Studying for the final exam...
Studying for the final exam can feel overwhelming. So, breaking it down into smaller chunks
and having a plan is key! Ideally, you should give yourself about 1-2weeks to study for your
final. If your last exam and final are close together, plan ahead and start studying before your
last exam if possible.
Remember... You have already gone over this information so; it should not be brand new to
you! Focus on your weakest topics and things that were presented early in the semester first.
Then move onto the topics you are stronger with and have had more recently since these will
still be somewhat fresh in your memory.
Focus more on understanding the general information as opposed to the “nitty-gritty” details.
Also, focus more on the NURSING PROCESS rather than the anatomy and physiology or detailed
pathophysiology.
Create a study calendar and schedule blocks of time with what you will focus on during that
time!
1. Start with information from exams where you scored the lowest... those are the priority
areas to start on. Fill in on your calendar what topics you will study and when... (see
attached for an example)
2. Review your class notes and Powerpoints- make note of the highlighted and “need-toknow” points. If you still have gaps in knowledge, go back and read the textbook/ATI.
3. Focus on the NURSING PROCESS:
a. Expected assessment findings- including labs and diagnostic tests (and the
nurse’s role with each)
b. Risk factors and Preventative care
c. Nursing interventions- try to understand the “why” each one (not memorize a
list)- if you don’t understand, go back to your resources (text, videos, etc.)
d. Complications and what the nurse should do in each case
e. Education that should be provided to the client
4. Review the top medications/med classifications for each topic- Why a med would be
ordered and what it does (in general terms). It is also good to pay attention to specific
precautions/complications regarding administering those meds. As well as specific
nursing interventions, how you evaluate if it is working, and client education.
5. Quiz yourself to see if you are retaining the knowledge.
6. Then do NCLEX-style practice questions- use ATI and other resources that your
professors have provided and/or are in the library.
7. The night before the final exam- be sure to get a good night’s sleep! You need rest to
think clearly!!! Eat something before you come – protein/carb mix (avoid the blood
glucose crash mid-way through the exam). Do NOT drink too much caffeine- cut down
on the jitters!
Example study calendar:
Sunday
10a-2p
Go over
ppts and
notes from
Exam 1
materiallectures 1
&2
Monday
Work
Tuesday
Work
6p-10p
Go over
nursing
process
with
material
from exam
1, lectures
1 &2
6p-10p
Review
material
from exam
1, lectures
3 &4
8a-12p
Practice
questions
from exam
3 material
Work
8a-12p
Practice
questions
from exam
4 material
2-5pm
Go over
ppts and
notes with
material
from exam
4
6p-10p
Go over
nursing
process/
exam 4
material
2-5p
Go over
ppts and
notes with
material
from exam
5
Wednesday
8a-12p
Go over
nursing
processlectures
3&4
2-5pm
Practice q’s
from exam
1 material
Work
6p-10p
Go over
practice
questions
from exam
5 material
Thursday
Work
6p-10p
Go over
ppts and
notes with
material
from exam
2
(PTO-Day
off from
work)
Friday
8a-12p
Go over
nursing
processexam 2
material
Saturday
8a-12p
Go over
ppts and
notes with
material
from exam
3
2-5pm
Practice q’s 2-5pm
from exam Go over
2 material nursing
process/
exam 3
material
Final Exam
8a-12p
Review
notes for
weakest
areasfocus on
nursing
process
Do your best! We are proud of you and the work that you have put in this semester!
YOU CAN DO THIS!!!