Why the heck am I so slow???

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I'm not certain, but I think I may be slow to learn. I read slow and I am indecisive about which topics to write about--takes me hours just to decide. It's driving me crazy. So, it has me thinking about nursing; what if my patient needs something urgent? Am I gong to be able to think on my feet? But then again, I seem to do better under pressure--natural born stress junkie, maybe?

Maybe it's age? History of bad behavior :o? What I do know is that I am highly annoyed by this hindrance.

Any advice?

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Much of healthcare is now algorithmic. If you don't know then follow the flowchart. You'll be fine. Healthcare is nearly thoughtless these days. Lives are saved everyday thanks to flowcharts. Heck, my doctor doesn't even do any thinking anymore. He just plugs away at his little pocket PC, pushes enter, and it spits out a diagnosis and a prescription on a printer in the hallway. Copay for six minutes of service. Love it! I could download The 5 Minute Clinical Consult and do the same thing...if only I could generate a prescription...

Look up ways to speed read on the internet. There are books available that'll help with that as well as comprehension. I skim a lot, but it depends on my level of interest. You don't sound like an avid reader. Start reading. The more you read the faster you get and the more you retain.

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Specializes in LPN.

Isn't it maddening to see people pick up things quicker than you. Or so it seems. You may just be learning more deeply. By this I mean you need to know more information to feel comfortable than the next person. So if you don't learn somthing and all it's related material well, you aren't satisfied. While other people take simply as they are written and are satisfied without making all the connections and questioning the how's and why's. Simply speaking you may be expecting more out of yourself than others expect for themselves. Does that make any sense?

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Well, I love reading and read quite a bit over summer, but during school, I don't have the extra time to read the material I enjoy.

When I am reading for enjoyment, I do not experience these same issues; as a matter of fact, if the book is really good, I will slow down the reading so I can savor it longer.

Different story with my texts. I will read [sometimes the same sentence] until I'm able to visualize the process, and I have a horrible tendency to over study.

Maybe I'll look more into speed reading workshops over summer break.

Thanks for the perspective.

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Specializes in Cath Lab & Interventional Radiology.

Maybe you should pick up a "nursing made incredibly easy" book for whatever subject you are studying . You could read the pertinent information in there first. (Often there are pictures to help you visualize.)These books cover the basic "need to know" information. Then after that you could read the textbook for the added depth of the information. It might be easier for you to understand the text if you already have a visual. Good Luck!

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That may be something that would seriously benefit me. I actually like the Made Incredibly Easy series. Glad to find out there is one for nursing. Thanks

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Specializes in Cath Lab & Interventional Radiology.

There are many "nursing made incredibly easy" books. I especially like the med-surg one. But seriously, since using that book, I have gotten an A on every med-surg test. I also subscribe to "Nursing Made Incredibly Easy" the magazine. They have a coupon code to get a years subscription for only $15, which gives you access to all of their old archives online as well. Good Luck to you in your studies! :coollook:

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Specializes in Ask away I shall tell.

Dear "Why am I so slow,"

Sometimes our minds are so overwhelmed by the subject, school stress, sleepless nights, and well LIFE! Don't be too hard on yourself, when I was in nursing school i'd always get side tracked by choosing topics as I am not a big leader, I am somewhat more of a follower.

As far as comparing if your patient has urgency in the future and you will be indecisive is totally irrelevant. On paper or book you may be stumped, but believe me when it comes to physically "acting upon" an emergency you will act. I was exactly like you as a student it all changes as you get your confidence up and it all comes with hands on learning experience. Feel free to e mail me if you have further questions. I have worked with numerous students in the past. Goodluck girl!

travelnurse

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