Nursing school is tough. I've been told recently though, just be glad you're not becoming a doctor, now that's hard. No one really wants to compare nursing school to med school, well at least not me. I'm in nursing school because I want to be, not because I couldn't score high enough on an MCAT. Although both educations are intense there seems to be more information circulating around about how to survive med school but not much about nursing school. The things I have found on nursing school are vague at best.
Here are a few suggestions (my own) that I live by for studying.
1) Studying too much and not reading enough.
Many people feel it's OK to just study their notes from class and not read all their material in the book. Although an instructor may say, "you only need to know the items in this power point for the test..." does not mean that's all you need to know. To pass a class there may be only certain knowledge needed however you need all the knowledge you can get from your pre-reqs for nursing school.
For example, I had a professor that said only what I talk about will be on the test. So of course very keenly most people only took notes on the power point she showed us and what she said. I know some people never opened the book and passed with a C. I got an A because I knew there would be more on the test then she led onto. Reading the book gives you a good base to learn from. Read the book along with studying.
2) Studying too long at once.
Studying in 3 or 4 hour blocks is not good for you. You should be studying for an hour or so and taking a 10 to 15 minute break in between study "sessions". One thing I have learned to do is study for a bit an hour or so then take a break, surf the net, get something to eat, take a short walk, make that important phone call you've been putting off...well you get the idea. Do something that takes your mind off studying for a bit.
3) You probably don't have enough methods of studying.
Although there is not one way to study there are sometimes only one way that works for you. Here are some suggestions I have and you can use them based on your learning style. (most colleges have tutors that will let you take a quick test to determine your learning style).
There is so much more beyond the power points we're given and the notes we took in class. Actually read your book and try to stay ahead of your class by reading for the next review in class before that class. Use flash cards, they can help you memorize formulas for calculations, help you with memorizing words and phrases used in nursing such as sagittal plane or functional health patterns.
Many textbooks have free on-line practice tests and quizzes, they also have on-line matching games and other activities to help you remember key points. Take advantage of these quizzes and tests, my first exam this semester had several questions from our on-line textbook resources. I was able to answer those 4 or 5 questions with confidence and ease because I had already "answered" them before.
One last thing I want to touch on with different types of studying. Listen to your lecture again while reading your power point slides or your notes. Just another suggestion if you're the type of learner that likes to "hear" what is being taught.
I study, take my break then change up my studying. I use flash cards, practice tests, read my notes, study the power points and re-read material in my book if needed. This keeps my mind fresh and I don't get burned out or bored form studying "too much".
Good luck!
0 comments:
Post a Comment