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If you’re looking to enter nursing school or are already in the middle of your nursing education, you know it can be an intensive, demanding academic process.
Balancing nursing school with your personal responsibilities can seem overwhelming. On this page, we provide some tips on how to study for nursing school to help make your educational experience more fulfilling and less stressful.
Tips for Nursing School
You can pursue several pathways to become a registered nurse (RN): a Bachelor of Science in nursing (B.S.N.) degree, associate degree or diploma from a nursing program.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), most programs require courses in anatomy, physiology, microbiology, psychology and social and behavioral classes. A B.S.N. degree usually takes up to four years to earn, whereas an associate in nursing or a diploma can take anywhere from two to three years.
After graduating from nursing school, you must take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN) and complete any state-specific requirements before earning licensure to become an RN.
Whichever educational path you decide to take, learning good study habits can help make your course load more manageable.
Make a Schedule
A schedule can help you stay on top of assignments and due dates. If you don’t already have a planner, programs like Google Calendar, Notion and ClickUp help organize and set up your schedule.
Start your schedule by breaking down your weekly tasks and assignments. Don’t forget to add class schedules, study times, breaks and other personal or work-related commitments. Doing so will help you allocate your time between school and personal life.
Know Your Learning Style
Understanding your learning style can help you adjust how you study. In general, there are four main types of learners:
- Visual learners process information through visual aids, such as graphs, charts, maps and videos. They learn best when visuals are used to inform and compare ideas.
- Auditory learners intake information through auditory channels, both listening and speaking. Group discussions and presentations help these learners understand and retain information.
- Reading/writing learners learn best with information shared through the written word. Using textbooks and other reading supplements and taking notes can help these learners retain information.
- Kinesthetic learners understand best through hands-on activities. Learning that requires practice and replication of experiments will help these individuals understand and retain their studies.
That said, studies show that learning styles can also be specific to the material you are learning. For instance, if you are studying something like anatomy, you may learn best with visual aids.
Set Academic Goals
A helpful way to keep track of your academic progress in your nursing program is to set educational goals at the start of the semester or quarter.
Consider writing out long- and short-term goals for your academic journey. These goals should be attainable and trackable, with a clear idea of what it would look like to accomplish them. Keep this list close and check it periodically to track your progress.
Make a Study Group
Many studies have shown that studying in groups can benefit information intake and retention. Learning in groups can help with accountability and camaraderie, along with creating a structured schedule to help you and your classmates stay on track. Students learning in groups also teach each other concepts, which has been shown to help with comprehension and critical thinking.
Know When to Take a Break
As important as studying is, it is equally essential to understand when to take a break. Make sure to take time for breaks in between studying. Studies have shown that taking breaks can help with learning new skills. A break can be as simple as taking a walk, taking a 15-minute nap or stretching.
Remember Self Care
Even though acts of self care can seem simple, these are essential steps to having a successful journey in nursing school.
When you are in the middle of a busy and stressful semester, taking care of your mental and physical health can seem like a low priority. However, exercising, drinking water, sleeping or making a healthy snack can help your body and mind to rest and recuperate.
Your mental, emotional and physical health should always be a priority, no matter how busy the semester is.
Spread Out Study Times
Research shows that the more spread out your study sessions, the better and longer you can retain information. For example, if you have 10 hours of studying to do, try to break up your studying into shorter sessions in the weeks leading up to the test, rather than cramming in 10 hours of studying at once.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Nursing School
How do I become an RN?
To become an RN, you must complete an associate, bachelor’s or diploma in nursing. In addition, you must also pass the NCLEX-RN and any state-specified requirements.
How long does it take to become an RN?
Depending on the program you choose, it can take anywhere from two to four years to complete your education in nursing.
How much does an RN make?
According to the BLS, the median annual salary for an RN is $81,220.
Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts
As an expert and enthusiast, I have access to a wide range of information and can provide insights on various topics, including nursing school and study tips. I can help you understand the concepts mentioned in this article. Let's dive into the information!
Nursing School and Study Tips
The article provides tips on how to study for nursing school to make the educational experience more fulfilling and less stressful. Here are the key concepts discussed:
1. Pathways to Become a Registered Nurse (RN): To become an RN, you can pursue several educational pathways, including a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (B.S.N.) degree, an associate degree, or a diploma from a nursing program .
2. Required Courses: Most nursing programs require courses in anatomy, physiology, microbiology, psychology, and social and behavioral classes.
3. Duration of Education: The duration of nursing education varies depending on the chosen pathway. A B.S.N. degree usually takes up to four years to earn, while an associate degree or a diploma can take anywhere from two to three years.
4. National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-RN): After graduating from nursing school, aspiring RNs must take the NCLEX-RN and fulfill any state-specific requirements to earn licensure.
5. Study Habits: Developing good study habits can make the course load more manageable. The article suggests the following tips:
- Make a Schedule: Creating a schedule helps you stay organized and allocate time between school and personal life. Tools like Google Calendar, Notion, and ClickUp can assist in organizing and setting up your schedule .
- Know Your Learning Style: Understanding your learning style can help you adjust your study methods. The four main types of learners are visual learners, auditory learners, reading/writing learners, and kinesthetic learners. Each type of learner benefits from different study techniques.
- Set Academic Goals: Setting educational goals at the start of the semester or quarter can help you track your academic progress. These goals should be attainable, trackable, and have a clear idea of what it would look like to accomplish them.
- Make a Study Group: Studying in groups can benefit information intake and retention. Learning in groups promotes accountability, camaraderie, and teaching each other concepts .
- Know When to Take a Break: Taking breaks is essential for learning new skills. Studies have shown that breaks can improve learning. Simple activities like taking a walk, a short nap, or stretching can help you recharge.
- Remember Self-Care: Taking care of your mental, emotional, and physical health is crucial for success in nursing school. Engaging in acts of self-care, such as exercising, staying hydrated, getting enough sleep, and eating healthy snacks, can help you rest and recuperate.
- Spread Out Study Times: Research suggests that spreading out study sessions over time improves information retention. Breaking up studying into shorter sessions in the weeks leading up to a test is more effective than cramming all the studying into one long session .
6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Nursing School: The article also provides answers to common questions about nursing school:
- How do I become an RN? To become an RN, you must complete an associate, bachelor's, or diploma in nursing. Additionally, you must pass the NCLEX-RN and fulfill any state-specific requirements.
- How long does it take to become an RN? The duration of nursing education varies depending on the program. It can take anywhere from two to four years to complete your education in nursing .
- How much does an RN make? According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for an RN is $81,220.
Please note that the information provided above is based on this article and the search results I have access to. It's always a good idea to consult official sources and academic institutions for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Let me know if there's anything else I can assist you with!
