Suggestion for new nursing students (Spring 2008)

RNMom2010 · Dec 12, 2007

Did you read prior to lecture, and then re-read again after to highlight lecture points? Or is that overdoing it?

Any advice on note taking? Any advice is welcome I am getting so nervous now that the time is getting closer!!

MiaKeaRN · Dec 12, 2007

Did you read prior to lecture, and then re-read again after to highlight lecture points? Or is that overdoing it?
Any advice on note taking? Any advice is welcome I am getting so nervous now that the time is getting closer!!

I actually de-bound my book and put the chapters I was studying into a binder, that I could carry with me to school. I did not use a separate notebook, but highlighted in my chapter and wrote notes on the pages. My way may not work for everyone, but trying to take notes on 8 chapters worth of "stuff" was just too much for me. I would read the chapter through once, go back and highlight & write some notes, and then study from there. My instructor loved it and actually asked if she could show my binder to some of the students who were looking for new ways to study.

We were also given power point notes in class, and I would use those to make sure that I didn't miss anything in my notes/highlighting.

Good luck!!

akspudus · Dec 13, 2007

YES!! definitely keep up with the reading. I started off with a head start on my reading. For the first half of the semester I had read the appropriate chapter prior to lecture. I slacked for one week and found myself behind. I found it very hard to catch up. Its one thing to move your eyes over the pages...its another to actually "get" the information. Trying to catch up...and "get it"...is nearly impossible.

That first half of the semester was WAY less stressful.

akspudus

p.s....If you happen to be using the Wilkinson, Van Leuven Fundamentals of Nursing texts....make sure you check out their chapter podcasts. If you don't have an ipod..get one...these chapter podcasts are awesome!!

paulaking1978 · Dec 13, 2007

Reading is definetly important to stay on top of. Especially to get an idea of what the next lecture is going to be covering. Taping your lectures isn't a bad idea either. I would listen to them about a day after the original lecture and rewrite/type my notes to the powerpoints they provided.

RNMom2010 · Dec 13, 2007

My co-worker who is ahead of me in the ADN program says that our school does not allow us to record the lectures. But she doesn't know why! I think that is kind of strange, and have never heard anyone else say that they cannot tape lectures. I see so many people post about how much it helps them to re-listen to the tapes, I am dissapointed that it is not an option for me!

paulaking1978 · Dec 13, 2007

My co-worker who is ahead of me in the ADN program says that our school does not allow us to record the lectures. But she doesn't know why! I think that is kind of strange, and have never heard anyone else say that they cannot tape lectures. I see so many people post about how much it helps them to re-listen to the tapes, I am dissapointed that it is not an option for me!

I think I would make sure that is the school policy....and you may want to ask the instructor is she/he would mind if you could record. That is strange, I have never heard of a school not allowing for recording lectures???

livingthedream, APN · Dec 13, 2007

I read and highlight. Then write the highlighting into notes and an outline. Then I take the outline with me EVERYWHERE. I took flash cards to a cubs game last quarter - but it paid off - I got the A I wanted in that class.

I find that I read every day and stay on top of the reading, I make my outlines to remember the material and then I just review and review and review. My favorite is taking the notes to the gym and getting on a treadmill and walking and talking the notes. I am sure I annoy a whole lot of folks at the gym, but I don't care.

Good luck!!

KungFuFtr · Dec 13, 2007

My co-worker who is ahead of me in the ADN program says that our school does not allow us to record the lectures. But she doesn't know why! I think that is kind of strange, and have never heard anyone else say that they cannot tape lectures. I see so many people post about how much it helps them to re-listen to the tapes, I am dissapointed that it is not an option for me!

My psych teacher had the same rule. The reason...she made past client references/stories and she didn't want that "on tape".

dfarr · Dec 13, 2007

I rarely read my books unless I didn't understand what was taught in lecture. I mainly focused on the notes I took in class. I don't learn from reading the texts. I learn from hearing, seeing, and discussing things. It also made people mad that I made the same grades as them without having to read, highlight, & re-read.

ally21 · Dec 14, 2007

We're not allowed to tape lectures and it states it in the nursing student handbook. I think it is because of the reason someone else mentioned about how stories are mentioned from clinical experience.

I need to brush up on my study skills and schedule times when I need to study. It's hard playing catch up toward the end of the semester! I passed this semester, but I could've done better. I have a habit of studying the difficult stuff and brushing off the "easy" stuff thinking I know it only to confuse myself once the test rolls around. I get hard questions right and easy questions wrong.

akspudus · Dec 14, 2007

Another study suggestion.....when Daytonite speaks...pay attention. There are some great people that invest time into this forum to help present and future nurses. Daytonite is one of them.

Do a simple search for posts by Daytonite...take a look at all the links that she has posted. Such a wealth of resources!!!

Thanks Daytonite!!!

akspudus