How I Actually Study in Nursing School
Balancing nursing school with motherhood means I have to be intentional with every study session. I don’t always have hours to sit down with my books, so I’ve learned to lean on tools and strategies that help me study smarter, not longer. Here’s what works best for me:
8/8/20253 min read
Quizlet!!!
When I need to memorize things like lab values, meds, or assessment findings, Quizlet is my go-to. Since year 1, I have been using this study method, and it has gotten me through my final courses. The flashcard sets let me squeeze in 5-10 minutes of studying while waiting in the car or during nap time. I also use the "test" feature to quiz myself before exams. It is like practicing NCLEX-style questions without the pressure. I also love that you can add diagrams and photos.
Notability on My iPad
I am a visual learner, so writing out notes helps a lot. I like combining this with my Quizlets and going through flashcards while writing them down. With Notability, you can also annotate lecture slides, highlight key points, and handwrite notes just like I would on paper, but without having to carry them all around. I organize my notes by class and even record lectures so I can replay them later if I missed something. Another useful tool on Notability is the agendas and calendars they have. I liked writing down assignments and exams to help keep me organized.
Making Mnemonics
When it comes to memorization, silly = sticky. I make up funny mnemonics for cranial nerves, electrolytes, or prioritization frameworks. The stranger they sound, the easier they are to recall under test pressure. For example: "OLd OPie OCcasionally TRies TRIgnometry And Feels VEry GLOomy VAGUe And HYPoactive" to remember the cranial nerves and "“Some Say Money Matters But My Brother Says Big Brains Matter More” to remember sensory vs. motor cranial nerves.
Chunking My Time
Instead of marathon study sessions (which just aren’t possible with a little one), I study in 25–30 minute bursts using a timer. After each session, I give myself a short break. Sometimes that’s folding laundry, other times it’s just breathing. Shorter sessions keep me focused and prevent burnout.
Teaching Out Loud
If I can explain a concept out loud, even if it’s just to my baby, who obviously isn’t grading me, I know I understand it. I’ll “teach” my notes back to myself, or talk through a care plan as if I’m presenting it. This active recall really locks it in.
Registered Nurse RN Videos
When I’m stuck on a concept or just need a different way of learning, I turn to RegisteredNurseRN on YouTube. Her videos are clear, concise, and packed with visuals that make even the most complicated topics easier to understand. It feels like I’m still learning, even if I don’t have my notes in front of me.
I especially like using them for quick refreshers before exams or clinicals. Sometimes just hearing information explained in a new way makes it finally “click.” It’s like having a free tutor available anytime. She honestly has gotten me through nursing school!
Colour Coding & Visuals
I use different colours in Notability to separate labs, interventions, and red-flag symptoms. For topics like pathophysiology, I’ll draw quick diagrams or flow charts. Visual organization keeps information from blurring together.
Recording and Listening
On busy days, I record myself summarizing notes and play them while driving, cooking, or cleaning. It turns those small windows of time into review sessions.
Study Buddy (When Possible)
Even though my schedule is different from most of my classmates, I try to connect with at least one person before exams. Talking through practice questions together makes me see things I might have missed.
Changing My Environment: Coffee Shop Study Sessions
As much as I love the convenience of studying at home, sometimes I just need a change of scenery to reset my focus. Getting out of the house and heading to a coffee shop helps me separate “mom mode” from “student mode.” The background noise, a warm drink, and just being around other people working gives me motivation to stay on task.
I usually bring my iPad with Notability, headphones, and a small to-do list so I don’t waste time figuring out what to study. Even just an hour or two at a café can be way more productive than trying to study all day at home with constant distractions.
Plus, it feels like a little treat to myself, a balance between self-care and productivity.