Beginning your nursing or midwifery studies often comes with a steep learning curve. Drawing on insights shared by students from the ANMJ’s Spotlight series, students share their top study tips.
Study together
Stay on top of it! It is so easy to put off watching lectures and content, but if you stay on top of it each week, it makes the end of semester exam period far easier. Personally, I like to make a one-page cheat sheet after each lecture, I put this in my course folder and come exam time, it is a super easy way to remember the important things I learnt each week.
Also, working with your friends is so important. We regularly book a room on campus in between classes and study as a group. It is a great way to ask questions, test each other, and of course catch up with each other.
Kayla, student nurse/midwife, University of Queensland
Take a break
My top study tip is to make to-do lists and combat tasks one step at a time. University work can at times be overwhelming so breaking it down into smaller, manageable pieces can really help. I also find that taking regular breaks away from my study space is a really great way to refresh and refocus. I love going for walks.
Eve, Bachelor of Nursing, La Trobe University
Plan ahead
My top study tip would be to create a calendar at the start of semester and put all your assignments and tests on it to help plan out your semester. My mate at university first introduced me to this in my second year and I found it so helpful with a visual picture of all my university assignments mapped out for the semester. The calendar ensured I was on track with my studies and giving myself enough time to complete university work.
Connin, Bachelor of Nursing, Curtin University
Connect the dots for deeper understanding
Often learning and understanding the context of something will help it make sense. If I understand the pathophysiology, the clinical manifestations make much more sense, and I can more easily piece my learning together.
Olivia, Bachelor of Nursing, Adelaide Nursing School, University of Adelaide
