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
Many nursing students rely on passive studying—meaning they:
Reread their notes over and over again
Highlight textbooks thinking it’ll help them remember
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.
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!
Before reviewing your notes, test yourself by writing down everything you remember about a topic.
Use NCLEX-style practice questions to apply what you’ve learned in a real-world scenario.
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
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.
Aim for 10-20 questions per study session.
Review rationales for every question—even the ones you got right!
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
Nursing school covers an overwhelming amount of material—but not all topics are equally important.
💪 Fix It:
Focus on high-yield nursing topics that show up on exams most often.
Use nursing study guides that summarize key concepts in an easy-to-understand format.
Create a study schedule that includes review days to reinforce knowledge.
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
"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
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
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