Study Plan Tips
Over the next couple of weeks we’ll be talking about some ways that you can make your Nursing school experience a little less stressful. While I was in nursing school I also worked 20 or so hours a week, when I was studying for my Bachelor’s degree (BSN) I worked full time. I’ve always been a planner, and the truth is that we all have 24 hours in a day, its how we use them that makes a big difference.
When I was in college before the Army I worked a full time job, two part time jobs and still managed to have a 3.5 GPA, the biggest part of that was being able to plan what I needed to do and then working the plan.
While you’re studying for your classes, it is also important not to forget that you have the NCLEX when you’re finished. I mentioned before that our study group studied for the NCLEX from almost the first week that we were in nursing school, that made much less stress and we were more prepared when we took the test.
- Find some study partners. I think this was one of the keys to my success. It is important when you find some partners that you find those that will help instead of hinder your studying. It might take a few different partners to find 2 or 3 people that help you as much as you help them.
- I know it’s the summer and you may not be taking classes, but when you start the fall semester you’ll want to get some calendars. I’m cheap so I print them off the internet. Tape the edges together so you can see the whole semester at a glance. When you get the syllabus for the classes you’ll be taking, write the major tests and assignments into the calendar. Note any assignments, readings and papers that are due to. As soon as you learn more about what you’ll need to do, break each of those assignments down into what you’ll need to do each week and then each day. Pay particular attention to when you might have more than one test / assignment that are on the same day (or close) and make sure that you prepare.
- Make some goals. It might sound cliché but it isn’t. If you don’t have any goals, you can’t celebrate when you accomplish them. Make large goals, then list the steps it will take to reach them.
- Find out how you study best. We’ll talk much more about this later.
- If you don’t get enough sleep, you won’t be able to function at your best.
- Attend class. Read what you’re supposed to. Ask questions about things that you don’t understand. Don’t be afraid to ask your professor if there is something that you don’t get. After all they are paid to teach you. It won’t make you look dumb, you’re paying them big bucks. Asking them a question might help someone else to. If they don’t like you asking questions during the class, then make sure you pay them a visit during their office hours.
- Procrastination is your enemy. It is also an easy habit to get into and is difficult to break.
Enjoy your Day!
