Preparing for Sister Pat's test.

I spent the majority of my collegiate career memorizing everything and getting straight A's. Although, learning and trying to remember the information is still important...you have to now go one step further and be able to apply that information--in scenarios.

An example that I can give, to give you an idea of what your up against...

Either you have/will covered theorist in concepts. I spent a great deal of time memorizing the theorist and their LENGTHY theories...only to have a test question that says Nurse Betty did this...which theory was she applying... hmmm...good question...I have NO clue. I wasn't able to decipher that, because I had only memorized the words...I hadn't thought out what those words even meant...
I would have killed for a matching section. :)

Pay close attention to the skills sections and assessment sections of your Fundamentals book. Really pay attention to WHAT it is that YOU need to do as a nurse to perform that skill. What preparation does the client need? What position do they need to be in? If I am using solutions do they need to be heated? How do I heat them? What temperature should they be? Again, all of the who, what, when, where and why's. Pay attention to boxes and tables too. What tools do I need? What is a normal sign of the test I performed? How will I know if its abnormal?

What I did, was read the chapter as I read..I hi-lighted the areas I thought were important, that was beyond any comprehension at the time, that I felt like I needed to LEARN, then I went to lecture, asked questions, paid attention and hi-lighted what Sister covered (in a different color). Then, I went home and really focused my studying to the hi-lighted areas. Which I would try to read at least 2 more times. I did the review questions at the end of the chapters, they will help prepare you for critical thinking questions. I joined a study group, and HIGHLY encourage you to start/join study groups as well. They are a huge benefit! I will honestly say that the MAJORITY of us who participated in study group on a regular basis are still in the nursing program...that should be an affirmation as to how beneficial they are.

Some people record lecture and keep listening to it over and over...some read out loud (me) and record and play that back over and over again. It's great for those LONG drives to clinicals or when you are cleaning.

You'll figure out what it is that works best for you.

I remember my first few weeks, I would spend 6 hours studying every night...and I don't want to scare you, but I just want you to know I was there...but I failed my first test...miserably. I knew the information, it just took a while for the dots to connect for critical thinking questions. As, it will you too...(I think I am still connecting dots ..even now)

Eventually, you will get into a groove and you won't be spending so much time studying because you will figure out what is pertinent, areas to focus on, and you'll start recognizing better what information you've mastered and what you need to go over, which helps focus your studying (again...another huge benefit of study group).

I hope this helps, if not...feel free to call me at home, my phone number is 419-334-4471 or email me mizzcarrieann@aol.com

I am hoping that other 2nd years will chime in and share with you their study habits and also other sections of importance...

GOOD LUCK!

KEEP YOUR EYES ON THE PRIZE AND YOUR ARMS AROUND THOSE YOU LOVE!