7 Amazing Study Tips for Nursing Students to Ace Nursing School

Being a nurse, I understand that gaining a nursing degree is no easy task. From lectures to practicals to studying; It might seem like you have no social life anymore. 

Studying your brains out, only for those dreaded SATA questions to pretty much run your grades down, nursing school can entirely be the handful. 

If you get your grades instantly, then you don’t have to wait out those long awful hours or even days wondering how you did on your test.

Being at your wits ends at all times because you know a wrong move will send you packing altogether from the program if you don’t meet that passing grade.

I've been there, and I understand the struggle.

You will be in school, on average, for 4 years, and at the same time, you need to maintain your grades so that you can graduate with honors.

It's not an impossible feat, but it does require some discipline and good study habits. This article will give you seven simple tips that can help you maximize your grades in nursing school. So without further ado, let's dive in!

7 Study Tips For Nursing Students

1. Study in groups

Form or join a study group. Many students find that study groups can be helpful as they allow for collaboration and peer-to-peer learning. If you are in a nursing program, try to find other students taking the same classes as you and form a study group.

This will allow you to compare notes, ask questions, and get help when you need it. Group studying can also be a fun way to connect with others in your program, making the studying process a little less daunting.

Also, listening to other students' successful study methods and then finding one that works for you helps improve your studying and critical thinking skills.

2. Create flashcards to help you learn vital facts

When it comes to studying for nursing exams, creating flashcards can be a huge help. I used this method throughout nursing school.

Nursing school requires a lot of reading and learning. Flashcards are an easy way to learn and remember key facts, and you can use them for any subject you're studying for.

Here are some tips on how to create effective nursing flashcards:

1. Start by making a list of the key facts or points you need to remember.

2. Create cards for each fact, and make sure to include the following information:
The fact itself – The main topic or topic category it falls under – Any related concepts or terms that you need to know

3. Organize your cards into categories based on the topics you're studying.

4. Use mnemonic devices to help you remember.

3. Track your progress with a study log

A study log is a great way to track your progress and stay on top of your studying. By writing down what you have studied each day, you will better keep track of your progress and cover all the material you need to know.

Not only will this help to motivate you, but it will also help in time management as you can see how much you have accomplished in a given week or month.

4. Make a study schedule

Knowing your learning style and creating a study schedule is one of the best things you can do for yourself as a nursing student. When you have a plan, it's easier to stay on track and ensure you're getting all the studying you need to do.

Make sure your schedule is realistic, and be prepared to make some adjustments along the way. Stick to your plan as closely as possible, and you'll be able to graduate with the skills you need to start your nursing career.

Making a study method is very helpful for nursing students since every student is different and learns differently.

5. Take practice quizzes and exams

One of the best ways for nursing studies is to take practice quizzes in preparation for nursing exams. I cannot stress enough how doing practice exams helps with succeeding in nursing school.

As I found the hard way on my first test during school, nursing school exam questions are structured very differently from tests in other programs.

This means that to familiarize yourself with how these questions are asked, you will need to do lots of practice questions and read the rationals of all the questions regardless of whether you had them right or wrong.

I used the NCLEX RN Mastery app the first few years in school and used Uworld as practice questions for my final year to start prepping myself for NCLEX early.

These apps were instrumental in my success in nursing school, and I loved them for the great content and the ease of doing questions anywhere and at any time. Find the ones that work for you and get those practice questions in.

Doing practice questions will help you get comfortable with the material and format of your tests. In addition, it will help you identify any areas that you need to focus on to improve your score.
 

6. Use a textbook companion website or app

Textbook companion websites and apps can be beneficial in making sure you understand the material. Many of these sites include practice quizzes and exercises, interactive flashcards, and videos that can help explain complex concepts.

They can also provide additional practice problems to help you master the content and help you get ready for your nursing exam.

7. Ask for help when needed

Ask for help when you need it! So maybe you have tried all you can but can still not understand some concepts. There are multiple resources in all nursing schools across the US to help students succeed.

• You can reach out to your course lecturer for more explanation outside of class, and they will be more than happy to help explain things to you further. 
• Use the academic counselors assigned to you. Academic counselors are your best friends in your nursing programs; they are professionals explicitly assigned to help you succeed in school. They might help you explore more options in your program to help you succeed.
• Take advantage of online forums and discussions to ask all your questions.
  Nursing programs can be challenging, but they're manageable with dedication and a willingness to ask for help.

FAQs

How many hours a week should a nursing student study?
Nursing students should study anywhere from 8 to 12 hours a week, but this varies depending on the student's level of understanding and ability to retain information.

To excel in nursing school, students need to balance studying and taking care of their personal lives. Studying for too long can lead to burnout, so it's essential for students to set aside time for relaxation and recreation.

However, if a student struggles with academics, they will need to invest more time in their studies. In general, it's best to find what works best for you and stick with that routine. There is no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to studying.

Is nursing school easy?

Nursing school is not easy. It is one of the most challenging and intense programs you will ever undertake. But it is also one of the most rewarding, and you will emerge from it as a highly-skilled and competent nurse.

So if you are up for the challenge, then yes, nursing school can be done. But if you are looking for an easy path to a degree, then nursing school is not for you.
Made a decision already? So get admission and be prepared for your first semester in nursing school.

How much sleep do nursing students get?

Nursing students typically get around six to eight hours of sleep per night. This varies depending on the program and how busy the student is, but nursing students need to get as much sleep as possible to stay alert and focused during class.

How to become a good nursing student?

It would be best if you always strived to learn as much as possible. Make sure to ask lots of questions in class and review your notes regularly. The more information you have, the better prepared you'll be for the challenges of nursing school and beyond. 

Some nursing students only study on the weekends, don't make this mistake! Compiling too much on yourself to study can be overwhelming and discouraging when you are not retaining much. 

Set a study schedule and abide by it. Don't study for long periods. Take small breaks in between studying to help you reset.

Lastly, stay positive and don't give up. There will undoubtedly be times when things get tough, but remember that anything is possible with hard work and dedication.

How to effectively study for nursing school?

First and foremost, it's crucial to create a study schedule and stick to it. Get a planner and map out what you need to study each day/week. It's also helpful to break down each chapter or unit of material into smaller, more manageable parts.

In addition, it's essential to get plenty of rest and exercise; both are essential for maintaining focus and concentration. 

And lastly, don't forget to relax! Studying can be intense and overwhelming, so take some time for yourself now and then. Watch a movie, read a book, take a walk – anything that helps you de-stress. 

Good luck!

Let's Summarize

These study tips for nursing students are easy to implement and will help you excel in your classes. The rewards of being a nurse extend far past just knowing how to take care of patients or even getting that dream job.

Being a good student is the first step to being a great nurse, which I know is what you are aiming for. Nurses provide comfort, support, education, and empathy, and all these things make them exceptional and the most trusted professionals you will find! Now go out there and be an excellent studying professional!