5 Essential Study Habits for Nursing Students to Ace Exams

Nursing school is intense, and with the overwhelming amount of material to learn, mastering effective study habits is crucial for success. Whether you’re preparing for an upcoming exam or trying to stay ahead in your coursework, these five study habits will help you retain information, reduce stress, and improve your test performance.

1. Follow the ‘Active Recall’ Method

Passive reading won’t cut it in nursing school. Instead of re-reading notes, use Active Recall—a technique that forces you to retrieve information from memory.
✅ How to apply it:

• Cover your notes and try to recall key concepts.
• Use flashcards with questions on one side and answers on the other.
• Teach the material to a friend as if you were the professor.

2. Master the Pomodoro Technique

Long study sessions can lead to burnout. Instead, use the Pomodoro Technique to maintain focus and productivity.
✅ How it works:

• Study for 25 minutes without distractions.
• Take a 5-minute break (stretch, hydrate, or rest your eyes).
• Repeat this cycle four times, then take a longer 15-30 minute break.

3. Create a ‘NCLEX-Style’ Question Bank

Nursing exams are not about memorization—they test your ability to think critically. Build your own question bank using NCLEX-style questions.
✅ How to apply it:

• After each lecture, create 5-10 questions from the material.
• Review and answer these questions before exams.
• Use apps like UWorld or NurseHub to practice.

4. Develop a ‘Study Flow’ Routine

Having a structured routine minimizes procrastination and helps build momentum.
✅ Key elements of a study flow:

• Set a fixed study time daily (e.g., 6–8 PM).
• Dedicate different days to different topics (e.g., Monday for Pathophysiology, Tuesday for Pharmacology).
• Review older material weekly to reinforce learning.

5. Utilize the Feynman Technique

If you can’t explain a concept in simple terms, you don’t fully understand it. The Feynman Technique helps you grasp complex topics.
✅ Steps to follow:

1. Pick a difficult topic (e.g., acid-base balance).
2. Explain it out loud in simple, layman’s terms.
3. Identify gaps in your explanation and refine your understanding.
4. Repeat until you can confidently teach it to someone else.

Final Thoughts

Success in nursing school isn’t just about working harder—it’s about working smarter. Implement these strategies, track your progress, and adjust your study habits as needed. Remember, consistency is key!