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What are some good study habits to obtain while in nursing school?
I start nursing school soon in an accelerated program and I’m not really sure how I can be more prepared. This is all so new to me.
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7 answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
My advice is that if you are planning to take an "accelerated" nursing program, I would say don't do it if it's "accelerated" in the respect of a shorter than usual duration. Careers in the health care fields need lots of time and attention and your education and training should not be shortened, overloaded or cutting corners. It's pretty much a serious career, working directly on people and there's a lot to learn.
I would advise you to reconsider taking a traditional, usual path for Nursing and ask yourself if you were a patient, would you want a nurse who took a quick path or a nurse that took the usual path. Instead of focusing on how you can be prepared, consider the great amount of information you will need to learn and passing the exams in a short period of time. There's really no reason to rush a nursing career and that is based on me observing people I know who took the usual length of time to become a nurse. You can do it in either 2 years or 4 years.
I would advise you to reconsider taking a traditional, usual path for Nursing and ask yourself if you were a patient, would you want a nurse who took a quick path or a nurse that took the usual path. Instead of focusing on how you can be prepared, consider the great amount of information you will need to learn and passing the exams in a short period of time. There's really no reason to rush a nursing career and that is based on me observing people I know who took the usual length of time to become a nurse. You can do it in either 2 years or 4 years.
Updated
Doc’s Answer
👥 JOIN A STUDY GROUP
You may have studied independently in high school, but nursing school is a different matter. Students who study with their peers remember more of what they learn. Peers also offer encouragement and support if the content is harder than you anticipated. Groups of three are most effective to learn new material and improve nursing school performance.
🩺 HIRE A NURSING TUTOR
If you're struggling in one specific nursing class, consider hiring someone to work with you one-on-one to help you understand the content. Be sure to ask for help. Even once you've completed a class, each nursing course builds upon the other, so the content may come up later or on the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX). It's a computerized exam that determines if your ready to practice nursing.
📆 ATTEND EVERY CLASS
First-year college students often get heady with newfound autonomy and independence. You might be tempted to skip class, but don’t. There is a lot of science content to cover in a short amount of time. Nursing school is designed to challenge students and progress at a rigorous pace. Missing even one class can set you back.
📚 PREPARED TO READ & COMPREHEND
Nursing school requires students to read a lot of material and comprehend it. In high school, you may have regurgitated dates, names, and places for exams. But, in nursing school, you are required to know the information and integrate it. Nursing students read a lot of material. Don’t get left behind. The amount of reading may feel overwhelming, but consuming it in bite-sized pieces allows you to learn the information. Avoid binge reading. Instead, read a little, think about it, articulate it out loud to yourself or another nursing student, and then move on.
🧑⚕️ BEFRIEND YOUR NURSING INSTRUCTOR
Classes provide time to ask questions, take additional notes on the nursing content, and build relationships with peers and nursing instructors. Take advantage of this access to knowledge and expertise. Ask questions, seek advice on the NCLEX, and learn from others' experiences as nurses. Remember that your nursing professor may also be a resource for future internships and letters of recommendation.
CONCLUSION
Time management is an essential skill for nursing students. A good study habit for nursing students is to set S.M.A.R.T. goals (specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and timely) that help prevent you from becoming overwhelmed. These may include your study time and duration, test score goals, or plans to join a nursing organization.
You may have studied independently in high school, but nursing school is a different matter. Students who study with their peers remember more of what they learn. Peers also offer encouragement and support if the content is harder than you anticipated. Groups of three are most effective to learn new material and improve nursing school performance.
🩺 HIRE A NURSING TUTOR
If you're struggling in one specific nursing class, consider hiring someone to work with you one-on-one to help you understand the content. Be sure to ask for help. Even once you've completed a class, each nursing course builds upon the other, so the content may come up later or on the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX). It's a computerized exam that determines if your ready to practice nursing.
📆 ATTEND EVERY CLASS
First-year college students often get heady with newfound autonomy and independence. You might be tempted to skip class, but don’t. There is a lot of science content to cover in a short amount of time. Nursing school is designed to challenge students and progress at a rigorous pace. Missing even one class can set you back.
📚 PREPARED TO READ & COMPREHEND
Nursing school requires students to read a lot of material and comprehend it. In high school, you may have regurgitated dates, names, and places for exams. But, in nursing school, you are required to know the information and integrate it. Nursing students read a lot of material. Don’t get left behind. The amount of reading may feel overwhelming, but consuming it in bite-sized pieces allows you to learn the information. Avoid binge reading. Instead, read a little, think about it, articulate it out loud to yourself or another nursing student, and then move on.
🧑⚕️ BEFRIEND YOUR NURSING INSTRUCTOR
Classes provide time to ask questions, take additional notes on the nursing content, and build relationships with peers and nursing instructors. Take advantage of this access to knowledge and expertise. Ask questions, seek advice on the NCLEX, and learn from others' experiences as nurses. Remember that your nursing professor may also be a resource for future internships and letters of recommendation.
CONCLUSION
Time management is an essential skill for nursing students. A good study habit for nursing students is to set S.M.A.R.T. goals (specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and timely) that help prevent you from becoming overwhelmed. These may include your study time and duration, test score goals, or plans to join a nursing organization.
Thank you so much, Doc!
Updated
Dr’s Answer
Hey Yailin,
Welcome to nursing school—where coffee is a food group, sleep is a luxury, and stress becomes your new best friend. But don’t worry, you got this because at beginning it can be tough tho you will learn to make it grow with you or wiat was it you growing with it.
Brian explosion 🤯
Anyways, here is a few study Habits to Build (So You Don’t Cry Daily and if you already are crying then it's because I am too hilarious what can I do!) 😉😎
Active recall – Instead of staring at notes hoping they sink in through osmosis, quiz yourself. Ask, “What would I do if a patient suddenly started breakdancing mid-assessment?” (Okay, maybe not that, but you get the point.)
Teach it to a toddler (or your pet) – If you can explain the heart’s electrical system to a dog and make it sound logical, you actually understand it.
Practice NCLEX-style questions early – Nursing school isn’t just about knowing the info; it’s about answering tricky questions designed to make you doubt reality itself.
Time-blocking – Schedule study time like it’s a patient’s meds. Strict. Otherwise, procrastination will creep in like an undiagnosed infection.
Join a study group (but not a social hour) – Find people as serious as you. If they spend more time gossiping than reviewing drug interactions, run.
Skills to Master (Besides Not Crying in Clinicals):
Critical thinking – Every patient is a puzzle, and the pieces never come in the right order.
Fast charting – Learn to document like your life depends on it. Because it kind of does.
Multitasking – You will simultaneously assess a patient, answer questions, and stop a confused old man from escaping down the hall in a hospital gown.
Emotional control – You can’t panic when they’re panicking. Look calm, even if your brain is screaming. Stya positive it will be very hard trust me but you have to stay strong so you can help them boost up and build that strength too, they will be really happy in the end too.
The Emotional Strains (AKA, Why You’ll Cry in Your Car at Least Once unless you don't have a cry then maybe the bathroom-nah too smelly just don't cry) 😎stay positive.
Imposter syndrome will hit hard – One day, you’ll feel like a future doctor; the next, you’ll forget how to take a blood pressure. Normal. But these things are alright don't worry about it, it totally happens. I freaked out once when I was doing I, yea the patient was staring at me like "hey, is this guy for real?". Man it was embarrassing but I made it turned around like I was thinking about something important and pretended I had to run to the surgeon. Pfft, tho won't help fool your senior! 🤣😂
Patients can be difficult – Some will make your day. Others will make you question humanity. Stay professional, even when someone calls you nurse evil incarnate.
Exhaustion is real – You will be tired. But remember why you started. Passion fuels perseverance.
(Survival Guide included from my very own guide) makes sense? Hope so!
Pros:
You finish faster, so you’re making money sooner.
Intense but efficient—you’ll learn things fast (whether you want to or not).
You get used to high-pressure environments early, which makes you a nursing beast.
Cons:
No chill. Seriously, none. You will breathe, eat, and dream nursing.
Information overload – It’s like drinking from a fire hydrant, except the water is made of pharmacology and patient assessments.
Burnout lurks around every corner—so take breaks before your brain force-quits itself.
Final Advice (Read Before Your Brain is Too Tired to Process Words because it will happen!)
Stay passionate—nursing is a calling, not just a degree.
Take care of yourself, too. Can’t pour from an empty cup (or IV bag). So stay careful of yourself I am serious!
Ask for help – Professors, classmates, random nurses in the hall—just ask. No one expects you to know it all.
Keep a sense of humor – It’ll keep you sane. Besides, nothing prepares you for life quite like seeing a patient hide snacks in their hospital gown like it’s a secret mission (like you will have it a lot 🤣). On my first time I didn't know what to do so pretended to my doctor it was mine and enjoyed eating it in front of her, I still remember that moment, she didn't know to smatch or let it go! oh I was an intern nurse tho just for getting scoup ups and come on I wasn't being mean I did get her a nice meal once she was allowed!
Buckle up because it’s gonna be a ride. But you’re about to join one of the most respected, life-changing professions out there. You got this I believe in you and stay awesome because I want to see you achieve those goals with your head held high! Good luck.
Welcome to nursing school—where coffee is a food group, sleep is a luxury, and stress becomes your new best friend. But don’t worry, you got this because at beginning it can be tough tho you will learn to make it grow with you or wiat was it you growing with it.
Brian explosion 🤯
Anyways, here is a few study Habits to Build (So You Don’t Cry Daily and if you already are crying then it's because I am too hilarious what can I do!) 😉😎
Active recall – Instead of staring at notes hoping they sink in through osmosis, quiz yourself. Ask, “What would I do if a patient suddenly started breakdancing mid-assessment?” (Okay, maybe not that, but you get the point.)
Teach it to a toddler (or your pet) – If you can explain the heart’s electrical system to a dog and make it sound logical, you actually understand it.
Practice NCLEX-style questions early – Nursing school isn’t just about knowing the info; it’s about answering tricky questions designed to make you doubt reality itself.
Time-blocking – Schedule study time like it’s a patient’s meds. Strict. Otherwise, procrastination will creep in like an undiagnosed infection.
Join a study group (but not a social hour) – Find people as serious as you. If they spend more time gossiping than reviewing drug interactions, run.
Skills to Master (Besides Not Crying in Clinicals):
Critical thinking – Every patient is a puzzle, and the pieces never come in the right order.
Fast charting – Learn to document like your life depends on it. Because it kind of does.
Multitasking – You will simultaneously assess a patient, answer questions, and stop a confused old man from escaping down the hall in a hospital gown.
Emotional control – You can’t panic when they’re panicking. Look calm, even if your brain is screaming. Stya positive it will be very hard trust me but you have to stay strong so you can help them boost up and build that strength too, they will be really happy in the end too.
The Emotional Strains (AKA, Why You’ll Cry in Your Car at Least Once unless you don't have a cry then maybe the bathroom-nah too smelly just don't cry) 😎stay positive.
Imposter syndrome will hit hard – One day, you’ll feel like a future doctor; the next, you’ll forget how to take a blood pressure. Normal. But these things are alright don't worry about it, it totally happens. I freaked out once when I was doing I, yea the patient was staring at me like "hey, is this guy for real?". Man it was embarrassing but I made it turned around like I was thinking about something important and pretended I had to run to the surgeon. Pfft, tho won't help fool your senior! 🤣😂
Patients can be difficult – Some will make your day. Others will make you question humanity. Stay professional, even when someone calls you nurse evil incarnate.
Exhaustion is real – You will be tired. But remember why you started. Passion fuels perseverance.
(Survival Guide included from my very own guide) makes sense? Hope so!
Pros:
You finish faster, so you’re making money sooner.
Intense but efficient—you’ll learn things fast (whether you want to or not).
You get used to high-pressure environments early, which makes you a nursing beast.
Cons:
No chill. Seriously, none. You will breathe, eat, and dream nursing.
Information overload – It’s like drinking from a fire hydrant, except the water is made of pharmacology and patient assessments.
Burnout lurks around every corner—so take breaks before your brain force-quits itself.
Final Advice (Read Before Your Brain is Too Tired to Process Words because it will happen!)
Stay passionate—nursing is a calling, not just a degree.
Take care of yourself, too. Can’t pour from an empty cup (or IV bag). So stay careful of yourself I am serious!
Ask for help – Professors, classmates, random nurses in the hall—just ask. No one expects you to know it all.
Keep a sense of humor – It’ll keep you sane. Besides, nothing prepares you for life quite like seeing a patient hide snacks in their hospital gown like it’s a secret mission (like you will have it a lot 🤣). On my first time I didn't know what to do so pretended to my doctor it was mine and enjoyed eating it in front of her, I still remember that moment, she didn't know to smatch or let it go! oh I was an intern nurse tho just for getting scoup ups and come on I wasn't being mean I did get her a nice meal once she was allowed!
Buckle up because it’s gonna be a ride. But you’re about to join one of the most respected, life-changing professions out there. You got this I believe in you and stay awesome because I want to see you achieve those goals with your head held high! Good luck.
Updated
Chinyere’s Answer
Hello Yailin,
Congratulations on starting nursing school! It's an exciting and challenging journey ahead. Here are some good study habits to help you succeed in your accelerated program:
Effective Study Habits:
1. Stay Organized: Use a planner or digital calendar to keep track of assignments, exams, and deadlines. Break down your tasks into smaller, manageable pieces to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
2. Create a Study Schedule: Consistency is key. Set aside dedicated study time each day and stick to it. Make sure to balance study sessions with breaks to avoid burnout.
3. Active Learning: Engage with the material actively. This can include summarizing information in your own words, teaching concepts to someone else, or using flashcards and mnemonics to reinforce learning.
4. Join Study Groups: Collaborating with classmates can provide different perspectives and enhance understanding. It also offers a support system and accountability.
5. Practice Clinical Skills: Hands-on practice is crucial in nursing. Take advantage of lab sessions, simulations, and clinical rotations to build your skills and confidence.
6. Use Available Resources: Utilize textbooks, online resources, and study guides provided by your instructors. Don’t hesitate to reach out for help if you’re struggling with a topic.
7. Stay Healthy: Prioritize your physical and mental health. Make sure to get enough sleep, eat well, exercise, and practice stress-relief techniques like mindfulness or meditation.
8. Review Regularly: Don’t wait until the last minute to study for exams. Regular review sessions can help reinforce your knowledge and keep you prepared.
9. Ask Questions: Never hesitate to ask questions in class or during clinicals. Clarifying doubts early on can prevent confusion later.
10. Stay Motivated: Remind yourself why you chose nursing. Keeping your goals and motivations in mind can help you stay focused and driven.
Extra Tips:
- Create a Comfortable Study Space: Find a quiet, well-lit area free from distractions where you can focus.
- Practice Self-Compassion: It’s okay to make mistakes and feel challenged. Be kind to yourself and recognize your progress.
Starting nursing school in an accelerated program is no small feat, but with these study habits, you'll be well on your way to success. You've got this!
Best wishes!
Congratulations on starting nursing school! It's an exciting and challenging journey ahead. Here are some good study habits to help you succeed in your accelerated program:
Effective Study Habits:
1. Stay Organized: Use a planner or digital calendar to keep track of assignments, exams, and deadlines. Break down your tasks into smaller, manageable pieces to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
2. Create a Study Schedule: Consistency is key. Set aside dedicated study time each day and stick to it. Make sure to balance study sessions with breaks to avoid burnout.
3. Active Learning: Engage with the material actively. This can include summarizing information in your own words, teaching concepts to someone else, or using flashcards and mnemonics to reinforce learning.
4. Join Study Groups: Collaborating with classmates can provide different perspectives and enhance understanding. It also offers a support system and accountability.
5. Practice Clinical Skills: Hands-on practice is crucial in nursing. Take advantage of lab sessions, simulations, and clinical rotations to build your skills and confidence.
6. Use Available Resources: Utilize textbooks, online resources, and study guides provided by your instructors. Don’t hesitate to reach out for help if you’re struggling with a topic.
7. Stay Healthy: Prioritize your physical and mental health. Make sure to get enough sleep, eat well, exercise, and practice stress-relief techniques like mindfulness or meditation.
8. Review Regularly: Don’t wait until the last minute to study for exams. Regular review sessions can help reinforce your knowledge and keep you prepared.
9. Ask Questions: Never hesitate to ask questions in class or during clinicals. Clarifying doubts early on can prevent confusion later.
10. Stay Motivated: Remind yourself why you chose nursing. Keeping your goals and motivations in mind can help you stay focused and driven.
Extra Tips:
- Create a Comfortable Study Space: Find a quiet, well-lit area free from distractions where you can focus.
- Practice Self-Compassion: It’s okay to make mistakes and feel challenged. Be kind to yourself and recognize your progress.
Starting nursing school in an accelerated program is no small feat, but with these study habits, you'll be well on your way to success. You've got this!
Best wishes!
Updated
Susana’s Answer
Hey Yailin! Starting an accelerated nursing program is exciting but also very challenging. These programs are fast-paced and require strong time management, organization, and effective study habits to succeed. Here are some essential study habits and preparation strategies to help you excel in nursing school.
1. Develop a Structured Study Routine
An accelerated program means you’ll be covering a lot of material quickly, so structure and consistency are key.
✅ Use a Planner or Digital Calendar – Track assignment due dates, exams, and clinical schedules.
✅ Set a Daily Study Schedule – Dedicate a few hours each day to reviewing content.
✅ Break Study Sessions into Chunks – Use the Pomodoro Technique (25-50 mins of study, 5-10 min breaks).
✅ Prioritize Active Learning – Reading alone isn’t enough; practice application through quizzes and case studies.
2. Master the Art of Note-Taking
Nursing school is filled with complex information, so good note-taking strategies will save you a lot of time.
📝 Cornell Method – Write main ideas on one side, notes on the other, and a summary at the bottom.
📌 Color Code & Highlight – Use different colors for symptoms, treatments, medications, and nursing interventions.
🎙️ Record Lectures (if allowed) – Play them back while commuting or exercising.
📚 Summarize in Your Own Words – Rewriting material helps with retention.
3. Focus on Understanding, Not Just Memorizing
Nursing requires critical thinking, not just memorization. Make sure you understand concepts instead of just remembering facts.
🔄 Teach Someone Else – If you can explain it, you truly understand it.
💡 Use Concept Maps – Create flowcharts to see how diseases progress and how treatments work.
❓ Ask ‘Why?’ for Everything – Always think about why a medication, intervention, or symptom occurs.
Example: Instead of just memorizing "Lasix is a diuretic," ask:
➡ What is it for? (Heart failure, edema)
➡ Why is it given? (Removes excess fluid)
➡ What should I monitor? (Potassium levels, dehydration)
4. Use the Right Study Resources
Some materials are better than textbooks when it comes to explaining complex nursing concepts.
📘 Recommended Study Guides:
"Saunders Comprehensive Review for the NCLEX-RN" – Great for exam prep.
"Nursing Made Incredibly Easy" Series – Simplifies difficult topics.
"Picmonic" or "SketchyNursing" – Visual mnemonics for pharmacology and disease processes.
📱 Helpful Apps:
Nursing.com – Great for quick reviews and case studies.
UWorld or Kaplan – Best for practice NCLEX-style questions.
Medscape – Reference for diseases, medications, and procedures.
5. Master Pharmacology & Medications Early
💊 Use Mnemonics – Example for Beta-Blockers: "LOL" drugs (Atenolol, Metoprolol, etc.) slow the heart down.
🧠 Group Medications – Learn them by class rather than individual drugs.
💡 Understand Side Effects – Focus on nursing implications, like what to monitor before giving a drug.
6. Be Prepared for Clinicals
Clinicals are hands-on learning experiences where you apply what you’ve studied.
👩⚕️ Prepare Beforehand – Review patient conditions, medications, and procedures before your shift.
🗣️ Ask Questions – Instructors expect you to ask; it shows engagement.
📋 Keep a Small Notebook – Write down common meds, procedures, and patient assessments.
🔄 Reflect on Each Shift – What did you learn? What could you improve?
7. Practice NCLEX-Style Questions from Day 1
Even though the NCLEX is at the end, start practicing test questions NOW to improve your critical thinking skills.
📝 Do 5-10 NCLEX-style questions daily related to what you studied.
📚 Read Rationales – Understand why an answer is right or wrong.
🏥 Focus on Prioritization & Delegation – Questions like "Which patient should you see first?" are common.
Best NCLEX question sources:
UWorld
Kaplan
Saunders NCLEX Review
8. Form or Join a Study Group
📖 Study groups can help you learn faster if they stay focused (avoid social distractions).
🗣️ Discussing Topics – Talking about concepts reinforces memory.
👩⚕️ Teach Each Other – If someone struggles with a topic, explaining it helps both of you.
9. Manage Your Time & Mental Health
Nursing school is tough, but burnout is real. You need to balance studying with self-care.
😴 Get Enough Sleep – Retention suffers if you’re sleep-deprived.
🏋️ Exercise – Helps relieve stress and improves focus.
🍏 Eat Well – Avoid excessive caffeine and fast food; your brain needs real fuel.
🧘 Take Breaks – Short walks, music, or meditation help reset your mind.
🚩 Biggest Time-Wasters to Avoid:
❌ Cramming last-minute.
❌ Over-highlighting everything in textbooks.
❌ Ignoring practice questions.
❌ Trying to study everything instead of focusing on what’s tested.
10. Stay Motivated & Remember Your 'Why'
💙 Nursing school is intense, but remember why you started.
Write down your reason for becoming a nurse and revisit it on hard days.
Celebrate small victories – Every exam, clinical skill, and patient encounter is progress.
Connect with mentors or nurses in the field to stay inspired.
Final Thoughts
Since you’re starting an accelerated nursing program, staying organized and actively learning from day one is crucial. Here’s your action plan:
✅ Set a study schedule and stick to it.
✅ Take smart notes using color coding & concept maps.
✅ Use NCLEX-style questions daily for critical thinking.
✅ Find a study group or accountability partner.
✅ Prepare for clinicals early by reviewing patient conditions.
✅ Take care of yourself – Sleep, exercise, and take breaks.
You got this, Yailin! If you need help with anything—NCLEX prep, time management, or study resources—just ask. Wishing you the best of luck in nursing school! 🚀💉👩⚕️
1. Develop a Structured Study Routine
An accelerated program means you’ll be covering a lot of material quickly, so structure and consistency are key.
✅ Use a Planner or Digital Calendar – Track assignment due dates, exams, and clinical schedules.
✅ Set a Daily Study Schedule – Dedicate a few hours each day to reviewing content.
✅ Break Study Sessions into Chunks – Use the Pomodoro Technique (25-50 mins of study, 5-10 min breaks).
✅ Prioritize Active Learning – Reading alone isn’t enough; practice application through quizzes and case studies.
2. Master the Art of Note-Taking
Nursing school is filled with complex information, so good note-taking strategies will save you a lot of time.
📝 Cornell Method – Write main ideas on one side, notes on the other, and a summary at the bottom.
📌 Color Code & Highlight – Use different colors for symptoms, treatments, medications, and nursing interventions.
🎙️ Record Lectures (if allowed) – Play them back while commuting or exercising.
📚 Summarize in Your Own Words – Rewriting material helps with retention.
3. Focus on Understanding, Not Just Memorizing
Nursing requires critical thinking, not just memorization. Make sure you understand concepts instead of just remembering facts.
🔄 Teach Someone Else – If you can explain it, you truly understand it.
💡 Use Concept Maps – Create flowcharts to see how diseases progress and how treatments work.
❓ Ask ‘Why?’ for Everything – Always think about why a medication, intervention, or symptom occurs.
Example: Instead of just memorizing "Lasix is a diuretic," ask:
➡ What is it for? (Heart failure, edema)
➡ Why is it given? (Removes excess fluid)
➡ What should I monitor? (Potassium levels, dehydration)
4. Use the Right Study Resources
Some materials are better than textbooks when it comes to explaining complex nursing concepts.
📘 Recommended Study Guides:
"Saunders Comprehensive Review for the NCLEX-RN" – Great for exam prep.
"Nursing Made Incredibly Easy" Series – Simplifies difficult topics.
"Picmonic" or "SketchyNursing" – Visual mnemonics for pharmacology and disease processes.
📱 Helpful Apps:
Nursing.com – Great for quick reviews and case studies.
UWorld or Kaplan – Best for practice NCLEX-style questions.
Medscape – Reference for diseases, medications, and procedures.
5. Master Pharmacology & Medications Early
💊 Use Mnemonics – Example for Beta-Blockers: "LOL" drugs (Atenolol, Metoprolol, etc.) slow the heart down.
🧠 Group Medications – Learn them by class rather than individual drugs.
💡 Understand Side Effects – Focus on nursing implications, like what to monitor before giving a drug.
6. Be Prepared for Clinicals
Clinicals are hands-on learning experiences where you apply what you’ve studied.
👩⚕️ Prepare Beforehand – Review patient conditions, medications, and procedures before your shift.
🗣️ Ask Questions – Instructors expect you to ask; it shows engagement.
📋 Keep a Small Notebook – Write down common meds, procedures, and patient assessments.
🔄 Reflect on Each Shift – What did you learn? What could you improve?
7. Practice NCLEX-Style Questions from Day 1
Even though the NCLEX is at the end, start practicing test questions NOW to improve your critical thinking skills.
📝 Do 5-10 NCLEX-style questions daily related to what you studied.
📚 Read Rationales – Understand why an answer is right or wrong.
🏥 Focus on Prioritization & Delegation – Questions like "Which patient should you see first?" are common.
Best NCLEX question sources:
UWorld
Kaplan
Saunders NCLEX Review
8. Form or Join a Study Group
📖 Study groups can help you learn faster if they stay focused (avoid social distractions).
🗣️ Discussing Topics – Talking about concepts reinforces memory.
👩⚕️ Teach Each Other – If someone struggles with a topic, explaining it helps both of you.
9. Manage Your Time & Mental Health
Nursing school is tough, but burnout is real. You need to balance studying with self-care.
😴 Get Enough Sleep – Retention suffers if you’re sleep-deprived.
🏋️ Exercise – Helps relieve stress and improves focus.
🍏 Eat Well – Avoid excessive caffeine and fast food; your brain needs real fuel.
🧘 Take Breaks – Short walks, music, or meditation help reset your mind.
🚩 Biggest Time-Wasters to Avoid:
❌ Cramming last-minute.
❌ Over-highlighting everything in textbooks.
❌ Ignoring practice questions.
❌ Trying to study everything instead of focusing on what’s tested.
10. Stay Motivated & Remember Your 'Why'
💙 Nursing school is intense, but remember why you started.
Write down your reason for becoming a nurse and revisit it on hard days.
Celebrate small victories – Every exam, clinical skill, and patient encounter is progress.
Connect with mentors or nurses in the field to stay inspired.
Final Thoughts
Since you’re starting an accelerated nursing program, staying organized and actively learning from day one is crucial. Here’s your action plan:
✅ Set a study schedule and stick to it.
✅ Take smart notes using color coding & concept maps.
✅ Use NCLEX-style questions daily for critical thinking.
✅ Find a study group or accountability partner.
✅ Prepare for clinicals early by reviewing patient conditions.
✅ Take care of yourself – Sleep, exercise, and take breaks.
You got this, Yailin! If you need help with anything—NCLEX prep, time management, or study resources—just ask. Wishing you the best of luck in nursing school! 🚀💉👩⚕️
Updated
Celine’s Answer
Hi Yailin,
I have found that what helped me the most during nursing school was to come to class prepared. This requires a bit of extra work as your start your classes, but the lectures will make a lot more sense.
Use the course syllabus. Review the objectives. Try your best to make sure that you have covered the objectives. If you are lucky and attending a good school, the tests will stick to the objectives, or very closely.
Study groups can be a plus, or a minus, depending on the people in the group. But it's worth a try.
Do not hesitate to ask questions.
If you are in a time crunch, the chapter summaries in reference books can be life-savers.
Think of medical terminology as learning a new language. It takes practice. Do not expect to know the lingo instantly.
Focus on the material you do not know. A lot of times, the tendency is to review material that is known because it makes us feel good. But rehashing what you already know will not help you ace that test. Again, focus on your weaker areas.
Make sure you link up with a friend to review those clinical skills, and provide feedback to each other. If you do not have such a person available, family members can fill in. Worse case scenario, if you have to review them on your own, use your imagination and rehearse as if you are preparing for a theatrical play.
If you watch television during your down-times, watch healthcare related shows. It will help to better understand the medical terminology.
Lookup nursing skills on youtube. There are some great videos out there that will help you visualize the procedures.
Good luck!
Good luck!
I have found that what helped me the most during nursing school was to come to class prepared. This requires a bit of extra work as your start your classes, but the lectures will make a lot more sense.
Use the course syllabus. Review the objectives. Try your best to make sure that you have covered the objectives. If you are lucky and attending a good school, the tests will stick to the objectives, or very closely.
Study groups can be a plus, or a minus, depending on the people in the group. But it's worth a try.
Do not hesitate to ask questions.
If you are in a time crunch, the chapter summaries in reference books can be life-savers.
Think of medical terminology as learning a new language. It takes practice. Do not expect to know the lingo instantly.
Focus on the material you do not know. A lot of times, the tendency is to review material that is known because it makes us feel good. But rehashing what you already know will not help you ace that test. Again, focus on your weaker areas.
Make sure you link up with a friend to review those clinical skills, and provide feedback to each other. If you do not have such a person available, family members can fill in. Worse case scenario, if you have to review them on your own, use your imagination and rehearse as if you are preparing for a theatrical play.
If you watch television during your down-times, watch healthcare related shows. It will help to better understand the medical terminology.
Lookup nursing skills on youtube. There are some great videos out there that will help you visualize the procedures.
Good luck!
Good luck!
Updated
Cindy’s Answer
Yailin,
Start with an honest self assessment, You are likely to find that nursing education is a lot! Be honest with your self about your other personal commitments. Do not just think of your schedule with the hours in classroom, lab, and clinical; you will need many more hours for study time.
Know how you learn and what study habits worked for you in the past. That will help you to find the correct study guides and paths. I graduated from nursing in 1977, we did not have the internet and the bounty of resources available. The quality of these is not equal. Their individual value to you depends on your learning style. I would definitely recommend some type of study question review.
Start with an honest self assessment, You are likely to find that nursing education is a lot! Be honest with your self about your other personal commitments. Do not just think of your schedule with the hours in classroom, lab, and clinical; you will need many more hours for study time.
Know how you learn and what study habits worked for you in the past. That will help you to find the correct study guides and paths. I graduated from nursing in 1977, we did not have the internet and the bounty of resources available. The quality of these is not equal. Their individual value to you depends on your learning style. I would definitely recommend some type of study question review.