Prepare yourself well. One of the best ways to study large amounts of material that you have never seen before is to make sure that you have the right background before you start to study. Nursing is built on a foundation of knowledge. One course often leads into the next. If possible, do not take new courses in a subject before you feel confident you understand any prior courses. Before you study statistics or algebra make sure that you have taken all prerequisite coursework first.
Set aside a block of time each day. Attending nursing school can be a full time occupation. Once you get home you may not feel up confronting a stack of homework. Push yourself to do so anyway. Read over your notes for the day in a quiet place. Open the textbook again and carefully read any materials that pertain to the day's lessons. Make little notes about any concept that you find confusing. Bring up any questions you may have in class for the professor to answer.
Break down the material into small steps. Sometimes a larger task can be daunting when confronted all at once. The prospect of inserting an intravenous line may appear quite long and difficult at first. You may find it hard to master the entire process. Study each step closely. Divide each part of each step into a series of smaller steps. Make additional notes about each step. Then memorize each part. Compare your steps with actual class practice whenever possible. Work with other nursing students. Note how each person inserts the intravenous line. Make additional notes about what works and what does not so you discover what works best for you.
See the entire whole. A nursing education is often one step after another. Once you've completed your undergraduate prerequisites, then you can move into your heavy duty nursing related coursework including classes in organic chemistry and microbiology. Once you've completed your coursework in the sciences, you can proceed to your clinical education. Keep this in mind as you progress from one part to the next. Remind yourself of the emotional and financial rewards once you graduate at every turn.
Practice, practice, practice. Nursing requires mastery of practical skills such as maintaining a sterile field as well as theoretical educational classes. In order to master all practical subjects, subjects that comprise much a nursing student's last year of study, you must get practical knowledge. Volunteer your time when called on class.