Tips to stay focused

springchick1, ADN, RN · Jan 27, 2014

Take breaks! I read for 30 minutes and then take a 5 minute break. I'll get up and walk around or return a text or phone call. I can't just sit and read for hours on end. It drives me crazy and the small breaks help a ton!!

kinokoboy · Jan 27, 2014

Stop doing group study!!!

springchick1, ADN, RN · Jan 27, 2014

Stop doing group study!!!

The OP never said anything about study groups but I disagree with you. I think study groups are extremely helpful and have helped me bring my grade up. There are 4-5 of us at the most and it's the same people every week. We talk through stuff and explain things that others don't understand.

kinokoboy · Jan 27, 2014

The OP isn't concentrating on her reading because she is relying on the study group to explain all the concepts/definitions to her.

springchick1, ADN, RN · Jan 28, 2014

The OP isn't concentrating on her reading because she is relying on the study group to explain all the concepts/definitions to her.

But OP never mentioned studying in a group. All it said was they were having a hard time concentrating. Where are you getting the whole study group thing from?

VAgirl247 · Jan 28, 2014

I alternate subjects every hour when I don't have my care plan.That way I can't get bored.

mrsboots87 · Jan 28, 2014

I also struggle withe hundreds of pages of readings. I have found it easier to just not read it all and skim. I stop and read in depth only when there is something I dont understand. Then I go to class and take notes in lecture. If something is brought up in lecture that I dont understand, then I go back and reread the sections on that topic. This works for me because the professors post powerpoints outlining lecture a couple days before class. I use that as my outline for reading. I also only read for an hour tops. Take a couple minute break to walk around, grab a drink, use the restroom, whatever then go back. Trying to power through is actually detrimental to learning because your brain will only focus for so long and then everything you read is in one ear and out the other. I also find relating the info I read to theoretical real life experience helpful, or to read a section and pretend I have an essay to write about that subject. If I cant effectively brainstorm an essay for the concept of the material, I will re read it. Try various things until you find what helps you get through the reading and retain the most info from it.

Oh, and I also find it helpfult o review all my notes within a day of writing them, or within a day from lecture on the material.

kp1987 · Jan 28, 2014

The OP isn't concentrating on her reading because she is relying on the study group to explain all the concepts/definitions to her.

Like aubgurl said I never mentioned anything about study groups and as a fact I do not study in study groups nor do I rely on any study group or person for that matter to explain concepts or definition to me, but thanks for your rude and uncalled for comment.

TheBlackDogWaits · Jan 28, 2014

Hi, KP! Something that really helps me is skimming through the collective tables and charts in your reading material before you dive into the meat and potatoes. The boxes are designed to give you pertinent information in a snapshot, so it is easier to wrap your head around. Once you have a general idea of the reading material based on the snippets, it may be easier to focus on and digest the actual reading assignments. And as pp have said: take breaks! Your brain begins to dull at ~50 minutes; so maybe you could try reading for 50 minutes, and taking a 10 minute break. This is also an easy way to keep track of time during study/non-study intervals. Good luck! Hope this helps

NuGuyNurse2b · Jan 28, 2014

Think about the money. No, not the money you'll be making when you are done with all this. The school loans you'll have to pay back if you don't stay focused and make it through. That money.

kp1987 · Jan 28, 2014

Thanks for all the tips everyone!