10 Study TiPPs.

Study TiPPs for Nurses.

It has been years since I have studied intensely for an exam. I remember the enormous textbooks and the many yellow highlighters that I always carried with me. I felt these things were all I needed to ace the exams. Until I got overzealous with the highlighting and prioritized all the information in the textbooks. Turning the white pages yellow did not help me in the least.

What is it they say, “If everything is a priority than nothing is a priority”? (I believe Karen Martin said it first.)

In my experience, instructors did not provide study tips, nor did they provide hints for focused study content. Unlike high school, in college, all information is fair game for exams. In my search for the best study practices, I did look to other students for assistance, but they were just as exacting as I and offered little help. We all had highlighted textbooks.

I am offering advice for future nurses who may struggle with information overload, as I did.

10 Study TiPPs:

1. Start with definitions of the terms. Basic information that will help with comprehension as you read. Usually these are highlighted and may be referenced in the margins of each page or the chapter summary.

2. The big picture. When learning new information, get the basics first than work on the specifics. Outlines are a great way to do this. Many times, but not always, the most important information is in the beginning. For example, a chapter about anemia, will start with the most common types of anemia like iron deficiency and proceed to the least common types such as aplastic anemia. Not to say, you should not be familiar with all types of anemia but spend most time and energy on the most common ones.

3. Utilize reference cards. This is a good idea for highlighting information that requires memorization. I remember sitting on the sidelines watching my son’s soccer game as I practiced recall with my cards. Get used to multi-tasking. Time is a valuable commodity so make use of every moment.

4. Do not procrastinate. Studying for exams begins on day one. Configure your study time and set goals for each section of required reading. Time limits should be shorter on your first pass through the information and longer on the second and third pass as you encounter more detailed and difficult concepts. From experience, do not get bogged down in the details as you read new information or else you will be exhausted and disappointed that you only scratched the surface of the required reading.

5. You must read the material before class. At least do the first pass where you get ‘the big picture’ of the lecture content. Not only to improve your participation grade, but you will get so much more out of the lectures.

6. Try techniques such as mnemonics, acronyms, rhymes, or association. I have used these to remember data and it is much more effective than straight memorization. Unrelated to nursing, this is how I have remembered that Millard Fillmore was the 13th president of the USA and the ordering of the 9 planets (when there were 9 planets) in our solar system. Association works and will store information in your long-term memory bank for decades to come.

7. Initiate a study group. But it must be organized to be productive. Work out the material that will be covered ahead of time so that others can prepare to participate. Have questions ready and maybe even a game to keep things interesting.

8. Practice questions. Use NCLEX review books or certification exam review books throughout your nursing program. Get familiar with the format of questions not just the content. This will help on class and certification exams. In my experience, the instructors used the same format on semester exams that were encountered on certification exams.

9. Practice writing SOAP notes for hypothetical patients with pertinent disease processes. You will be asked questions at every level, but in many exam questions they give you the presentation and findings then you formulate the assessment and plan. This practice will be invaluable in clinicals and practicum. And eventually will be second nature as you embark on your new career.

10. Self-care. Do not forget to relax. Take a breath, a walk, or a ride. When setting goals, make the most of available time and include some self-care. You will be more productive in nursing and in life. Remember, it is a marathon, not a race so pace yourself. https://www.thepatientpractitioner.com/post/self-care-nurses-practitioners