On study habits.....

I am interested in study habits, and how I really don't have any good ones.

In class I never take notes. I just listen as the lecturer speaks, and highlight the information in my text book. This method forces me to skim through the chapters, because.....I never really read the books. There really is just too much information to digest. SO I rely heavily on a book series called "Straight A's in ." This series is excellent, except for the pharmacology book, which was of no use considering the teacher's style and that we were just learning the classifications.

Now, on to actual studying. I can not study at home. Either I can't get a moment's peace because the kid and husband won't leave me alone, or it is so late that when I finally do get time to study, I immediately fall asleep in my books.

I have tried studying in my office at work afterhours. The only problem there is that I so dread reading the BBB (big boring book), that I will turn my computer on under the premise of listening to music, and instead spend 4 hours playing Solitare 13. Usually, I give up and go home at 11:30 when the husband calls to make sure I am alive. Also, because I am here, all the coaches come in to see me. Which is nice, tho' futher not conducive to study.

The libraries are too noisy. At the public library, the teenagers from the high school literally scream all over the library. Here at the university, it's cell phones and text messaging. Do people no longer have any manners?

I have tried to study with friends. We end up yakking, and not about nursing stuff, for sure. I can't study in complete silence. Too me it is nerve wracking. And my mind will wander continuously. So, I usually like to listen to music.

So, here is what I have to do to study....I study for 45 minutes at lunch most weekdays, usually while consuming my food. Then, usually, after dinner, I make my way back to the university, and set myself up in the conference room. This location is ideal for me for the following reasons: no computer, it has a door, no husband or kid interruptions, I can listen to my ipod for aural stimulation, it am forced to sit upright at a table in a somewhat uncomfortable chair.

So that is what I have to do to study. What's your secret?

W. :)