Study Tips for Nursing Students


By Mark Barrow

Studying for nursing school can be a tall order! With so much material to cover and exams to stay on top of, it can be overwhelming. But don’t worry – we’ve got you covered! Read on for some helpful tips and tricks to make studying a breeze. From organizing your notes to getting enough sleep, these Study tips for nursing students will have you prepared and ready to rock your nursing classes and help you excel in nursing exams and beyond.

Create a Schedule and Stick to It

As a nursing student, it can be easy to get overwhelmed with the amount of coursework and clinical hours you need to complete. A great way to stay on track and manage your time efficiently is to create a schedule that works for you. Use a planner or calendar to map out your study time, clinical hours, and other activities. Make sure that you make a head start with your reading and don’t fall behind, and study every day. This will help you stay organized and avoid stress once your assignments start to roll in.

Find a Study Group

Studying with a group of fellow nursing students can be a great way to learn and stay motivated. Not only can you share study tips and resources, but you can also work together to tackle difficult coursework. Your study buddies will know exactly what you’re going through and you’ll be able to keep each other motivated during the hard times. Just make sure you find a study group that works well with your learning style and schedule.

Utilize Your Nursing School Study Resources & Tools

Your university likely offers a variety of resources to help you succeed. This will include study guides, textbooks, online resources, and tutoring services. Take advantage of these resources, and don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it.

But don’t forget about the wealth of free online lectures and guidance on nursing practice and more from organisations like:

Royal College of Nursing
Queen’s Nursing Institute
NursingNotes.co.uk
NursingAnswers.Net
Nursing and Midwifery Council

Adapt Your Approach to Fit Your Learning Style

Understanding your learning style and then using content that fits it will help massively. Are you a visual learner? Then search YouTube for the topics you’re studying. Social learner? Join a study group and discuss the coursework with your peers. We’re all different and there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. If you find one learning style is more engaging than others, then you’re more likely to retain the info.

Here are some great resources:

  • You can find a ton of practice questions and flashcards on quizlet.
  • The Saunders NCLEX book can be a valuable companion as it presents a condensed version of the content without any unnecessary details, and also includes practice questions.
  • osmosis.org has 550+ nursing-specific content videos that simplify complex information, making it effortless to understand and retain.

Review Your Notes Regularly

A nursing degree requires a lot of memorisation, so it’s essential to review your notes regularly. Use flashcards or other memory tools to help you remember important information. Plus, focus your time on reviewing the material that your tutors have covered in class. If you try to read every word of all the resources out there then you’ll quickly become overwhelmed, so take your cues from your tutors.

Take Care of Your Physical and Mental Health

Taking care of your physical and mental health is crucial when it comes to succeeding in nursing studies. Take breaks, get enough sleep, eat a balanced diet, and exercise regularly to keep your body healthy. Additionally, find healthy ways to manage stress, such as meditation, yoga, or talking with friends or family.

Study tips for student nurses

Seek Out Mentors

Nursing school can be challenging, and it’s normal to feel overwhelmed at times. Seek out mentors, whether it’s a professor, a more experienced nursing student, or a nurse you admire. They can offer study tips for nursing students with guidance and support, and help you navigate the challenges you’re facing.

Stay Up-to-Date on Industry Trends and Best Practices

As a nursing student, it’s essential to stay informed about the industry trends and best practices. Read nursing journals and attend professional conferences and events to stay up-to-date.
Some great resources for nursing journals include:

Get Involved in the University Nursing Societies

Participating in extracurricular activities, such as joining nursing clubs can help you build your skills and knowledge outside of the classroom. The Liverpool University Nursing Society provides a network of support for all students on the nursing degree and those interested in nursing. The LJMU Nursing Society plans social events, invites guest speakers and provides academic and placement guidance to all nursing students. These societies can also be a great way to network with other nursing students and professionals.

Plan your assignments

Before you begin planning or working on your assignments, make sure to read the grading rubric. Most grading rubrics provide specific guidelines for achieving a good grade. Not checking the rubric before submitting my assignment is a mistake many students regret, believing they had written a well-crafted piece only to realize later that they had misunderstood the assignment question.

FAQ

How Many Hours a Day Should a Nursing Student Study?

The amount of time a nursing student should study will vary depending on the individual and the coursework. guidelines, nursing students should plan to study at least two to three hours per day outside of class time. This will ensure you have enough time to complete coursework, study for exams, and prepare for clinical rotations.

In conclusion, nursing school is challenging, but with the right study tips and strategies, you can succeed and achieve your career goals. Use these study tips for nursing students to stay organized and manage your time efficiently, seek out mentors and stay informed about industry trends, and take care of your physical and mental health. With dedication and hard work, you can become a successful nursing student and, eventually, a successful nurse.

Now that you have a better idea of how to tackle nursing school, why not take a look at our student accommodation in Liverpool and start your journey to success?