Nursing School Survival Guide: Study Hacks That Don't Suck
Does your studying feel like you're digging a hole with a miniature shovel?
Don’t worry! I got the tips to help you dig into the content and make it stick!
Studying for other college courses versus nursing school is literally like trying to compare apples to oranges. It's a whirlwind of reading hundreds of textbook pages, learning drug names that you will never pronounce right, and sleepless nights that leave bags big enough to catch a flight. But fear not! I've got your back with study tips that are more "Netflix and chill" than "all-nighter cramming."
Ditch the Boring Flashcards
Sure, flashcards have their place, but let's be real, they're about as exciting as watching paint dry. Instead, try these alternatives:
Mnemonics on Steroids: Remember those silly little rhymes and acronyms you learned in grade school? They're back and better than ever. Turn complex concepts into hilarious phrases you'll never forget. (Example: "Cranial Nerves: Oh, Oh, Oh, To Touch And Feel Very Good Velvet. Such Heaven!")
Color-Code Your World: Grab some highlighters and go wild on your notes. Assign colors to different systems, concepts, or anything else that makes sense to you. Suddenly, those dense pages become a vibrant masterpiece.
The "Teach It to Your Dog" Method: Explain what you're learning to your pet, a stuffed animal, or even an imaginary friend. If you can break it down in simple terms, you've got it down pat.
You Got To Switch It Up
Studying alone can be a recipe for burnout. Gather your peeps (aka your nursing school friends) and turn learning into a social event. Here's how to make it awesome:
Quiz Show Mania: Create your own game show-style game with questions from your lectures and textbooks. The winner gets bragging rights and maybe a free coffee.
Case Study Collaborations: Tackle real-world nursing scenarios as a team. Not only will you learn from each other, but you'll also get practice thinking on your feet.
Change Up Your Notes: Is your personal nursing diagnosis impaired knowledge deficit? Assess what is lacking or too much in your notes. Writing notes just to write notes is not how you retain the information. If you are afraid to switch it up, don’t fear! Nurse Kitty is here!
Study Breaks That Actually Work
Forget mindless scrolling through social media. Give your brain a real break with activities that recharge and refresh:
Dance Party for One: Crank up your favorite tunes and bust a move. Bonus points if you incorporate nursing-themed TikTok dance moves (think "The IV Pump" or "The Chest Compressor").
Nature Escape: Get outside for a walk, hike, or even just a few minutes of fresh air. Nature has a way of calming the mind and boosting creativity.
Actually Chill: Yes, you can watch TV! But choose something that's funny, lighthearted, and won't leave you feeling drained.
Bonus Tip: Reward Yourself!
Set up small rewards for reaching your study goals. It could be a tasty treat, a new episode of your favorite show, or even just a few minutes of guilt-free relaxation. Go ahead and treat yo’ self!
You've Got This!
Remember, you didn’t get this far by chance. Pace yourself. Find what study methods work best for you, and don't forget to have some fun along the way. You're going to be an amazing nurse!