Learning how to study in nursing school will support your success. Nursing school tips include 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.
Learning how to study in nursing school is essential for supporting your academic progress. Nursing school requires a different approach to studying, emphasizing the application of theory, rather than rote memorization. Following nursing school tips on study techniques and habits is particularly important if you’ve decided to enroll in an accelerated nursing program that confers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).
Concordia University, St. Paul’s Accelerated BSN (ABSN) program offers an intensive nursing curriculum compressed into 16 months, enabling our students to graduate more quickly and take the licensure exam sooner. Following nursing school tips for success can help you navigate the ABSN program and stay on track to graduation.
It’s helpful to try a range of study tips for nursing students and to consistently use the ones that work best for you.
How Is Studying in Nursing School Different?
Nursing school requires a different approach to studying compared to other academic programs. Instead of focusing solely on fact memorization, nursing students must prioritize the development of critical thinking skills and clinical judgment. It’s essential to consider how nursing theory can be applied in the clinical setting and in different types of patient care scenarios.
Nursing students can also expect a different style of exams. Nursing school exams often mimic the style of questions used for the NCLEX-RN licensure exam. These questions may have multiple answers that are technically correct. You’ll need to choose the most appropriate answer given the clinical situation, keeping in mind that the highest priority is protecting patient safety.
14 Nursing School Study Tips
Regardless of which nursing school study 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. Review Every Course Syllabus
The first step in learning how to study in a nursing program is to review the syllabi for your classes. Each syllabus will generally provide information such as:
- Additional learning resources
- Assessment methods
- Class policies
- Course description
- Instructional methods and schedule
- Learning activities and assignments
- Learning outcomes
Pay particular attention to the section on learning outcomes, as it highlights the most important topics for that class. You should also pay attention to the class policies and rules section, as failure to follow rules like proctored testing procedures could negatively impact your grades.
Learn smart strategies for preparing for the NCLEX-RN.
2. Create a Consistent Study Schedule
One of the most important nursing school tips is to develop and stick to a consistent study schedule. Use a day planner or an app and plan your schedule in advance each week.
Write down:
- Assignment due dates
- Classes, experiential learning, and clinical learning activities
- 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.
3. Focus on Understanding, Not Memorization
Although you will need to memorize facts, formulas, and processes, your focus should be on understanding the material. Learning how to study in a nursing program requires consideration of how a particular fact might be applied in a clinical situation.
For example, you might learn the fact that post-operative patients on narcotic pain relievers may be prone to retaining urine. The next step is to figure out how that information might be applied in a clinical situation. If a patient has little urine output, then you’ll need to consider that urine retention is a possibility and request an ultrasound to determine it. If the ultrasound confirms urine retention, then inserting a urinary catheter may be an appropriate nursing intervention in that case.
4. Use Active Learning Techniques
Other essential nursing school study 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 easily understood terms.
5. Start Studying for the NCLEX-RN Early
You’ll need to pass the NCLEX-RN to obtain your nursing license. Since the exam is rigorous, it’s best to prepare for it as early as possible.
The NCLEX-RN 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-RN is to answer practice questions. Answer several NCLEX-RN questions each day and take a few full-length practice exams throughout your time in nursing school.
6. Form a Nursing Study Group
Even if you prefer to study alone, it might be worth it to join a study group with your nursing cohort. You might find the interactive nature of study groups to be intellectually stimulating. Participants can take turns teaching each other about nursing concepts, which is an active study technique.
7. Use Mnemonics as Memory Aids
Although 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.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. Create a Distraction-Free Study Space
Designate a quiet area as your study space. 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 the Pomodoro Technique
If you struggle with procrastination, the Pomodoro technique may help. Do the following:
- Set a timer for 25 minutes.
- Work on your selected task without distractions for that time.
- Take a five-minute break.
- Repeat three more times.
- Take a 15- to 20-minute break after four cycles.
12. Prioritize Sleep and Self-Care
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 be less able to focus.
Similarly, you can reduce the risk of burnout by taking breaks when needed. Practice physical and mental self-care and talk to a mental health counselor as needed.
13. Ask for Help When You Need It
Beyond following study tips for nursing students, you should keep in mind that your nursing instructors are an important resource. If you’re struggling with a particular nursing concept or clinical skill, speak up and ask for extra help.
14. Stay Positive and Prevent Burnout
Nursing students might feel overwhelmed occasionally. Try to cultivate a positive mindset, such as by practicing mindfulness and reminding yourself that your graduation date will come soon and you can look forward to being a practicing clinician.
How Concordia University, St. Paul's ABSN Program Supports Student Success
At CSP Global, your success is our mission. Here, you’ll find a close-knit community that supports each student while teaching how to provide evidence-based care. Our instructors provide attentive guidance, and our applied and immersive experiences reinforce learning.
With three start dates each year, you can begin working toward a nursing career soon. Request information and connect with an admissions advisor today.