Nursing School Study Tips: How Can I Maximize my Study Time?

Going to nursing school requires a lot of studying in order to be successful. With so much learning and memorization to do, it helps to have efficient study practices. That way, you can ensure that you are maximizing your study time and getting the most out of your efforts. Follow these tips to help you retain information better and feel more prepared come exam time.

Clear a Space for Studying

It is very difficult to study properly when your work area is a mess. Set aside a designated area in your home for studying, or head to your school's library for a quiet environment that is free from distractions. This way, you'll be able to concentrate on the task at hand, rather than on that pile of laundry that needs to be done.

Get Organized

When you are taking multiple courses at the same time, it's easy to confuse which information you need to know for each one, especially if the topics are similar. Use a notebook with multiple sections, or use a separate notebook for each class. Any time you receive a handout in class, immediately put it with the rest of your notes for that particular class. When it comes time to study, you'll be able to focus on the information you need without wasting time on that which you don't.

Take Detailed Notes

When taking notes in class, focus on information that isn't in your textbook. Teachers love to pull test questions from their lecture content, so these types of things are the most important for you to write down. If you already read about a topic in your textbook, there is no need to take notes on it, except for information that isn't in the book. After class, take the time to recopy or type up your notes so that they are organized and legible. Even if you know what your scribbled shorthand means today, you may have forgotten by the end of the semester.

Create Flashcards

This old standby from elementary school comes in handy at all levels of education. In nursing school, you'll be learning about a variety of pharmaceutical medications and individual body parts and systems, so you'll need a way to keep them all straight. Flashcards are great for topics that require a lot of memorization. Put the primary topic on one side of the card and the definition and explanation on the other side. When you first start studying, read the definition first, then identify the key term. As you become more familiar with the material, you should be able to switch directions, reading the term and providing the explanation yourself.

Work with a Partner

Teaming up with your classmates is a great way to ensure that you are covering all of the important information. It is likely that your friends took different notes to yours, so pooling all of your information can ensure that you haven't missed anything. You'll also be able to keep each other motivated to keep studying when your energy dips. Ask each other questions and analyze each other's answers.

Teach Someone Else

This is one of the best ways to ensure that you have truly mastered a topic. Choose someone who has little or no knowledge of the topic you are studying. This way, when you explain it to them, they won't have any background knowledge to fill any gaps you leave in your explanation. They'll be able to tell you whether your answer makes sense or not and if it is complete enough to provide a full explanation. For highly technical topics, your "student" may need to reference your textbook to verify your explanations.

Take Frequent Breaks

While it may seem counter-intuitive to take breaks when you should be focused on studying, your brain needs the mental break in order to process all of the information and make connections between various topics. Aim to take a 10-minute break every hour to give yourself a chance to rest and refresh. You'll often find that you come back to your studies with renewed energy after a break, and you'll be better able to focus on the task at hand.

Are You Ready to Take the First Step?

If you are ready to take your first step towards a career in nursing and earn a Associate of Applied Science in Nursing, consider ECPI University for your education. With accelerated classes and a year round schedule, you could earn your degree in as little as 18 months. For more information about this exciting program, connect with a helpful admissions counselor today.

It could be the Best Decision You Ever Make!

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