What do you do?

amarilla, RN · Nov 4, 2009

Do you need last minute cram? If not, perhaps make a list of keywords or concepts to review briefly tomorrow and get some actual rest! No obsessing now - the test is nearly here and you don't need any more stress!

With regards to time management, it depends what works for you. I have classmates who make stacks upon stacks of flash cards, (to look at in traffic, in line at the ATM, etc - wherever they can squeeze in some review), others who download taped lectures to iPod, and some who re-write their own notes from the book into lectures.

How do you learn best? Do you have a schedule that you can set aside private time to study? Do you have an environment (at home, library, etc) where you can concentrate and get things done? Are you staying on top of your assignments, or are you only doing them as they come due?

All things to consider, and all matter when trying to find how studying will work for you.

Me myself - I like to read from the book and make notes (or sometimes pictures!). I try to set aside an hour - no more, no less - for concepts and study more often, rather than spend hours and hours rooted to the chair. I also like to try quizzes and activities online, questions from NCLEX review books for variety and the like to change things up.

Good luck on the test!

Best,

Southern

~Mi Vida Loca~RN, ASN, RN · Nov 5, 2009

I will tell you what I was told, applied and then have done and it has worked awesome.

If your body is telling you to sleep, then SLEEP. That sleep will be more beneficial to you then that extra couple hours of studying, you will be well rested, think more clearly, recall better and so on then if you were so overly tired.

Sleep is important and we should know this!

I was terrible on my sleeping habits. I was usually up until 2-3 in the morning on a typical nights, rarely went to bed at 1 or 4.

Since starting nursing school this semester I have made adequate sleep a top priority. Since doing so I have done far better in school then with my pre reqs and have studied LESS! I absorb so much more in lecture being well rested then when I did on only a few hours of sleep and energy drinks. I study maybe 2-3 hours a week and have a high B average. I have no doubt it is because I am learning so much more being well rested.

So when your body is fighting you that it just wants to sleep, then by all means LISTEN TO YOUR BODY! After all, it knows what's best!

With that, it is 9:30 which is my bed time, 5:30 comes fast!

diane227, LPN, RN · Nov 9, 2009

This is what I did in nursing school. First of all I never missed a class and I took good notes. I rarely read a book but sometimes I would look at a few things. Before a test I would read over my notes a couple of times and then go to bed. Sleep is the best medication for having a clear head for a test. If you are sleepy you won't be able to think clearly. In the morning, sometimes I would re-read my notes, then go take my test. That was it. Passed all my tests.