Flashcards? Check.
Coffee? Check.
A game plan for finals? Let’s make one.
To help nursing students prepare with confidence, we asked Dr. Janet McMahon, DNP, MSN, RN, ANEF, a seasoned nurse educator and ATI Client Success Nurse Educator Strategist, to share her best advice for navigating finals week and achieving academic success.
What Is the Best Way to Prepare for Finals?
“Preparing for finals reminds me of developing a plan of care for a patient,” says Dr. McMahon. “Success begins long before the final exam.”
Rather than relying on last-minute studying, Dr. McMahon recommends building knowledge gradually throughout the semester.
“Study a little every day. When you consistently review concepts, connect new information to what you’ve already learned, and remediate areas of weakness, you’re much better prepared when finals arrive.
Daily review not only improves retention but also reduces stress and anxiety during exam season.”
How Much Should Nursing Students Study?
Is there a magic number for how many hours you should study? The answer, of course, depends on: your course load, learning needs, and academic goals.
Typically, 2–3 hours of study time per nursing credit hour each week is recommended. For a full-time student, that’s a lot!
Dr. McMahon recommends:
- Scheduling weekly study blocks at a convenient time without interruptions
- Reviewing course objectives regularly for expectations
- Prioritizing difficult concepts early based on data and focused review results
- Incorporating active learning strategies
- Using practice questions to assess understanding – Learning System, BoardVitals, Claire AI® can be valuable tools
How Can I Stay Focused Without Feeling Overwhelmed?
All the study tips in the world can only take you so far if you’re running on empty. As finals week approaches, taking care of yourself isn’t a distraction from your goals. It’s part of the plan.
Dr. McMahon encourages students to prioritize their physical and mental well-being by:
- Getting adequate sleep
- Maintaining healthy nutrition
- Staying physically active
- Taking regular study breaks
- Seeking support when needed from faculty, advisors, and peers
Added Support: Mental Wellness Resources for Future Nurses
One Last Piece of Finals Advice…
Now, you have your game plan for finals!
By developing consistent study habits, building a study setup, practicing self-care, and staying focused on your goals, you can approach finals with greater confidence and readiness.
As Dr. McMahon reminds students:
“Success comes from small, consistent efforts over time. Trust the process, stay committed to your goals, and remember that every study session brings you one step closer to becoming the nurse you aspire to be.”
Best wishes as you prepare for finals and continue your nursing school journey!
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Meet the Expert: Dr. Janet McMahon, DNP, MSN, RN, ANEF
Dr. McMahon has been with ATI for more than ten years, currently serving as a Client Success Nurse Educator Strategist. She is passionate about empowering students to take full advantage of the resources available to them during nursing school and as they transition into practice. She presents webinars for faculty and students on a variety of topics within the nursing industry.
Prior to joining ATI, Dr. McMahon spent nearly three decades as a nurse educator, teaching in nursing programs across the United States. Throughout her career, she has mentored countless students and faculty members, helping them achieve academic and professional success.
Dr. McMahon is also a Fellow in the National League for Nursing’s Academy of Nursing Education Fellows (ANEF), a distinction recognizing leaders who have made significant contributions to nursing education. Before entering academia, she practiced as a critical care nurse in intensive care, emergency, and coronary care settings and taught paramedics and EMTs.