6 Tips for a Successful Nursing School Study Group

As nursing school students at Chamberlain University’s Atlanta campus, Plax Mandibaya , Raphaela Adadevoh , and Hope Ragi  would meet almost daily. Together, they’d review notes from class, break down their reading, and take turns teaching each other the sections they knew best.

Studying in a group paid off, Mandibaya said. She became the highest scorer on campus at the time for a HESI exam. “There are no shortcuts, no secret formula,” Mandibaya said. “But being in a study group gave all of us an edge.”

If you’re interested in reaping the benefits of a study group, here are 6 tips to consider when forming or joining one:

1. Choose the Right People
Friends generally aren’t the best choice for study partners. You may end up spending more time socializing than reviewing material and prepping for exams. Instead, look for nursing school students who share your work ethic. 

2. Keep it Small
Study in a group of four-to-six people. If a group gets too large, members may lose focus or break off into smaller group discussions. That can be distracting and counterproductive. 

3. Establish Rules
Hold people accountable. In some groups, participants develop and sign a contract or letter of commitment. Spelling out the rules helps everyone understand the expectations.

4. Decide What You Want to Accomplish
When time is limited, an extremely focused agenda can help your study group to be more productive. You may choose to review one chapter, or even just a part of a chapter. For each session, try to be realistic about what time will allow.

5. Study on Your Own First
The purpose of the group is to reinforce what you already know. To prepare, read on your own, then meet as a group to discuss what you’ve read. Talking about it will help you gain a deeper understanding of the material.

6. Reassess as Needed
Don’t feel obligated to continue with the same study group in each nursing school session. If it’s working for you, great. If not, it’s OK to seek out a new set of people to study with.
 
Find Success in Your Nursing Program
Why not tap into the power of the study group when you earn a nursing degree or certificate? Chamberlain offers a variety of options to help you meet your career goals. 
 

Earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) at one of Chamberlain’s 22 campuses across the United States. Or consider the BSN Online, offered in a hybrid learning model combining online coursework with onsite clinical experience. If you’re a registered nurse (RN), you can go from RN to BSN  in as little as one year.*

At the master’s level, Chamberlain offers a Master Of Science in Nursing (MSN) and three nurse practitioner tracks: Adult Gerontology Nurse Practitioner, Family Nurse Practitioner, and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner.

Graduate Certificates and RN to MSN Options are other ways to acquire the nursing skills you need for the career you want. And when you’re ready, a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree can help prepare you for careers in leadership, education, research, and more.

Chamberlain has been preparing students for rewarding careers in healthcare professions for more than 130 years. The university has accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Additionally, Chamberlain’s bachelor’s degree program in nursing, master’s degree program in nursing, Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program, and post-graduate APRN certificate program are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).

Learn more about Chamberlain’s many benefits and how you can enrich your life and career by earning a nursing degree. 

Chamberlain University, an accredited institution, offers bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral and certificate programs in nursing and healthcare professions. With a growing network of campuses and robust online programs, Chamberlain continues to build on more than 130 years of excellence in preparing extraordinary healthcare professionals.

*With full-time enrollment