Being a nursing student isn’t easy. Between managing classes, clinical rotations, and endless study sessions, it’s no surprise that many nursing students feel overwhelmed. But what sets successful nursing students apart is not how much they study but how they study. Effective study techniques are key to understanding complex topics, preparing for exams, and, ultimately, thriving in nursing school.
If you’re wondering how to study in nursing school without drowning in the workload, this guide is for you. Below, we explore 10 proven study techniques for nursing students that not only enhance learning but also help you stay organized and confident.
1. Master Active Recall
What is Active Recall?
Active recall is a study technique where you actively test your memory instead of passively reviewing your notes. For example, instead of rereading a textbook chapter, you might close the book and quiz yourself on key concepts.
How to Use Active Recall:
- Create flashcards with terms or questions on one side and answers on the other. Apps like Anki or Quizlet make this even easier.
- After attending a lecture, write down key questions based on the material and try answering them without looking at your notes.
- Incorporate past NCLEX-style questions to practice applying your knowledge.
Why It Works:
Numerous studies show that active recall strengthens memory retention better than passive study methods like highlighting or rereading. This technique trains your brain to actively retrieve information, which is precisely what you’ll need during exams.
Related: Mastering The Art Of Studying: 7 Proven Techniques For Effective Learning
2. Use Spaced Repetition
What is Spaced Repetition?
Spaced repetition involves reviewing information at gradually increasing intervals. This combats the “forgetting curve,” ensuring you retain knowledge over time.
How to Use Spaced Repetition:
- Use apps like Anki, which automate spaced repetition and notify you when it’s time to review specific flashcards.
- Break down nursing topics into manageable chunks and review them over days or weeks. For example, review cardiac disorders on Day 1, respiratory disorders on Day 2, and revisit cardiac disorders on Day 5.
Why It Works:
Spaced repetition makes studying more efficient by focusing your efforts on concepts that you’re likely to forget. Over time, this technique solidifies information into long-term memory.
3. Create Concept Maps
What is Concept Mapping?
A concept map visually organizes and connects information, helping you see relationships between different topics. This technique is especially useful for complex nursing subjects like pharmacology or pathophysiology.
How to Create a Concept Map:
- Start with a central topic, such as “Heart Failure.”
- Branch out to subtopics like “Symptoms,” “Causes,” “Medications,” and “Nursing Interventions.”
- Add connections between related ideas, like how certain symptoms relate to specific medications.
Tool Recommendation:
Online tools like Lucidchart or pen and paper both work well for concept mapping.
4. Make Use of Mnemonics
What are Mnemonics?
Mnemonics are memory aids that use acronyms or catchy phrases to help you recall information quickly.
Examples for Nursing Students:
- ABCDE for patient prioritization (Airway, Breathing, Circulation, Disability, Exposure).
- MONA for heart attack treatment (Morphine, Oxygen, Nitroglycerin, Aspirin).
- “Some Lovers Try Positions That They Can’t Handle” for carpal bones (Scaphoid, Lunate, Triquetrum, Pisiform, Trapezium, Trapezoid, Capitate, Hamate).
Why It Works:
Mnemonics make complex information easy to remember by associating it with something familiar or fun.
5. Practice with Exam-Style Questions
Why Practice Questions Are Crucial:
Succeeding in nursing exams, including the NCLEX, is about more than memorizing facts. It requires critical thinking and the ability to apply knowledge in clinical scenarios.
How to Practice:
- Invest in high-quality NCLEX prep books like Saunders Comprehensive Review for the NCLEX-RN Examination.
- Use practice question apps like UWorld or explore online resources such as RegisteredNurseRN.com.
- Review rationales behind the answers, especially for incorrect ones, to understand common pitfalls.
6. Teach to Learn
The Power of Teaching:
Explaining concepts to others forces you to fully understand the material, which helps embed it in your memory.
Ways to Teach Others:
- Form study groups and alternate teaching complex topics to each other.
- Tutor classmates who are struggling with certain subjects.
- Imagine you’re teaching a patient or a fellow nurse, simplifying medical jargon as you go.
7. Hone Your Time Management Skills
Why Time Management Matters:
Balancing classes, clinical, and your personal life can quickly become overwhelming. Learning to manage your time effectively is essential.
Strategies for Nursing Students:
- Use a planner or a scheduling app like Google Calendar to allocate specific study blocks during the week.
- Set realistic daily goals. For example, dedicate two hours to pharmacology review and one hour to NCLEX practice questions.
- Follow the Pomodoro Technique (25 minutes of focused study followed by a 5-minute break) to maximize efficiency.
Related: Master Time Management: Strategies For Students Who Procrastinate
8. Minimize Distractions
Create an Optimal Study Environment:
Distractions can derail even the most motivated nursing students.
How to Stay Focused:
- Study in a quiet, dedicated space free from interruptions.
- Turn off social media notifications and use website blockers like StayFocusd.
- Use noise-canceling headphones or play instrumental music to maintain concentration.
9. Prioritize Self-Care
Why Self-Care is Critical:
Your mental and physical health directly impact your learning capabilities. Staying healthy is essential to maintaining focus and stamina through nursing school.
Self-Care Tips for Nursing Students:
- Get at least 7–8 hours of sleep per night to improve memory retention.
- Follow a balanced diet and stay hydrated to keep your energy levels up.
- Incorporate physical activity like yoga or a short walk into your routine to reduce stress.
10. Join or Form a Study Group
The Power of Collaborative Learning:
Study groups can encourage accountability, foster new perspectives, and build a sense of community.
How to Make It Work:
- Limit groups to 4–6 people to keep discussions focused.
- Set an agenda for each session, such as reviewing a specific unit or quizzing each other on practice questions.
- Share resources like notes, mnemonics, and concept maps to aid mutual learning.
Related: Top Nursing Majors In The United States For 2025
Conclusion: Set Yourself Up for Success
Studying in nursing school doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With effective techniques like active recall, spaced repetition, and time management, you can take control of your learning and ace your exams.
Remember, every small step you take toward mastering these methods is a step closer to thriving as a future nurse. Consistency is key.
Still feeling unsure? Explore resources like RegisteredNurseRN.com for study tips, or reach out to a mentor who can guide you through your nursing school experience. And don’t forget to take advantage of tools like Anki and Saunders NCLEX Review to fine-tune your skills.
