The "Art" of Skimming...

Kuriin, BSN, RN · Feb 15, 2014

A lot of us actually don't read the books if there are powerpoint slides. We only do read the book though if we are at a concept that we don't understand and need a little more in-depth view on the subject. I'm like you in that I can't skim as I try and get all the information, but, found that it is too impractical because reading science books (especially nursing) just take way too long.

TheERMurse · Feb 15, 2014

I did not read everything while in school, way too much to actually read. There were always powerpoints or .pdf files to look at for each class. I only read sections as needed for complete understanding of a concept. It is less about "skimming" and more about being selective with your information and time.

sjalv · Feb 15, 2014

This is how I utilize the required readings. I look at the class outline/lecture powerpoint, and find in my book the pathologies or diagnostic tests that are covered in the lecture. I highlight the risk factors, signs and symptoms, treatments indicated, and nursing interventions associated with the pathologies/diagnostic tests. That's it. Remember, you are in NURSING school, so just pick out the key things a nurse would need to know. If you can apply ADPIE to the disease processes covered in your lecture(s), you'll be fine. It helps to look at your lecture objectives, too, and use those as a guide for your reading.

RunnerRN2015, ASN, RN · Feb 15, 2014

I rarely read my textbooks. I mostly use them to look over charts and pictures and to go over concepts, etc that I'm not sure about. We are given pretty thorough powerpoints for every lecture.

mikasa · Feb 15, 2014

Some textbooks offer resources like online notes that summarized everything in the chapter which really helps me! Also, if I don't understand something I like to youtube it. For example, diabetes insipidus, I would youtube that and try and find someones life story which helps me retain information. I also like to draw, for example, how cells interact etc. So on an exam I could picture what I drew instead of remembering words. While I read, I write notes so I don't have to re-read and it's also helplful for the final because I can look at my notes instead of read the textbook. Good luck!

Jenngirl34RN · Feb 16, 2014

Here is how I handle all of the reading. I sit down with the competency statements for the module and my book(s). I go through the reading material by looking at headings for different sections/topics and only thoroughly read the sections that correspond with my competency statements. Once I am sure I can fully answer each competency statement I go back though the book and do the rest of the reading if I have time.

I base most of my studying off of the competency statements and my lecture notes. I don't really get a whole to out of the powerpoint slides because they tend to lack a lot of the details I need to answer the competency statements. I also answer a ton of NCLEX-style questions for each topic we cover.

Malorymug · Feb 16, 2014

I try to look at the material 7 times before an exam.

1. For pre-reading, I only look up the objectives that the professor has on the study guide for each chapter.

2. During lecture I add notes to the ppt, using a different color pen to alert me to where I need to read more in the text book.

3rd time, within a day of lecture, I listen to lecture again with my text book open looking at the pages and topics that the instructor is lecturing on, reading the sections I deemed read-worthy.

4. 3-4 days later, I flip through the chapters and read all the boxes, tables, and scenario presented

5. Several days before the exam, I write out a study guide for myself including high points from lecture, the objectives, perhaps vocabulary, and critical info from text.

6. Read part of text that I anticipate to be on the exam

7. Reading through my notes again

Hope this helps. I've never been patient enough to read entire chapters. Key to me is to see the material lots of different times.