Guidelines for Study

Pathophysiology
1.	Preview the chapter before class and come prepared with questions.
2.	Read the chapter again after class alongside the notes and identify the concepts covered in both lecture and the text.
3.	Do not get behind in reading, and don’t just memorize material. 
·	You will need to build on these concepts for the rest of this class, and you will be expected to be proficient in Pathophysiology in a majority of your future nursing classes. 
4.	Use the book to view diagrams and algorithms if that is how you learn best. 
5.	Talk to the instructor if you find you are running into problems studying or if you do not do as well as expected on a test.
6.	Seek help as soon as you run into a roadblock.  
·	Use a friend in the class, tutors, or the instructor before your roadblock turns into a crisis. 
7.	Use the blueprint when studying for tests.  
·	Read over the notes and use the book to explain concepts outlined in the blueprint.

Pharmacology
1.	Use the Davis Drug Guide as a supplement to your reading and to give you some in-depth information on important drugs.
2.	Take notes in class and focus on what the instructor thinks is important; it is likely to show up again!
3.	Use the blueprint to study for tests, and use your books and notes to supplement your understanding of the concepts listed on the blue print.
4.	Understand what the drugs do to the systems of the body.
5.	Don’t just memorize; you really have to UNDERSTAND.

General Tips for All Other Nursing Classes
1.	Read your syllabus; it will tell you what you need to study and what to focus on.
·	Most class syllabi have learning objectives that are helpful in guiding your reading and studying. 
2.	Learn how to make studying portable.
·	Carry notes or books with you wherever you go; you never know when an opportune time to study will present itself.
3.	Don’t think you have to study for huge blocks of time in order to understand the material.
·	You can study for 10 minutes here and there if you are very busy. 
·	Even 10 minutes at a time WILL ADD UP!
4.	Make nursing a top priority. 
·	Jobs and other obligations may have to be altered in order to make time for all that nursing requires. 

If you need further assistance or would like more pointers on studying for Nursing, please contact your professor or make an appointment with a FREE peer tutor in Academic Assistance (Library 124, ext. 7518).

This handout provided as a service of Academic Assistance. Library 124 Ext 7518.

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