Wondering how to study in a nursing program effectively? There are lots of helpful nursing school tips, such as using active study techniques, creating a consistent study schedule, using the Pomodoro technique and eliminating distractions in your study space. Remember to keep a positive mindset and practice self-care, as well.
If you’ve been thinking about heading back to school to become a nurse, you probably already have a good idea of the level of commitment involved. Nursing school is intense, requiring plenty of focused study sessions and practice in experiential learning activities. This is particularly true if you’re applying to an accelerated nursing program, such as Concordia University, St. Paul’s Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program.
Although there will be challenges ahead on the path to becoming a nurse, knowing how to study in an accelerated nursing program like Concordia’s can help you overcome those challenges. It’s helpful to try a range of smart study tips for nursing students and to consistently use the ones that work best for you.
Smart Study Tips for Nursing Students
In nursing school, it’s important to avoid feeling overwhelmed by the amount of material you need to work through. No matter which nursing school tips you use, remember that if a particular task is getting stressful, it can help to break it down into its simplest components. Focus on just one at a time until you’re done.
1. Master the Syllabus: Your Learning Roadmap
The first step in learning how to study in nursing school is to take the time to review the syllabi for your classes. Although there are variations, each syllabus will generally provide information such as:
- Course description
- Learning outcomes
- Instructional methods and schedule
- Assessment methods
- Learning activities and assignments
- Class policies
- Additional learning resources
Pay particular attention to the section on learning outcomes, as it highlights the most important topics for that class. You should plan on spending plenty of time reviewing those topics. You should also pay attention to the class policies and rules section, as failure to follow the rules (e.g., proctored testing procedures) could negatively impact your grades. Especially when working through an accelerated curriculum like the one in CSP Global’s ABSN program, getting off to a successful start is vital.
2. Create and Stick to a Study Schedule
One of the most important nursing student tips is to develop and stick to a consistent study schedule. Use either a physical day planner or an app and plan your schedule in advance each week.
Write down:
- Classes, experiential learning and clinical learning activities
- Assignment due dates
- Test/quiz dates
Around these obligations, fit in at least one study session each day. It’s fine if you schedule multiple shorter study sessions each day instead of one longer session. Reach out to your fellow cohort members if you want a study partner or group, as teamwork can help everyone study better.
3. Start Studying for the NCLEX-RN® Early
In addition to considering how to study in a nursing program for your classes, think about preparing for the NCLEX exam. You’ll need to pass the NCLEX to obtain your state-issued nursing license. Since the exam is rigorous, it’s best to prepare for it as early as possible.
The NCLEX rewards critical thinking and evidence-based decision-making rather than rote memorization. That’s why one of the best ways to prepare for the NCLEX is to answer practice questions. Plan on answering at least a few NCLEX questions each day and take a few full-length practice exams throughout your time in nursing school.
Learn smart strategies for preparing for the Next Generation NCLEX.
4. Use Study Guides and Tools
Many learning resources are available with your nursing coursework at CSP Global’s ABSN program. However, you may also wish to supplement these with various online resources. A quick online search should reveal free and paid resources for nursing school, like study guides, video tutorials, and similar tools. These can augment what you learn from in lectures.
5. Focus on the Fundamentals
You’ll likely want to spend the most time studying the fundamentals for each class. The learning outcomes section on each class syllabus usually outlines the most important topics for that class. In addition, it can be helpful to spend more study time on topics you struggle with.
6. Avoid Last-Minute Cramming
When you’ve got an upcoming quiz or exam, the last thing you’ll want to do is cram for it the night before or even the morning of the test. Last-minute cramming doesn’t lend itself well to deep understanding and learning retention. Instead, spend some time each day preparing for upcoming tests.
7. Build a Network With Your Nursing Cohort
One of the great things about nursing school is the opportunity to forge close relationships with other members of your nursing cohort, your peers with whom you’re attending classes and experiential learning activities. Since they know exactly how challenging nursing school is, you can lean on each other for support. Start a study group and plan on staying in touch after graduation.
8. Learn How to Study in Nursing School With Mnemonic Devices
Other invaluable nursing school tips include using mnemonic devices. While deep understanding is important for becoming a nurse, mnemonic devices can help you retain the large volume of information you need to memorize. There are plenty of nursing mnemonics available online from resources like SimpleNursing and Nurseslabs.
9. Keep a Positive Mindset to Avoid Feeling Overwhelmed
Even after learning how to study in a nursing program and implementing these tips, you might feel overwhelmed occasionally, particularly if there’s also a lot going on in your personal life. Try to cultivate a positive mindset, such as by practicing mindfulness and reminding yourself that your graduation date will come soon and you’ll be able to put what you’ve learned to work for your patients. Your mentors and fellow cohort members will have your back throughout your learning journey.
10. Nursing School Tips for a Distraction-Free Study Space
Creating a distraction-free study space is just as important as setting aside regular time to study. Your time is precious, so it’s essential to make the most of every study session.
Get into the habit of silencing your phone, avoiding social media sites and staying focused on the task at hand. Use noise-canceling headphones or play non-distracting music without lyrics to block out noise. In addition, be sure to ask other household members to avoid interrupting you during study time.
11. Use Active Study Techniques
Other essential nursing student tips include using active study techniques, which promote genuine engagement with the learning materials. For example, instead of re-reading your lecture notes, quiz yourself on the material. Answer practice questions, use flashcards and write down questions as you review material.
Another active study technique is to pretend to teach the material to a child, rephrasing a concept in terms simply understood terms.
Ready to get started working toward your future? Learn how to apply for nursing school and reach out to an admissions advisor.
12. Use the Pomodoro Technique
If you struggle with procrastination, the Pomodoro technique may help. Here’s how it works:
- Set a timer (digital or physical) for 25 minutes.
- Work on your selected task without distractions for that entire time.
- Take a five-minute break.
- Repeat three more times.
- Take a longer break (about 15 to 20 minutes) after four cycles.
The Pomodoro technique helps beat procrastination because it involves working for a set period of time rather than getting a certain amount done. Sometimes, feeling overwhelmed by the amount of work triggers procrastination.
13. Fuel Your Brain With Sleep
As busy as nursing school is, you’ll need ample quality sleep each night. Resist the temptation to stay up late or wake up early to fit in more study time. Your brain needs sleep to function properly, and without it, you’ll feel more distracted and less able to focus.
14. Take Breaks When Needed; Avoid Burnout
Burnout is a state of mental and physical exhaustion, often characterized by apathy and depression and typically caused by overwork. You can reduce the risk of burnout in nursing school and beyond by taking breaks when needed. Practice physical and mental self-care, and don’t hesitate to talk to a mental health counselor if you’re feeling stressed out.
Use These Nursing Student Tips at Concordia University, St. Paul
At Concordia University, St. Paul, your success is our mission. Here, you’ll find a close-knit, caring learning community that supports each student while teaching how to provide evidence-based care that nurtures the patient’s mind, body and soul.
With three start dates each year, you can begin working toward a nursing career soon. Plus, you’ll have the opportunity to graduate in as few as 16 months upon successful completion of any prerequisites. Find out how you can leverage your prior non-nursing education toward a nursing degree by contacting our admissions advisors today.