My INSANELY Effective Study System for Nursing School

Hey guys, welcome back to the Nursing School Week by Week Podcast! I’m Melanie, and I’m so excited to share with you my INSANELY effective study system. This study system is designed for nursing students who want to maximize their time and retain information more effectively. Trust me, after using this system, I can confidently say it’s a game-changer.

Let’s Talk Active Learning

First things first: I’m not talking about passive learning. You know, those methods like re-reading or re-writing your notes or getting comfy on the couch with your textbook and highlighters. We all know those methods don't work very well, and they're definitely not the best use of your precious time. Nursing school doesn’t give you a lot of time, so you need to use it wisely and efficiently.

Instead, I'm all about active learning. Active learning is hands-on, engaging, and helps you recall information when it counts—during tests. So, if you want to be ready to ace your next exam, let’s dive into how this system works!

Why Practice Tests & Flashcards Work

I’m a big believer in studying what works—and what’s scientifically proven to work. So, I’ve spent a lot of time learning about study techniques that actually help you recall information. The two things that top the list? Practice tests and flashcards, especially using a method called “spaced repetition.”

Spaced repetition is huge for retaining information long-term, and I swear by it. If you follow me on Facebook, you’ll see that I just shared a video breaking down why this method works so well. In fact, I'm going to walk you through the exact steps I use in my own study routine to give you a head start.

4 Apps I Use for Nursing School

I’m all about using the right tools to study efficiently. Over the course of nursing school, I’ve learned which resources really help me grasp concepts. And no, the textbook is not one of them. Here are my four go-to resources for studying nursing school material:

1. Picmonic: This app uses pictures and stories to help you remember complex nursing concepts. It’s like learning through fun visuals.
2. Nursing.com: You’ll find 10-minute video lessons on nearly every subject you’ll cover in nursing school. It's my go-to for video explanations.
3. Anki: The best flashcard app out there. Anki uses spaced repetition to show you cards at the ideal time for remembering them.
4. Podcast App: Whether I’m in the car or walking Oakley, I use podcasts to reinforce concepts.

How I Study for Each Topic

Let’s take an example: Imagine I have a lecture coming up on blood transfusions. Here’s how my study system works:

1. Start with Picmonic
   I open the Picmonic app and search for “blood transfusion.” I find two relevant topics: “Blood transfusion administration” and “transfusion reactions.” I add both to my Picmonic playlist for the upcoming test. I’ll first watch the educational video, then the story behind the concept. Afterward, I quiz myself using the 10-question quiz Picmonic provides. This is key—quizzing yourself is one of the best ways to reinforce what you’ve learned.

2. Create Flashcards in Anki
   Next, I open Anki and create flashcards based on what I just learned from Picmonic. The beauty of Anki is that you can add images, so I always paste a screenshot of the Picmonic picture for extra visual reinforcement. I also tag the flashcards with something like “Exam 1” so I can easily cram them right before the test.

3. Watch a Video on Nursing.com
   I head to Nursing.com and search for “blood transfusion.” I find a 16-minute video, which I watch for the highlights on the topic. Afterward, I take the 10-question quiz that goes with the video. I love Nursing.com’s quizzes because they provide detailed rationales for each answer, which is so helpful when trying to understand the material better.

4. Check My Course Material
   Finally, I log into Canvas (or whatever learning management system your school uses) and find the lecture material for blood transfusions. I watch any assigned pre-lecture videos and print out any necessary handouts. Pro tip: Don’t waste time printing PowerPoint slides! I used to do this, but I realized I never really used them, so now I avoid it.

Don’t Skip Flashcards!

Here’s my main study tip: If your professor posts video lectures that are essentially PowerPoint presentations with their voice over it, create flashcards from them. Don’t be stingy with your flashcards—write down anything you think could be on the test. Flashcards with just one or two pieces of info on them are much more effective than a card with paragraphs of text. Trust me, you’ll be glad you did this.

Before Class

By the time I sit in class, I’ve already done the bulk of the work. I know the material and feel prepared, which makes the lecture much more enjoyable and less stressful. I’m not scrambling to figure out what’s going on—I'm actively engaging with the material. Being prepared for class lowers stress and makes learning more effective.

Review and Reinforce

Each day, I do a few things to keep the information fresh:

• Anki flashcards: I go through my flashcards each day, aiming to review about 20 new cards.
• Picmonic Daily Quiz: I take the daily quiz to reinforce my learning.
• Podcasts: I listen to one podcast on a topic that will be on the next test. Whether I’m walking Oakley or doing chores around the house, I’m using that time to study.

Two Days Before the Exam

The two days before the test are a bit different. I dive into my Anki flashcards and use the “Custom Study” feature to create a deck that focuses specifically on all the material I need for the test. I also go back to Nursing.com and retake the quizzes associated with the test topics, plus my daily Picmonic quiz.

By the time exam day rolls around, I feel confident and calm. I’ve reviewed the material, reinforced the concepts, and actively engaged with the content every step of the way.

Final Thoughts

So that’s it! This study system may sound like a lot, but trust me—it works. With active learning, practice tests, spaced repetition, and the right apps, you can make the most out of your study time and come out on top in nursing school. You’ve got this!

Oh, and by the way, don’t forget to check the show notes for a special 20% discount on Picmonic. You can start using these tools today to supercharge your nursing school study routine!

Thanks for listening to today’s episode of the Nursing School Week by Week Podcast. Be sure to subscribe for more tips and strategies to help you succeed in nursing school. Until next time—study hard, but study smart!