How to Take Notes in Nursing School

The 5 Step Cornell Note Taking Method for Nursing Students can Save You 4+ Hours per Week.

There is so much to learn in nursing school. Finding an efficient method for taking notes and studying can feel impossible. At NURSING.com, we recommend the Cornell Method.

The Cornell Method is a simple 5 step process for note taking and can provide a framework for studying.

With this method, we’ve seen students save up to 4+ hours of study time . . . every. single. week. What would you do with an extra 4 hours each week in nursing school?

The Cornell Method: 5 Steps

Step 1: Record

The first step in the Cornell Method is actually taking notes. Take out a sheet of paper. Draw an off centered “I” on the paper. The right column of the paper becomes your notes section. As you listen to lecture, read your book, or watch the video, takes notes in this area. Here’s a couple tips:

Keep the notes concise . . . don’t be too wordy.
Draw pictures.

Step 2: Questions

Once you’ve finished class begin to formulate questions the summarize the major points from your notes. Write these questions in the QUE column of your paper.

The process of writing questions helps you identify major themes from your nursing lecture. This helps clarify the content and prepare for exams later.

Step 3: Recite

Now that you’ve got a nice set of notes and questions based off those notes, COVER the notes section and read the questions in your QUE column. As you read the questions – try to answer them out loud. Take a special note of those questions that you are not able to answer.

This is a really important part in taking notes in nursing school because it forces you to identify where you might need to brush up.

Step 4: Reflect

Now that you can answer all the questions on your notes – reflect on all that you’ve learned. As you reflect ask yourself . . . “How would I explain this topic to someone?”

As you answer that question – write your answer in the summary section of your nursing notes page. This portion of the Cornell Method requires you to identify the most important piece of everything you’ve learned.

Nursing school can often feel like you are drinking from a fire hose – getting to this point in the method forces you to take a step back and dig for what really matters.

Step 5: Review

Phew . . . you’ve made it to step 5 . . . congrats!! 🎉

All that remains is to put all your nursing notes in a binder and come back to them to review for about 10 minutes per week. This helps to keep the information fresh in your 🧠.

As you review – focus on the QUE column and the summary. These are the MOST IMPORTANT items and will most likely be on the test.

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Cornell Note Taking FAQ

Most frequently asked questions and answers for the Cornell note taking method

When was the Cornell note taking method developed?

The Cornell note taking method was created in the 1950’s by Prof. Walter Pauk of Cornell University as a way to organize and systematize note taking.

What are the steps of the Cornell note taking method?

The Cornell note taking method consists of 5 key steps. They 5 steps are Record, Questions, Recite, Reflect and Review.

Is the Cornell note taking method effective?

Yes, but like any note taking method it requires dedication and willingness to follow a structured process. Cornell notes give you a great structured outline with which you can cut down on overall study time.

How do you take good Cornell notes?

In order to take good Cornell notes you must follow the 5 steps of the method (Record, Questions, Recite, Reflect and Review). Having a repeatable formula is key.

How to use Cornell note taking method in nursing school?

Nursing school covers such a large range of topics and in depth processes that having a structured note taking strategy like the Cornell note taking method will greatly streamline your studying.

How to Take Notes in Nursing School

The 5 Step Cornell Note Taking Method for Nursing Students can Save You 4+ Hours per Week.

The Cornell Method: 5 Steps

Step 1: Record

Step 2: Questions

Step 3: Recite

Step 4: Reflect

Step 5: Review

Want 1,400+ Pre-Formatted Nursing School Notes?

Cornell Note Taking FAQ

Most frequently asked questions and answers for the Cornell note taking method

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