Search our Site!

Articles By Subject

5 Tips for Surviving the Toughest Nursing Classes

by Jennifer Willson

Home >> Articles >> Healthcare Careers >> 5 Tips for Surviving the Toughest Nursing Classes

Whether you're starting at one of the many nursing schools across the country or working on your nursing CEUs, some of biggest challenges a nurse can face are in the classroom. But don't be daunted. Here are 5 tips to help you tackle the toughest of RN classes:

1. Don't study just for better grades in your nursing courses.

You'll get more out of your nursing courses if you study to retain what you're reading instead of cramming the night before just to bump up your grade. Make time to review every day after class, setting a reachable study goal for each session.

2. Keep your studying focused and efficient.

Graduates from nursing programs can tell you that the content itself isn't difficult. It's the amount of content you need to learn that poses a challenge. So it's crucial to study efficiently. Look through the course syllabus to see what your professor thinks is important. Focus on chapter headings and summaries to organize your thinking, then pinpoint key terms and concepts.

3. Don't be afraid to speak up in your RN classes.

Professors at nursing programs know what you're going through. So don't be afraid to speak up! Both online nursing degree programs and traditional nursing schools offer ways to get involved and interact in class. At home, write questions in the margins as you read.

4. Find strength in numbers.

Pull together a study group for your RN classes. This is your chance to divide and conquer reading material and quiz each other before tests. Set up an online discussion board to share ideas and keep each other motivated.

5. Take time to take care of yourself.

You can't be your best if you don't feel your best. So exercise, take breaks, make sure you eat well and get enough sleep. There's no better way prepare for nursing courses that push you to the limit.

 

 


About Author

Featured Schools

Refine School Matches
Hide filters
  • SUBJECT Clear All

    See More

  • DEGREE

    See More

  • PROGRAM TYPE

  • START TIME

    LOCATION
    Please enter valid US or Canada Zip.
            Results open in new window

            Searching Searching ...

            Matching School Ads
            MSN - Informatics (Online)
            • MSN - Informatics (Online)
            • MSN – Advanced Generalist (Online)
            • RN to MSN - Advanced Generalist (Online)
            • Show more [+]
            • At West Coast University, your education can pave the way to your healthcare career
            • With West Coast University, you can choose to study healthcare online or any one of the 6 campuses located in California, Texas or Florida
            • West Coast University has developed programs with learning options to work around the demands of your life
            • Online Courses
            • Financial Aid
            • Transferable Credits
            Doctor of Nursing Practice with an Emphasis in Educational Leadership
            • Doctor of Nursing Practice with an Emphasis in Educational Leadership
            • M.S. in Nursing with an Emphasis in Leadership in Health Care Systems (Bridge)
            • Doctor of Nursing Practice
            • Show more [+]
            Good for Working Adults
            • Do you aspire to fulfill an evolving healthcare role as a highly-qualified nursing professional? GCU is the place for you.
            • RNs, pursue your BSN or MSN conveniently online, backed by the legacy of GCU's traditional campus.
            • GCU's bachelor's and master's programs prepare students to fill roles in direct care, management, health education and administrative disciplines.
            • The baccalaureate degree in nursing and master's degree in nursing at GCU are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education
            • Develop with hands-on practice, online and lab simulations and in depth peer discussions exploring best practices.
            • Accredited
            • Online Courses
            • Flexible Scheduling
            • Accelerated Programs
            • Financial Aid
            • Transferable Credits
            Associate of Science in Nursing
            Unitek College , Hayward
            • Associate of Science in Nursing
            • Vocational Nursing
            • Medical Assisting
            Good for Working Adults
            • Offers programs in nursing, medical assisting, pharmacy technology, dental assisting, and more.
            • Six Campuses across Northern CA: Fremont, San Jose, Sacramento, S. San Francisco, Hayward, and Concord.
            • Accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges, with programmatic approvals from the California Board of Vocational Nursing and Psychiatric Technicians and the Board of Registered Nursing.
            • Approved by the Better Business Bureau (BBB) with an A+ rating since 2010.
            Show more [+]
            • Flexible Scheduling
            • Financial Aid
            • Transferable Credits
            Doctor of Education - Nursing Education
            • Doctor of Education - Nursing Education
            • Ranked among the Best Online Bachelor's Programs in 2014 by U.S. News & World Report.
            • Implements a one-to-one teaching model, partnering one student with one faculty member in each course.
            • 100% of faculty members hold doctoral degrees.
            • No physical residency requirements, allowing students to pursue their degree online.
            • Committed to innovation, diversity, excellence, and accountability since its founding in 1996.
            • Offers several programs in business, education, psychology, and more.
            Show more [+]
            • Online Courses
            • Financial Aid
            • Transferable Credits
            Online Doctor of Nursing Practice - Leadership Track (MSN to DNP)
            • Online Doctor of Nursing Practice - Leadership Track (MSN to DNP)
            • Online Master of Science in Nursing (BSN to MSN-FNP)
            • Online Doctor of Nursing Practice - Family Nurse Practitioner Track (BSN to DNP)
            • Show more [+]
            • Ranked #4 among the 2015 Best Regional Universities in the Midwest by U.S. News & World Report.
            • Designated as 2015 Military Friendly School by U.S. News & World Report.
            • Student to faculty ratio of 12:1, with an average class size of 21.
            • 85% of faculty holds a doctorate or terminal degree in their field.
            • Regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) of the North Central Association (NCA).
            Show more [+]
            • Online Courses
            Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
            • Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)
            Good for Working Adults
            • Ranked among the 2015 Best National Universities by U.S. News & World Report.
            • Designated as a Military Friendly School every year since 2012 by Victory Media.
            • Offers credit for prior learning and experience through assessment tests.
            • Provides a short term Leadership Certification program in partnership with EQUIP®.
            • Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) of the North Central Association (NCA).
            Show more [+]
            • Accredited
            • Online Courses
            • Flexible Scheduling
            • Financial Aid
            • Transferable Credits
            Master of Science in Nursing
            • Master of Science in Nursing
            • Allows students to transfer credits from non-U.S. colleges and universities after evaluation.
            • Has students attend one class at a time to ensure easy access to faculty and a more hands-on education.
            • Its main campus is located in Fort Lauderdale, with campuses located throughout the State of Florida and internationally. 
            • Provides a Department of Student Services and Resources that assists students with résumé preparation, interviewing skills coaching, mock interviewing, professional development workshops, and more.
            Show more [+]
            • Online Courses