As a nursing student, you likely feel overwhelmed with all there is to learn. Whether you are just starting your pre-nursing coursework or are in the throes of clinical, having a great study guide can make all the difference. This blog post will recommend 3 of the best nursing school study guides to help you succeed.
“Saunders Comprehensive Review for the NCLEX-RN” by Linda Anne Silvestri
This comprehensive review book is a favorite among nursing students. It covers all the core content areas you need to know for the NCLEX exam. In addition, the book includes over 5,800 practice questions to help you prepare for test day. Saunders also offers an app with even more practice questions and audio reviews of key concepts.
“Nursing Test Banks” by RegisteredNurseRX
This website offers a variety of test banks for sale that can be downloaded and used on your computer or mobile device. The test banks cover various topics, including pharmacology, medical-surgical nursing, and maternal-child health. That is an excellent resource if you prefer to study using practice questions.
“Lippincott Illustrated Reviews: Pharmacology” by Karen Whalen
Pharmacology is one of the most challenging courses in nursing school. This review book uses illustrations and concise summaries to break down complex pharmacology concepts. The book also includes over 500 NCLEX-style questions to help you prepare for exam day.
How to Choose the Best Nursing School Study Guide
There are a lot of different nursing school study guides on the market. So, how do you know which one is right for you? The answer depends on a few factors, including your learning style, the type of exam you’re studying for, and your budget. This blog post will give you a few tips to help you choose the best nursing school study guide for your needs.
Consider Your Learning Style
Your learning style is one of the first things you should consider when choosing a nursing school study guide. Are you a visual learner? Do you prefer to learn by doing? Or are you someone who needs to hear information to understand it? Specific study guides will work better for you, depending on your learning style.
For example, if you’re a visual learner, you might prefer a study guide with infographics or diagrams. Or, if you’re someone who likes to learn by doing, you might pick a study guide that includes practice questions or sample tests. Keep your learning style in mind when choosing a study guide so that you can choose one that’s well-suited to your needs.
Choose the Right Type of Study Guide
Another important consideration is the type of study guide you need. Are you looking for a comprehensive overview of all the material in your nursing program? Or are you looking for a more targeted approach focusing on specific areas where you need extra help? Again, the answer depends on your individual needs and preferences.
Some students prefer an all-in-one study guide that covers everything they need to know for their exams. Others prefer more targeted approaches focusing on areas where they need extra help. Consider what type of study guide will work best for your needs before deciding.
Think About Your Budget
Finally, considering your budget is essential when choosing a nursing school study guide. Study guides price range from under $20 to over $100, depending on factors like the length and depth of coverage. If money is tight, plenty of high-quality options are available at lower price points. However, some of the more expensive options might be worth considering if money is no object.
In conclusion, a few things to remember when choosing a nursing school study guide include your learning style, the type of exam you’re studying for, and your budget. By considering these factors, you’ll be able to choose the best nursing school study guide for your individual needs.
Study Tips for Nursing Students
Getting good grades in nursing school requires more than just showing up to class and hoping for the best. You’ll need to put in some serious study time if you want to succeed. Here are a few study tips to help you get started:
- Create a Schedule: One of the most important things you can do as a nursing student is to create a study schedule and stick to it. With so much material to cover, it can be easy to get overwhelmed. Having a set schedule will help you stay on track and ensure you’re covering all the material on the exam.
- Take Breaks: Learning everything there is to know about being a nurse is a lot of work! Make sure to take breaks throughout your study sessions, so your brain has time to process all the information you’re taking. Relaxation techniques like yoga or meditation can also help reduce stress and improve focus.
- Make Use of Study Groups: Forming or joining a study group is an excellent way to improve your understanding of the material while also getting some social interaction. It’s a win-win! Make sure everyone in the group is on the same page regarding expectations and goals.
Avoid These Common Nursing Student Mistakes
Now that we’ve gone over some general studying tips let’s move on to mistakes that specifically trip up nursing students. By avoiding these errors, you’ll put yourself in a much better position to ace your exams.
One common mistake nursing students make is trying to learn everything at once. Since there’s so much material covered in nursing school, it can be tempting to try and understand it all at once—but this isn’t an effective strategy. You’ll only feel overwhelmed and bogged down by all the information. A better approach is to focus on one topic at a time and hammer home those concepts before moving on. Students also tend to wait until the last minute to study for exams. That is not ideal, as it doesn’t give you much time to master the material. Instead, try to study for exams at least two weeks in advance, so you have plenty of time to prepare.
Additionally, many students skim over the syllabus when it’s first distributed at the beginning of the semester. While it might seem like a waste of time, going over the syllabus carefully will l help p y o you understand what will be expected of you during each unit and what topics will be covered on exams. This way, you can best prepare for success. Lastly, another common mistake students make is not paying attention during lectures. It might be tempting to zone out when y our professor is talking about something you think you already know, but even if you have a good grasp on the material, there’s always more to learn. You could miss vital information that way that could come back to haunt you later on down the road. Paying attention during lectures will also help catch any misconceptions early, so you don’t have to waste valuable time relearning concepts later.
In conclusion, by following the tips and strategies outlined in this guide, you’ll be well on your way to getting excellent grades in nursing school. Just remember to create a study schedule, take breaks, focus on one topic at a time, start studying early, pay attention in lectures, and avoid common mistakes! With enough hard work and dedication, you’ll be donning those scrubs before you know it. Good luck!
