Study Tips for Nursing Students: Active Learning, Study Breaks, and Academic Resources 

Study Tips for Nursing Students: Active Learning, Study Breaks, and Academic Resources 
Stanbridge University nursing students use collaborative study strategies to review coursework and prepare for exams.

Nursing school moves fast, and mastering the material takes more than long hours. The right study strategies help you retain information, manage your time, and perform better on exams. Below are practical study tips for nursing students focused on active learning, time management, and real academic resources you can use right now. 

Time Management Tips for Nursing Students 

Plan ahead, stay consistent, and track your progress. 

Tips for effective time management: 
• Use a semester or term planner to list exams, clinical rotations, and major assignments 
• Break large projects or readings into daily or weekly goals 
• Try the Pomodoro method: study for 25 minutes, then take a 5-minute break 
• Set aside weekly blocks of time for note review or NCLEX-style practice questions 

Pro tip: Schedule your study time the way you would a clinical shift and protect it from interruptions. 

Active Study Strategies for Nursing Students 

Active learning helps your brain connect and remember material more effectively than re-reading notes. 

Try these methods: 
• Teach topics aloud as if you’re explaining them to a classmate 
• Create flashcards for key terms and definitions 
• Use concept maps or diagrams to visualize systems and disease processes 
• Do practice questions early to build critical thinking and test readiness 

Recommended resources: 

How to Prepare for Nursing Exams 

Start early, review efficiently, and reflect after each exam. 

Steps for success: 
• Begin reviewing several days before each test 
• Summarize key information in your own words 
• Take timed practice quizzes to build endurance 
• Pace yourself and review answers carefully during exams 
• Afterward, analyze missed questions to identify areas for improvement 

Helpful tools: 

  • ATI’s NCLEX prep materials  

Study Break Ideas for Nursing Students 

Study breaks are essential for maintaining focus and preventing burnout. 

Quick, effective break ideas: 
• Take a short walk or stretch for ten minutes 
• Prepare a healthy snack or hydrate 
• Write in a journal or take deep breaths 
• Listen to music, a guided meditation, or a short podcast like Paging the Tea 
• Chat briefly with a friend or classmate 

Try to avoid long, passive breaks such as scrolling through social media, which can make it harder to refocus. 

Academic Support for Nursing Students 

Stanbridge University offers academic support to help nursing students succeed. 

Available resources include: 
• Peer tutoring and academic coaching 
• Online video tutorials and workshops on study skills 
• Faculty office hours for personalized help 
• Time management and note-taking resources 

Nursing Inspiration and Updates 

Keeping up with professional nursing news can help you stay motivated and aware of new opportunities. 

  • Nurse.org – Career tips, salary guides, and nursing news. 
  • Stanbridge Blog – Student spotlights, study tips, and program highlights. 

Planning Your Nursing Career Path 

Looking ahead at your career goals can help you stay motivated during your studies. Exploring career-focused resources offers perspective on the opportunities available after graduation: 

FAQs 

What are effective study tips for nursing students? 
Create a consistent schedule, use active study methods like teaching concepts aloud or making flashcards, and review material regularly instead of cramming. 

Does Stanbridge University provide academic support? 
Yes. Nursing students have access to peer tutoring, online study tools, and workshops that strengthen time management and test preparation. 

How can I manage stress in nursing school? 
Take regular study breaks, get enough rest, and practice relaxation techniques such as journaling, meditation, or short walks. Listening to a short podcast like Paging the Tea can also help you reset and recharge between study sessions. 

Nursing Programs at Stanbridge University 

If you are ready to take the next step toward your nursing career, explore the Licensed Vocational Nursing (LVN) and Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs at Stanbridge University.  

For more study tips, resources, and student stories, visit the Stanbridge University Blog, or listen to Paging the Tea for short, inspiring study-break moments. 

Stanbridge University offers healthcare degree programs across its Southern California campuses in Irvine, Alhambra, Riverside, and San Marcos. The university has been recognized for both academic excellence and workplace culture, including recognition in the 2025 Carnegie Classifications as an Opportunity College and in Research.com’s 2024 Best Healthcare Degree Programs in America. Its Orange County campus earned the 2024–2025 ACCSC School of Excellence Award, and in 2025, Georgetown University’s Center on Education and the Workforce ranked Stanbridge among the top 5% of U.S. colleges for 10-year return on investment, based on earnings and tuition data from qualifying programs. Stanbridge is accredited by Investors in People (London) and certified as a Great Place to Work.