read, it's break time. I either work on a paper, drug cards, study something different, or rest my weary brain.

Being well hydrated makes a significant difference in my capacity to learn.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in NICU, ED, Forensic Nursing.

I got several useful tips out of this post. A huge thank you to all who replied. :yeah: Some of my favorite tips were these:

"One thing that works fairly well for me is recognizing changes in my ability to comprehend. Once I start losing focus or forgetting what I just read, it's break time. I either work on a paper, drug cards, study something different, or rest my weary brain.

Being well hydrated makes a significant difference in my capacity to learn."

" Aromatherapy works for me. Peppermint is so stimulating. I burn peppermint essential oil or light a peppermint candle. Peppermint herbal tea is also a refreshing pick-me-up."

"

I'll tell you what I do - however lengthy the chapter in front of me is, I try to get myself excited for it (even if I'm not really excited about reading it). It's silly, but I basically have to say out loud "Endocrine system is so interesting! I've always wanted to learn more about it! Now is my chance" Don't forget to smile while doing it, or it won't work lol. Just trust me. Then, as I'm reading, I try to either think of a friend of a friend who has this disorder, of picture myself having it someday, or make up a patient in my mind who has it. This adds a little "personality" to the words on the paper. Get excited about the material!

As far as staying awake - I would suggest taking frequent breaks. So, read for 15 minutes - really focus - then take a 5 minute break by walking around, getting up and having a glass of cold water, washing your face, whatever works. Eventually, increase the reading increments to 45 minutes and take 15 minute breaks in between. The key here is to get up, stretch, get your blood flowing.

I wouldn't eat too much if I were you, b/c that will just weigh you down and make you more sleepy. A cold drink on the other hand is a great idea. "

Thank you all/ And to everyone else Keep on replying. Now that I know I am not the only one with this issue, this thread will be able to help alot more struggling nursing students.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I just finished my PN and I had the same experience. I came up with a more creative approach to studying and it really worked for me. I use printer paper and colored pencils to make fliers for each topic we are studying. I include a brief explanation of the pathophysiology, and a list of risk factors. Then I write out a focused assessment, and interventions. Some topics require a second page for a med chart or a body map. I ask myself "If I had a patient with _____, what would I see (signs, symptoms, assessment) and what would I do (diagnostics, treatments, meds). This project gives purpose to my reading and helps me "pull" the information I need from the text. Also you end up with notes that are really easy to study. Good Luck!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in CVICU, CCU, MICU.

I am the same way. I tape record all of my lectures and always seem to fall asleep while listening to them. I now bring my recorder with me to the gym and listen to it while I go on the bike. I sometimes put my recorder on the computer and listen to it while browsing facebook. Frequent breaks help a ton. Get up every half an hour or hour and instead of sitting back down go for a walk even if it's to your mailbox.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Emergency; med-surg; mat-child.

I do a lot of reading on the treadmill. I have a laptop holder that I use when I listen to lectures, and then I can plop a book on it and just power up those inclines. It's hard to sleep at 3.5mph.

I also try to meet in groups. We have a small group and mostly keep on track, so there isn't much SQUIRREL! distraction when we get together. We shoot the breeze for 5m when we meet, then get into it.

I also started tutoring and that helps me a lot because explaining things helps me learn them better. Can you try and find someone to teach about what you're studying? Even the dog can be a good listener.

Podcasts rock my world. I've got a lot I listen to aside from lectures, and they sometimes stick when reading doesn't.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in NICU, ED, Forensic Nursing.

Awesome ideas. I especially love the coloring one. Way Cool, and different. Thanks again guys.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion