Everyone wants the inside scoop on this one! There is no secret formula for the perfect way to study in nursing school. We all know that every person is different and we all learn differently. What is good for the goose may not be good for the gander when it comes to studying for a program like nursing. Listed below are some tips and tricks that I found useful for studying in nursing school (or any other program!) ***PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS IS NOT RESEARCH RELATED. THESE ARE JUST TIPS FROM MY OWN PERSONAL EXPERIENCE.
1. Study for the same amount and time daily.
Did you catch that? Yes, it says DAILY. Now, of course this tip is flexible. You surely can take a day or two off every now and then, but what you want to establish is a routine. Studying for smaller amounts of time daily, prevents late night cram sessions or feeling the need to pull an “all-nighter.” Plus, I have found that students do much better when they study for short intervals of time and take breaks, than when they study for hours and hours at a time. You can only retain so much if you don’t give your brain a break.
2. Utilize the “breakfast, lunch, and dinner” method.
Maybe I need to coin this or complete a research project on this one. This is something that I came up with that I think works well. When you can (because there will be days that you can’t,) utilize this method to study. This option is best for class days off, weekends, and holiday breaks. I find this is a hard task to complete on class days. This is where you study 50 minutes to 1 hour after breakfast, lunch, and dinner. I find this method gives you a great amount of time to study and also lots of freedom. The key to this one is being distraction free. 50 minutes of hard study, then take a break until lunch-time. Repeat this process and you are well on your way to study-time nirvana.
3. Minimize distractions.
Distractions, or “squirrels,” are the killers of effective studying. The television, the cell phone, children, a spouse, etc. can interrupt your focus. Even being sleepy is a distraction. If you find yourself sleepy, please do not study. You will not retain much and you will have wasted valuable time. I find that it is also best to study outside of your home. Go to your school’s library or any other quiet place that is distraction-free. Many people go to coffee shops to study, yet sometimes this can lead to sensory distractions. Instead of focusing on fluid and electrolytes, you are thinking about what kind of roast they are brewing behind the counter….and how badly you could use a Caramel Macchiato. Make it Venti and make it fast!
4. Remember, completing homework or assignments is studying too!
Most instructors assign relevant homework. If you really focus on what you are doing, you will retain information you gained while completing your homework. This can count as some of your study time, if your focus remains intact. It’s not busy work if it is relevant to the topic being taught!
5. Figure out what works and doesn’t work for YOU.
This is probably the most important tip I have for you. Not everyone does well in study groups or studying alone. Some people do better studying for longer periods of time versus short bursts. Some people benefit from tutoring sessions and some can handle it with individual study. Find what works for your and roll with it. Hey, “if it ain’t broke…” you know the rest!
We would love to know what study methods you utilize and how they work for you! Please share! You can comment here or email me at ag@nursingforall.com.
Happy studying,
A.G.
Hey, why suggestions do you have for RN NCLEX?
Hi Ruby, NCLEX review is what I do in my everyday job. I teach for a review company. I, for the most part, don’t talk about NCLEX on my blog because it is a conflict of interest. What I can tell you is that everyone, no matter how well they did in nursing school, can benefit from taking the right review for them. There are a lot of reviews out there. Find one that fits your needs. I would be slightly biased in recommending one, because when i was a student, I took the review made by the company I work for now. Also, if you are struggling with NCLEX, don’t keep doing the same things you did before and expect different results. If you tried it on your own the first time, that will not work round 2. Change it up and don’t be afraid to try something different. If you would like to discuss this further, email me at ag@nursingforall.com. Have a good one!