STUDY
TIPS
When studying , talk out the material with friends . When discussing , you can fill in the gaps . Explaining it to classmates further reiterates your own memory . Summarize and write out the key points on paper or whiteboard . This helps visual learners . - Kayla Crider , former NSNA member , Clemson , SC
I am currently in my masters ’ program . Throughout my college experience , the most important thing that has worked for me , especially with having ADHD , is to stay organized and take clean , concise , and organized notes . Using brightly colored note cards , Post-it notes , highlighters , page markers , and notebook paper helped me . Bright colors help to keep my interest and being able to mark different sections with different colors helps to keep things organized for me . - Jami Van Brocklin , student , Herzing University Online , Racine , WI
Time is a limited resource ; sitting down for hours to study and take notes was almost impossible . To maximize every minute , I recorded myself reading the textbook chapters , explaining what I learned and listening to it at any opportunity . I listened to the recordings during my commutes , while I ’ m shopping or doing chores and more . It was convenient and effective for me . - Lucienne Alexandre , student , Miami Dade College , Benjamin Leon School of Nursing , Miami , FL
When I am studying and I come upon a word I have never seen before , I search it up on the internet and / or watch a video explanation . This seems like more work , but in the end , it helps me connect the concepts better . - Laura Scudiere , student , Rasmussen University , Wausau , WI
Use a timer for focused times of studying . Just studying — turn off and tune out everything else ( we are not as good at multitasking as we think we are ). Then take short breaks — even better if you get moving , maybe take a walk . Your brain needs that time to make connections to retain the information . That is also why getting good sleep is so valuable ! Cramming is not an effective strategy ; start studying sooner and have a good night ’ s rest the night before a test . Sometimes these things feel counterintuitive , but the science supports them , and they work ! - Electra Allen , faculty advisor , Biola University , La Mirada , CA
Sometimes diagrams and charts need to be seared into our brains . I print charts and diagrams and use whiteout to get rid of labels and words . Afterwards , I would put these pages in plastic protective sheets . Why ? Because you can use erasable markers and write on these sheets to practice ! You can fill in your diagrams and charts as many times as you want . You can just wipe and the charts are blank again . This method is perfect for those who learn through vision , writing , and tactile repetition . - Keilah Perez , student , Houston Baptist University School of Nursing and Allied Health , Houston , TX
Using mnemonics and repeating important / key aspects of nursing care on flashcards tremendously helped me in preparing for all my exams ! Rhymes such as , “ cool & clammy , give me some candy ,” helped me remember a crucial aspect of Diabetes Mellitus management . - Keriann Walsh , student , Regis College , Weston , MA
28 NSNA IMPRINT • SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2021 • www . nsna . org