Nursing school isn’t just about memorizing facts—it’s about learning how to think like a nurse. Yet, many students struggle because they’re studying the wrong way.
If you’ve ever felt like:
❌ You study for hours but forget everything on the test
❌ You highlight, reread, and take notes… but still struggle with exams
❌ Your nursing exams feel nothing like what you studied
Then you might be making this #1 nursing study mistake—and we’re here to help you fix it.
📌 Looking for the best study resources? We compared the top nursing study tools here → Nursing.com/vs
The #1 Nursing School Study Mistake: Passive Learning
Many nursing students rely on passive studying—meaning they:
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Reread their notes over and over again
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Highlight textbooks thinking it’ll help them remember
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Copy down lectures word-for-word without truly understanding the material
❌ Why It’s a Problem: Nursing school exams, NCLEX practice questions, and clinical decision-making aren’t based on memorization—they test your critical thinking skills.
How to Fix Passive Learning: The Best Study Strategies
💡 Active Recall: The Best Way to Retain Information
Many students believe “the more I read, the better I’ll do.” But rereading and highlighting only create the illusion of learning—they don’t actually help you recall information during exams.
💪 Fix It: Use active recall instead!
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Before reviewing your notes, test yourself by writing down everything you remember about a topic.
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Use NCLEX-style practice questions to apply what you’ve learned in a real-world scenario.
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Teach it out loud—if you can explain it clearly without looking, you understand it!
📌 Need high-quality practice questions? We compared the best NCLEX prep courses → Nursing.com/vs
📝 Practice Questions: The Key to Thinking Like a Nurse
If you’re not actively answering nursing exam-style questions, you’re not preparing for how nursing school (or the NCLEX) actually tests you.
💪 Fix It: Make NCLEX practice questions part of your daily study routine.
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Aim for 10-20 questions per study session.
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Review rationales for every question—even the ones you got right!
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Focus on Next Gen NCLEX (NGN) case study questions that mirror the real test.
🔍 Looking for the best NCLEX practice questions? Check out our side-by-side review → Nursing.com/vs
📅 Create a Study Plan That Works
Nursing school covers an overwhelming amount of material—but not all topics are equally important.
💪 Fix It:
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Focus on high-yield nursing topics that show up on exams most often.
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Use nursing study guides that summarize key concepts in an easy-to-understand format.
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Create a study schedule that includes review days to reinforce knowledge.
Example Study Schedule:
Monday & Thursday: Practice 20 NCLEX-style questions
Tuesday: Watch clinical skills videos
Wednesday: Review notes & teach concepts aloud
Friday: Dosage calculations & drug memorization
Weekend: Full-length NCLEX-style practice test
📌 Not sure which study tools will help the most? We compared the top nursing study aids here → Nursing.com/vs
Success Story: How Active Learning Helped Me Pass
"I failed my first two nursing exams, and I felt like I was going to fail out. I was rereading notes for hours, but nothing stuck. Then, I switched to using NCLEX practice questions daily and teaching myself concepts out loud. My next exam? I passed with an 86%! I wish I had started studying this way sooner."
— Ashley, Nursing Student
— Ashley, Nursing Student
Best Study Resources for Nursing Students
To study smarter, not harder, you need the right nursing school study tools. Here are some of the best resources for active learning:
🔹 NCLEX Practice Questions – The best way to apply knowledge
🔹 Nursing Study Guides – High-yield summaries of key topics
🔹 Nursing Flashcards – Great for memorizing lab values & meds
🔹 Clinical Skills Videos – Visual learning for hands-on skills
🔹 Dosage Calculation Practice – Essential for medication safety
Final Thoughts: How to Study Smarter in Nursing School
If you’re struggling in nursing school, it doesn’t mean you’re not capable—it just means you need a better study strategy.
By switching from passive studying to active learning techniques, you’ll:
💪 Improve your test scores
💪 Feel more confident during exams
💪 Be better prepared for clinicals & the NCLEX
📌 Want to see which nursing study tools actually work? Check out our full comparison → Nursing.com/vs
