Perhaps you are considering returning to school to pursue a career as a nurse, or maybe you have already begun going to a nursing school. In either scenario, you should be well aware of the challenges down that road. Going through a nursing school is not a cakewalk. After all, nurses bear a significant deal of responsibility, which underscores the critical importance of a rigorous education.
Well, to make your life easier, we have compiled a list of some useful study tips that will help you muddle through nursing education. So get ready.
Table of Contents
Make concept maps
Concept maps are an engaging and time-saving alternative to the traditional method of studying, which involves underlining and rewriting pages of notes. A concept map is a graphical portrayal of knowledge about a subject that organizes your thoughts. It is a much easier and more efficient approach to comprehending the information rather than cramming it in your already-worried brain.
To begin with, pick a subject you are interested in, then build on that knowledge. Utilize your videos, notes, or other materials to fill in the map and gain a complete picture of that subject.
Study regularly
Many (nursing) students make the mistake of postponing their studies until the weekend or the next exam. In a nursing school, there is no room for procrastination. You cannot learn everything you need to know to pass your assessments by cramming a week’s worth of studies into a few hours. As a nursing student, it is necessary to study every day and stay current. Whether pursuing an RN to BSN program or seeking a postgrad nursing certificate, you must study regularly to get the best results.
Manage your time
Poor time management is one of the most significant barriers to academic success. To succeed in nursing school, you must be able to manage your time effectively. Nursing students who have trouble managing their time and prioritizing their tasks face difficulties in the long run. Therefore, setting and abiding by a schedule is vital for good time management. Examine your nursing curriculum at the start of each semester for significant dates such as assignment deadlines, tests, and clinical hours.
Use a reliable planning tool like a phone or calendar to keep track of all important deadlines and dates. At the start of each week, organize your week by defining the daily tasks necessary to reach your weekly goals.
Create a support network
When you join a nursing school, make acquaintances with other nursing students at your earliest. Owing to similar experiences, your peers will be the only ones who can truly understand what you are going through. There may be times when everything seems to be too much, and you might feel like quitting. Your support network will encourage you to pick yourself up and keep going.
Besides, you can also help each other with assignments and quiz each other before tests. Your professors could be another crucial part of your support network. So get to know them, and do not hesitate to ask for assistance if you need it.
Adopt a study method that corresponds to your learning style
Do you like to study late at night or early in the morning? Remember, there is no one-size-fits-all study style since the individual and their unique preferences determine it. For example, if you do not like getting up at 6 am, studying at that time would be a flawed idea; you will probably hit the snooze button and go back to sleep.
Furthermore, consider utilizing a calendar to schedule time for all aspects of your life, including personal, professional, and educational responsibilities. This will sketch a clear picture of how much time you have available for learning. If not, it could be too tempting to believe you have time for studying when you lag behind it.
Keep your eyes on the end goal
It is easy to lose track of why you went to nursing school in the first place when you get overwhelmed with everyday tasks. However, reiterating your end objective not only keeps you motivated to finish your classes, but also enables you to reframe your assignments. As a nurse, you will be working one-on-one with patients. What would you say to a patient if you were in their shoes? Do you know how your education will be applied in the real world? If not, you should speak with your instructor about possible uses of the information or conduct further study on your own.
It is also a good idea to think about your academic objectives. To become a certified nurse, you must pass the NCLEX exam at the end of your study. Knowing this ahead of time allows you to concentrate on learning the questions asked on this test.
Make self-care a priority
The behaviors you develop in nursing school will stick with you for the rest of your life. Typically, nursing students treat their patients holistically, urging them to get enough sleep, eat properly, and exercise. However, ironically, they neglect their own sleep, food, and exercise. We understand nursing school keeps you busy, but if you do not take the time to rest and recharge, you are unlikely to make the most out of your education.
Get into a study group
It can be beneficial to hear things described from a different perspective, especially if it relates to scholastic material you are having trouble with. People excel in different areas; therefore, combining that expertise can only serve to improve everyone’s comprehension of the topic under discussion. Also, you can compare notes with the members of your study group to ensure you are up to date on anything you could have overlooked.
Of course, you are not required to complete all of your coursework when studying together. You may also leverage this time to socialize with classmates and friends throughout the week.
Conclusion
Successful nurses will tell you that studying to become a nurse is a balancing act between getting enough sleep and not being overwhelmed with the mind-numbing amount of study material. But the good news is that you get away from all the hassle by walking the tight line of the study tips listed above. So follow them to the T.
