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Lila
Student
Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania
1
Question
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What are the best study methods and habits to retain information for a nursing student? #Spring26
I'm currently a senior at Central High School and I will be entering Widener University this fall as a nursing major. I want to improve my study habits so that I can maintain a high GPA throughout undergraduate school, and I would like to know what methods are best for information retention.
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katy denby
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katy’s Answer
There are many ways to help studying habits, you can try looking up psychological study habits. The ones I know is to eat something with sugar while studying and when you take a break from studying it's better to go outside on a walk and to avoid screens. Studying in the late morning, afternoon, or early evenings are the best times to study for the brain and also coming up with a reward system while studying to keep you motivated.
Suraayah Hunter
Independent Consultant
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Atlanta, Georgia
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Suraayah’s Answer
Hi Lila — congratulations on beginning your nursing journey at Widener. You’re already positioning yourself for success by thinking about study habits before the semester starts. Widener’s nursing program is rigorous, fast‑paced, and highly self‑directed, so the students who excel are those who understand how they learn best and adapt their strategies as needed.
One of the most important things to recognize early is that nursing school is not about memorizing every detail. It’s about developing the ability to think clinically, manage large volumes of information, and build consistent study routines. This begins with identifying your peak learning hours and understanding which habits support your retention. Some students study best in the library, others in their residence hall, and many use a combination of both. Widener’s curriculum will require independent study, accountability, and the willingness to pivot when a method is no longer effective.
During my own nursing program, I dealt with insomnia, so I structured my study routine around it. I went to sleep early, woke between 1–3 AM to study while it was quiet, took a short nap, ate breakfast, and reviewed again before exams. It wasn’t conventional, but it aligned with my natural rhythm — and that’s the key. Nursing school rewards self‑awareness.
I also used layered studying. If a chapter was straightforward, I reviewed it once. If it was more complex, I wrote key terms on a yellow legal pad in red ink and revisited them frequently. Instead of index cards, I posted essential information around my room and mirrors. Visual repetition made a significant difference.
If you’re a visual learner, YouTube can be an excellent supplement. Channels like RegisteredNurseRN, Simple Nursing, and Osmosis present material in a way that often makes difficult concepts easier to grasp. And if you ever feel stuck or anxious, tutoring is a valuable resource — not only for content support but also for reducing stress and helping you recalibrate your approach.
Widener’s simulation labs, skills labs, and clinical preparation spaces are strong assets. Use them early. Simulation is a safe environment to practice assessments, communication, and clinical reasoning before entering patient care settings. Widener faculty are approachable, so attend office hours early in the semester to build rapport. Complete extra credit when available — it provides a buffer later when coursework becomes more demanding. Aim to perform well at the start of each term; it gives you flexibility as the material becomes more complex.
Your living environment also matters. Nursing students need consistent sleep, quiet, and structure. Evaluate your roommate situation early. If your roommate is respectful and maintains a balanced routine, that stability will support your academic goals. If the environment becomes disruptive, speak with your RA or the housing office. Room changes are more common than students realize, especially for majors with early clinical mornings and heavy study loads. In future years, consider applying to be a Resident Assistant (RA). RAs often receive quieter housing or single rooms, which can provide an ideal study environment along with leadership experience.
Most importantly, pay attention to when you need to adjust your approach. If you’re rereading without comprehension, if your grades decline, or if you feel overwhelmed, it’s a sign to pivot. Nursing school requires flexibility, and it’s normal for your study methods to evolve.
You’re already ahead by preparing now. With strong habits, self‑awareness, and the willingness to adjust your strategies, you can absolutely maintain a high GPA and thrive in Widener’s nursing program.
– Dr. Hunter
1. Identify your peak study hours and build your routine around when you learn most effectively.
2. Choose your study environment — library, residence hall, group, or a combination — based on where you retain information best.
3. Use active recall: write, teach back, quiz yourself, and review in layers rather than cramming.
4. Meet your professors early, attend office hours, and use tutoring before challenges escalate.
5. Supplement with visual tools like YouTube and place key information where you’ll see it regularly.
One of the most important things to recognize early is that nursing school is not about memorizing every detail. It’s about developing the ability to think clinically, manage large volumes of information, and build consistent study routines. This begins with identifying your peak learning hours and understanding which habits support your retention. Some students study best in the library, others in their residence hall, and many use a combination of both. Widener’s curriculum will require independent study, accountability, and the willingness to pivot when a method is no longer effective.
During my own nursing program, I dealt with insomnia, so I structured my study routine around it. I went to sleep early, woke between 1–3 AM to study while it was quiet, took a short nap, ate breakfast, and reviewed again before exams. It wasn’t conventional, but it aligned with my natural rhythm — and that’s the key. Nursing school rewards self‑awareness.
I also used layered studying. If a chapter was straightforward, I reviewed it once. If it was more complex, I wrote key terms on a yellow legal pad in red ink and revisited them frequently. Instead of index cards, I posted essential information around my room and mirrors. Visual repetition made a significant difference.
If you’re a visual learner, YouTube can be an excellent supplement. Channels like RegisteredNurseRN, Simple Nursing, and Osmosis present material in a way that often makes difficult concepts easier to grasp. And if you ever feel stuck or anxious, tutoring is a valuable resource — not only for content support but also for reducing stress and helping you recalibrate your approach.
Widener’s simulation labs, skills labs, and clinical preparation spaces are strong assets. Use them early. Simulation is a safe environment to practice assessments, communication, and clinical reasoning before entering patient care settings. Widener faculty are approachable, so attend office hours early in the semester to build rapport. Complete extra credit when available — it provides a buffer later when coursework becomes more demanding. Aim to perform well at the start of each term; it gives you flexibility as the material becomes more complex.
Your living environment also matters. Nursing students need consistent sleep, quiet, and structure. Evaluate your roommate situation early. If your roommate is respectful and maintains a balanced routine, that stability will support your academic goals. If the environment becomes disruptive, speak with your RA or the housing office. Room changes are more common than students realize, especially for majors with early clinical mornings and heavy study loads. In future years, consider applying to be a Resident Assistant (RA). RAs often receive quieter housing or single rooms, which can provide an ideal study environment along with leadership experience.
Most importantly, pay attention to when you need to adjust your approach. If you’re rereading without comprehension, if your grades decline, or if you feel overwhelmed, it’s a sign to pivot. Nursing school requires flexibility, and it’s normal for your study methods to evolve.
You’re already ahead by preparing now. With strong habits, self‑awareness, and the willingness to adjust your strategies, you can absolutely maintain a high GPA and thrive in Widener’s nursing program.
– Dr. Hunter
Suraayah recommends the following next steps: