Studying for your practical nursing (PN) exam is time-consuming, but it’s a necessary part of your training as a practical nursing student. At Prism Career Institute, we strive to help our students succeed and reach their true potential, and we understand how tough it can be to balance work, school, and social life. Here, we provide four tips that practical nursing students can use to make life while training a little easier.
1. Study with Peers
As you approach the end of your training program, there’s a very good chance that many of your peers will be applying to and studying for the PN exam. Studying with a group of like-minded peers is a very effective way to prepare for the certification exam, as well as stay on top of current coursework. You’ll get exposed to different ways of learning, and they may mention a fact or exception to a rule that you’d forgotten. Additionally, you’ll be able to quiz each other with flashcards or questions from a study guide. This group effort is a great way to make studying a little more fun and add a layer of accountability, helping you to keep up with your studies – especially when you’re tempted to skip a session.
2. Try the Pomodoro Technique
The Pomodoro Technique is a study method designed to improve the retention of information, enhance focus, and minimize the burnout you may feel after extended studying. Here’s how it works:
- Set a timer for 25 minutes.
- Study for the full 25 minutes, with little to no distractions.
- When the timer goes off, take a five-minute break.
- When the five minutes is up, set the timer for 25 minutes and study again.
- Once you’ve completed four 25-minute sessions, take a 15–30-minute break.
- Repeat these steps for as long as is needed.
3. Stick to a Regular Schedule
Consistency is key. Whether you’re utilizing our first two study tips or have a tried-and-true method that works for you, participating in your studies regularly is a great way to reinforce the material you’ve been committing to memory. Establishing a regular study schedule also allows your brain to more readily transition into a study mentality, which allows you to get into the material faster and stay focused.
4. Don’t Overdo It
While it can feel like you need to spend every waking moment studying to become a PN, it’s just as important to step away from the material and give your mind some time off. Exhaustion and burnout are very real possibilities, and while doing something other than studying may feel like a waste of time, giving yourself breaks when you need them will better put you on the road to success. For more helpful study tips as you approach your PN exam or complete our Practical Nursing program in New Jersey or Pennsylvania, contact Prism Career Institute today.