How to Effectively Cram for a Nursing Test

There you are again doing what you do best as a student - procrastinate. There is little time left and there’s a ton of topics to cover. Exams or even simple quizzes in nursing are difficult to study in just one sitting but you still need to study even with little time left. Because studying a little is better than not studying at all right? So, here are my tips on how to cram for a nursing test.

1. Relax, deep breath

You read that right. The very first thing to do is to relax yourself. Yes, it is within your conscious mind now that the exam is near and you are pretty much unprepared. There goes your problem - anxiety. You have to first control it because no matter how hard you study a topic, you’ll  have a hard time comprehending it  since you are preoccupied with nervousness. Try to take deep breathes, take a warm bath, eat your comfort food or do some jumping jacks to release your tension.

2. Find a good study area

A good study area is a place you learn best. Commonly, its a place without distraction coming from TVs, laptops, smartphones or even the noise your mother makes when she chats with someone.  A place of silence is conducive to studying. It is not necessarily a library, you can go to your room and lock yourself up or even go to your bathroom and study there. I know the bathroom seems to be a silly suggestion but trust me brother, it works.

3.  Read your notes not the books

With little time left, you do not have the luxury of time to read the books. I suggest you scan and focus on your notes. It is more time efficient and less taxing to the brain. Focus on the basic topics. Don’t be too nerdy with the details of a particular concept. It is better to have basic knowledge of most of the topics covered in the test than to be a master of one topic and be an idiot to the rest.

4. Harness the power of the internet

If you find it difficult to read and browse all your notes then you can just learn through a click in the web. My best advice is to go to Youtube, type a particular topic of your test then watch some tutorial videos. This works with most of the people because the visual and auditory senses are utilized compared to plain reading. You can also search for practice exam questions that will help you recall the basic contents of your exam.

5.  Maximize your time

Stop fooling around. If the test is on the next day, see to it that your time is spent wisely. Its better to sacrifice your social network life than your grades. Always remember, regret is never felt at the beginning, only on the last.

6. Take A Break

No matter how rigorous you cram, your focus will still run out. Whenever you feel that nothing more is being absorbed by your head, take some 5-15 minutes of nap time for your brain to replenish. Once you wake up, you’ll be energized again and will be able to re-achieve your focus. Studies prove that 15 minute breaks let the brain to “reboot” like a computer and run smoothly again. If you are not in the mood for a nap, a coffee break is also a good idea. Don’t forget your load of sugar during the break or even during studying. Sugar fuels your brains, so better be full tank to go long way.

7. Pray, Stay Optimistic

It is always better if you are equipped with prayer on the day of the test. Ask Him for guidance and surrender your worries to Him.  Likewise, staying optimistic will release all your negative energy specially on the day of your test. Never forget the law of attraction, always think that you’ll pass the test and your mind will follow.