Page 82 - Saunders Comprehensive Review For NCLEX-RN

How long should my study sessions last?
Does the time of day that I study make a difference? Do I retain more if I study
in the morning?
How does my work schedule affect my study pattern?
How do I balance my family obligations with my need to study?
Do I have a comfortable study area at home or should I find another
environment that is conducive to my study needs?

The plan must include a schedule. Use a calendar to plan and document the daily
times and nursing content areas for your study sessions. Establish a realistic
schedule that includes your daily, weekly, and future goals, and stick to your plan of
study. This consistency will provide advantages to you and the people supporting
you. You will develop a rhythm that can enhance your retention and positive
momentum. The people who are supporting you will share this rhythm and be able
to schedule their activities and lives better when you are consistent with your study
schedule.
The length of the study session depends on your ability to focus and concentrate.
You need to think about quality rather than quantity when you are deciding on a
realistic amount of time for each session. Plan to schedule at least 2 hours of quality
study time daily. If you can spend more than 2 hours, by all means do so.
You may ask, “What do you mean by quality study time?” Quality study time
means spending uninterrupted quiet time at your study session. This may mean that
you have to isolate yourself for these study sessions. Think again about what has
worked for you during nursing school when you studied for examinations; select a
study place that has worked for you in the past. If you have a special study room at
home that you have always used, plan your study sessions in that special room. If
you have always studied at a library, plan your study sessions at the library.
Sometimes it is difficult to balance your study time with your family obligations and
possibly a work schedule, but, if you can, plan your study time when you know that
you will be at home alone. Try to eliminate anything that may be distracting during
your study time. Silence your cellphone appropriately so that you will not be
disturbed. If you have small children, plan your study time during their nap time or
during their school hours.
Your plan must include how you will manage your study needs with your other
obligations. Your family and friends are key players in your life and are going to
become part of your Pyramid to Success. After you have established your study
needs, communicate your needs and the importance of your study plan to your
family and friends.
A difficult part of the plan may be how to deal with family members and friends
who choose not to participate in your plan for success. For example, what do you do
if a friend asks you to go to a movie and it is your scheduled study time? Your friend
may say, “Take some time off. You have plenty of time to study. Study later when
we get back!” You are faced with a decision. You must weigh all factors carefully.
You must keep your goals in mind and remember that your need for positive
momentum is critical. Your decision may not be an easy one, but it must be one that
will ensure that your goal of becoming a registered nurse is achieved.

82