2 answers
Gabrielle
Student
Pueblo West, CO
1
Question
Asked
115 views
What is the best tip for getting through nursing school?
How can I study in a way where I retain the information, and what website/books/sources helped you through nursing school? Is there anything you regret putting time into study wise (that didn't work)?
Login to comment
2 answers
Kassi Adams
RN- Clinical Consultant
3
Answers
Chattanooga, Tennessee
Updated
Kassi’s Answer
Congratulations on choosing such a rewarding career!
Effective studying is best achieved when tailored to an individual's learning style. Personally, I find that hands-on learning and observation are more beneficial than merely reading. To supplement my regular studies, I took advantage of opportunities to volunteer at local healthcare facilities, such as hospitals and long-term care centers. This allowed me to experience the environment firsthand and observe nurses in action. Additionally, I utilized various tools, websites, and YouTube channels, such as RegisteredNurseRN, to review and reinforce the information covered in school.
While reading and studying are essential, I focused particularly on conditions, diagnostics, treatments, and patient education relevant to those conditions.
I do not regret studying any aspect of nursing school, as I believe none of it was a waste of time. Some subjects may be more critical to retain than others, but I view everything taught as foundational building blocks. The NCLEX, being a comprehensive examination, encompasses information from various areas and nursing responsibilities. Therefore, it is crucial to have a baseline knowledge across multiple subjects.
Best of luck on your nursing journey; it is truly a worthwhile endeavor!
Effective studying is best achieved when tailored to an individual's learning style. Personally, I find that hands-on learning and observation are more beneficial than merely reading. To supplement my regular studies, I took advantage of opportunities to volunteer at local healthcare facilities, such as hospitals and long-term care centers. This allowed me to experience the environment firsthand and observe nurses in action. Additionally, I utilized various tools, websites, and YouTube channels, such as RegisteredNurseRN, to review and reinforce the information covered in school.
While reading and studying are essential, I focused particularly on conditions, diagnostics, treatments, and patient education relevant to those conditions.
I do not regret studying any aspect of nursing school, as I believe none of it was a waste of time. Some subjects may be more critical to retain than others, but I view everything taught as foundational building blocks. The NCLEX, being a comprehensive examination, encompasses information from various areas and nursing responsibilities. Therefore, it is crucial to have a baseline knowledge across multiple subjects.
Best of luck on your nursing journey; it is truly a worthwhile endeavor!
Susana Abena Appiah
MIDWIFE
70
Answers
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Updated
Susana Abena’s Answer
Hello Gabriella, thank you for your questions.
Getting through nursing school can be challenging, but with the right strategies, it's entirely doable. Here are some tips and resources that can help you retain information and make the most out of your time:
1. Effective Study Techniques:
Active Learning: Engage with the material rather than just reading passively. This can include:
Teach Back: Explain what you've learned to someone else or even to yourself. Teaching solidifies the information.
Practice Questions: Use NCLEX-style practice questions to test your knowledge. This helps you get used to the types of questions that may appear in exams and strengthens your recall.
Case Studies: Apply what you're learning to real-world scenarios. This helps with critical thinking and how to apply theoretical knowledge in practice.
Study Groups: Collaborating with peers can provide new insights and help reinforce your understanding of the material.
2. Spacing and Consistency:
Spaced Repetition: Use tools like Anki or Quizlet to make flashcards and apply the spaced repetition method. This means reviewing material at increasing intervals to help commit it to long-term memory.
Daily Study Routine: Stick to a routine that includes small, consistent study sessions rather than cramming before exams. This allows you to retain information over time without burnout.
3. Focus on Clinical Skills:
Nursing is not only about theory. It's also about clinical skills. Spend time practicing procedures and simulations, as well as shadowing professionals. Hands-on experience helps solidify theoretical knowledge.
4. Prioritize Important Content:
Focus your study efforts on topics most likely to be tested or most important for your future practice. Use the nursing school syllabus to identify key concepts that will likely appear on exams.
Look at textbooks that are high yield for the NCLEX, as this is a good guideline for what you should focus on.
5. Manage Your Time:
Time Management is key. Use a planner or digital calendar to organize your assignments, study sessions, and personal time. Don’t neglect your well-being—make time for rest, exercise, and socializing.
Avoid Procrastination: Break tasks down into smaller chunks and start early to avoid the stress of last-minute cramming.
6. Use Multimodal Resources:
Books: Some popular textbooks used by nursing students include:
"Fundamentals of Nursing" by Potter and Perry
"Pharmacology for Nurses" by Lilley
"Nursing Diagnosis Handbook" by Ackley & Ladwig
Websites: A few websites with great resources for nursing students are:
Nurse Labs: Offers summaries, quizzes, and cheat sheets for nursing students.
Up To Date: A reliable resource for clinical practice guidelines.
Khan Academy: Great for visual learners, especially when it comes to complex anatomy or physiology topics.
Nursing.com: Offers NCLEX prep, clinical knowledge, and other resources.
Registered Nurse (RN): Offers video tutorials and NCLEX review materials.
Medscape: Good for evidence-based research and medical news.
7. Self-Care and Mental Health:
Nursing school can be overwhelming, so it’s important to prioritize your mental health. Make sure you are getting enough sleep, eating well, and engaging in activities outside of school to relieve stress.
Mindfulness or Meditation: It may be helpful to practice mindfulness or meditation to manage stress and stay focused.
8. Regrets or Time Wasters:
One regret I made nursing students is spending too much time on material that’s too advanced for the current stage in the program. It's important to focus on fundamentals first before diving into more advanced content.
Again, relying solely on one study method can also be a mistake. Diversifying your study methods—like mixing reading with videos, practice questions, and active recall—can boost retention.
Lastly, avoiding burnout is crucial. It’s easy to get caught up in constant studying, but without self-care, you risk not retaining anything effectively. Avoid neglecting your physical and mental health.
9. Stay Positive and Persevere:
Nursing school is challenging, and there will be times when things feel overwhelming. However, remember why you started and keep your goals in mind. Use positive affirmations and break down big tasks into manageable pieces.
You don’t have to know everything right away. Focus on gradual improvement rather than perfection.
My final advice:
If you stay consistent, don’t hesitate to ask for help, and use a variety of study techniques, you’ll not only succeed but thrive in nursing school. Remember, nursing is a journey and every step you take—no matter how small—will lead you closer to your goal.
Best Luck.
Getting through nursing school can be challenging, but with the right strategies, it's entirely doable. Here are some tips and resources that can help you retain information and make the most out of your time:
1. Effective Study Techniques:
Active Learning: Engage with the material rather than just reading passively. This can include:
Teach Back: Explain what you've learned to someone else or even to yourself. Teaching solidifies the information.
Practice Questions: Use NCLEX-style practice questions to test your knowledge. This helps you get used to the types of questions that may appear in exams and strengthens your recall.
Case Studies: Apply what you're learning to real-world scenarios. This helps with critical thinking and how to apply theoretical knowledge in practice.
Study Groups: Collaborating with peers can provide new insights and help reinforce your understanding of the material.
2. Spacing and Consistency:
Spaced Repetition: Use tools like Anki or Quizlet to make flashcards and apply the spaced repetition method. This means reviewing material at increasing intervals to help commit it to long-term memory.
Daily Study Routine: Stick to a routine that includes small, consistent study sessions rather than cramming before exams. This allows you to retain information over time without burnout.
3. Focus on Clinical Skills:
Nursing is not only about theory. It's also about clinical skills. Spend time practicing procedures and simulations, as well as shadowing professionals. Hands-on experience helps solidify theoretical knowledge.
4. Prioritize Important Content:
Focus your study efforts on topics most likely to be tested or most important for your future practice. Use the nursing school syllabus to identify key concepts that will likely appear on exams.
Look at textbooks that are high yield for the NCLEX, as this is a good guideline for what you should focus on.
5. Manage Your Time:
Time Management is key. Use a planner or digital calendar to organize your assignments, study sessions, and personal time. Don’t neglect your well-being—make time for rest, exercise, and socializing.
Avoid Procrastination: Break tasks down into smaller chunks and start early to avoid the stress of last-minute cramming.
6. Use Multimodal Resources:
Books: Some popular textbooks used by nursing students include:
"Fundamentals of Nursing" by Potter and Perry
"Pharmacology for Nurses" by Lilley
"Nursing Diagnosis Handbook" by Ackley & Ladwig
Websites: A few websites with great resources for nursing students are:
Nurse Labs: Offers summaries, quizzes, and cheat sheets for nursing students.
Up To Date: A reliable resource for clinical practice guidelines.
Khan Academy: Great for visual learners, especially when it comes to complex anatomy or physiology topics.
Nursing.com: Offers NCLEX prep, clinical knowledge, and other resources.
Registered Nurse (RN): Offers video tutorials and NCLEX review materials.
Medscape: Good for evidence-based research and medical news.
7. Self-Care and Mental Health:
Nursing school can be overwhelming, so it’s important to prioritize your mental health. Make sure you are getting enough sleep, eating well, and engaging in activities outside of school to relieve stress.
Mindfulness or Meditation: It may be helpful to practice mindfulness or meditation to manage stress and stay focused.
8. Regrets or Time Wasters:
One regret I made nursing students is spending too much time on material that’s too advanced for the current stage in the program. It's important to focus on fundamentals first before diving into more advanced content.
Again, relying solely on one study method can also be a mistake. Diversifying your study methods—like mixing reading with videos, practice questions, and active recall—can boost retention.
Lastly, avoiding burnout is crucial. It’s easy to get caught up in constant studying, but without self-care, you risk not retaining anything effectively. Avoid neglecting your physical and mental health.
9. Stay Positive and Persevere:
Nursing school is challenging, and there will be times when things feel overwhelming. However, remember why you started and keep your goals in mind. Use positive affirmations and break down big tasks into manageable pieces.
You don’t have to know everything right away. Focus on gradual improvement rather than perfection.
My final advice:
If you stay consistent, don’t hesitate to ask for help, and use a variety of study techniques, you’ll not only succeed but thrive in nursing school. Remember, nursing is a journey and every step you take—no matter how small—will lead you closer to your goal.
Best Luck.
Thank you so very much for this well-written response. All of this information is very helpful, and I will apply it to my future learning. Thanks again!
Gabrielle
All thanks be to GOD
Susana Abena Appiah