Nursing Bootcamp: Study Tips

Nursing tests will be nothing you have encountered before. They challenge you in a different way that will leave you frustrated and feeling helpless. But keep pushing on. The end goal is so rewarding and hard work does pay off. To help you get there here are some of my own simple study tips.

1. Put away all electronics during lecture. They do become a distraction no matter what you try and tell yourself. Take notes the old fashion way, pen and paper. If your professor posts their lectures the day before, then print them out. Highlight or underline information already on the slide that they emphasize. Add details on the side to elaborate any points.

2. If your professor will let you, then record the lectures. Not only is it helpful if you are an auditory learner, but if you tuned out during the lecture you can go back to it. My favorite app to do this on is called Evernote! They make it so simple to organize and you can add typed notes.

3. You will not read the chapters in their entire form, ever! But if you are a person who can, more power to you. Instead skim through the chapter looking at headers, bolded words, pictures, diagrams, and charts. Get a feel for what you are about to learn before being in class.

4. Review your notes later that day ! This really helps your brain remember the information. If you cannot, revisit it the next day. The sooner the better.

5. Do the practice questions in the book or additional study aides your school may use. My school provides us with ATI books. By quizing yourself with the questions in the book really helps you judge whether you learned the information or not. It also will allow you to familiarize yourself with the style of questions.

6. Form a study group. Keep it to a simple number of people who will not spend the time gossiping or checking their phone. Our professors suggest teaching the material to each other.

7. Be in the right environment free from distractions. If it helps you set a timer to study for 30 minutes and then take a 2-5 minute break before resuming again.

8. Never cram! Don't procrastinate!  You may be okay for the test, but it will not help you be a good nurse.

9. Believe in yourself. Don't over think the questions. Trust your gut.

10. Believe in yourself! Confidence is key.

I wish you the best of luck and I hope this helps you. Feel free to comment any study tips you may have or if you have further questions.