Exam

[Meenah]

I'm totally freaking out here. I signed up (and paid $480) to take the GI Certification exam for nurses. The exam is May 17th and I cannot study. I think my brain doesn't work anymore. If I pass I will make $2/hour more than I do now. I can't afford not to pass, but I forget how to study. Today I spent several hours reading about pancreatic enzymes, etc. and I feel as if I can't remember anything. Thanks for letting me complain.
Luanne

[houseelf]

GOOD LUCK LUANNE! You can do it!

I completely empathize. I'm just at a point in my life where I can no longer study. I don't have the discipline, time, or energy. Going to continuing education classes is a painful exercise for me. I could never go back and get more education now and I admire those who do.

Kelly

[SueC]

That's awesome!
My best advice for studying is to take notes while you are studying. I usually keep a notebook right next to me and everything that is totally foreign to me I write out, sort of in outline form. Then, I have a more condensed version of information that I can study from. Sometimes I even go through the process another time taking notes of what I don't know off of the outline and writing it out again. By the second time I have written, I usually know it. I can even remember when taking tests, I recall something becuase I picture myself writing it in my notebook.
Good luck on the test--$2 an hour extra would sure be nice!

[Meenah]

Thanks so much. I'll start writing tonight.
Luanne

[PrincessFiona]

test

Luanne,

You CAN do it! I am also a note-taker....I go through the similar ups and downs of 'my brain doesn't work anymore' and this really does help. Sit down and make a study plan for yourself. The exam is May 17th, which means that you have a little over a month. Decide exactly what information you need to cover each day to get through all of the reading. Taking notes/making outlines takes a lot more time. My bio psych chapters are 30 pages long and I usually need at least 5 hours 8O to get through them and take notes.

Once you have put together an outline for a chapter, buy some packets of notecards and make notecards of important concepts/terms, etc. for yourself...these you can take with you wherever you go and they will let you keep reviewing the 'old' material while you are reading/learning the new stuff.

The biggest hurdle is truly motivational....at least for me . I really find that I have to struggle to 'force myself' to get started...and once I do things tend to usually fall into place.

I'm hear for you anytime you need a motivational kick in the hiney 8)

You can do this.....call or pm me anytime if you need some motivation.

kris

[PrincessFiona]

PS

btw....find a good place to study/read outside of the house...I like going to Barnes and Nobles or Carribou coffee because I am not distracted by the phone or computer (which is a great way to procrastinate) and I can have a cup of coffee (decaf for now ) and a treat.

kris

Luanne,

I did my master's degree is professional writing, and during my studies I took courses on "composition theory". That being the way we write and learn and create while we write. Writing is inventive. That is, the actual process of writing brings new ideas and revelations that we did not have when we sat down, pen in hand. It follows, too, that when you write things down it solidifies it in your memory. If you feel you need some extra power, try recording yourself reading your notes and then read them as you are driving in your car to work or on some peaceful country road. The different mediums of deliver actually will solidify it more than reading.

Myself, when I simply read dry and boring stuff, it goes out the other eye (as opposed to the "other ear"). I always find writing and rewriting my notes helps tremendously...

Good luck!!!

Janet

[Rapunzel]

Janet, that is the way I studied for exams in college - I took notes and then rewrote the notes one, two, or even three times. For some reason that physical act made me think about and absorb the information much better. I had forgotten about that until I read your post!

[Meenah]

I have a whole new supply of paper, notecards and pens!!!
Luanne

[PrincessFiona]

studying...

How is the studying going Luanne??

kris

[Meenah]

slow and tedious!!!!
Luanne

Luanne,

All of the previous suggestions are great, I would just like to add a few more.

Music relaxes the soul regardless of what task you may have at hand. I love jazz and that is what has always helped me as I study. Usually, just the instrumental jazz is what I mainly listened to while reading. It totally helped me retain the information I read.

My sister also bought Serenity (Mood) videos that helped her study while she was in RN school and she said it made a big difference with retaining the information, as well. I remember visiting her while she would study and I would find myself relaxed watching the waterfalls and the tides coming in at sea, it really touched me.

Here's an idea of the Serenity Videos, I am not sure of which one she has(she is in Texas)
http://www.lightrain.net/#waterfalls

Here's an example of a Serenity CD, also.
D Baby: ROCHELLE MARTINEZ MOUILLESEAUX: Serenity: Music for Harp and Flute
http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/rmm

I hope this helps and you will be fine. Just take a moment and think about how much God has blessed you and how much more of a blessing it will be when you receive your pay increase from passing this exam. I wish you the best.

[Meenah]

My exam is on Saturday, and I have been on this website 3 times today, can you tell I am avoiding the books?
Luanne

[Phoebe]

I am wishing you luck on your exam a little early cuz I will be out of town for the rest of the week. Good Luck!!!!!!!!

Jennifer

Come on, Luanne, you can do it. Stay focused and remember jazz always helps. Recite this: I am focused, I can do this, I am focused, I can do this...(I wish you the best).