It is not enough to create a nursing plan for your patients in clinical. It is time to plan your course of action to get yourself through nursing school!
Plan Ahead
DO read and get familiar with the materials before class. DO NOT wait until the day before the exam to read the chapter for the first time.
DO study before the lecture and review the professor’s materials after the lecture. DO NOT depend on the professor to hold your hand and teach you every detail from the chapter. DO NOT get mad at the professor for putting information on the lecture that you chose not to find the time to read.
Create a Checklist
DO look at the syllabus and write down when all of the exams will be. Then, write how many chapters will be on each exam. If you know that the exam is in 4 weeks and you have to memorize 8 chapters, then set time aside to study 2 chapters per week. DO NOT wait until the week before the exam to study all 8 chapters. Remember, you have other classes to worry about.
Highlight
DO highlight the important title, phrase or sentence, especially when your professor tells you it is important. Use different colors (blue for medications, red for assessment, etc.). DO NOT highlight the entire page. You will most likely be focused on your review notes and not go back and reread during the accumulative finals.
Organize Your Folders and Sync
DO organize all of your essays and care plans by folders so that it is easier to find on your computer. Title your folders by Spring and Fall Semesters 20## and create folders for each of your subjects. DO use iCloud or Dropbox to sync your documents so that when you’re on the go, you can use your tablet or phone to review your materials. DO NOT allow yourself to stay unorganized – this leaves you with one more stress on the table.
Record Your Lectures
Are you the type to skip or fall asleep during class? (I don’t encourage this!) DO head over to Best Buy or Target and buy yourself a recorder. You can also find an app on your phone if you want to save money.
The recorder I found for $50 was very simple to use. I just hit the record button and it had the capability to leave out the excessive background noise. If I type in a search word “Adrenal Disorder”, the track would play at the part where the professor would say the word “Adrenal Disorder”. Unfortunately, I do not remember the name of this recorder.
DO NOT record your lecture if you do not plan on reliving your lectures or if your professor prohibits lecture recordings.
Modifying Your Study Methods
If you have your own methods of staying focused on nursing school, stick with it! One method does not work for every single individual out there. If your methods are not working, then modify your methods and combine with mine or anything else that you may find.
