First Nursing Test Tomorrow!!!1

babynursewannab · Sep 13, 2004

I posted one tonight, too. You're on your first test...I'm doing my final check-off tomorrow.

It's funny how the exact same anxiety creeps up all over again.

You will, I'm sure, do just fine. Don't aim for perfection because that will increase your stress level. The first test is pretty scary. I remember being there and getting physically ill. My thought on it now (20/20 hindsight), it's good you're anxious because that means you care. That usually means you've studied your butt off for this test. Its in there, trust your gut. And, remember, there are usually 2 right answers...you pick the best one.

If you are down to 2 options, pick the one that is more inclusive (it might even include the other option in some way) and/or the option that is more patient oriented than nurse oriented (when it comes to pt care). As far as recall questions are concerned, like I said, trust yourself.

Good luck, let us know how it goes.

purplekath · Sep 13, 2004

The mind is a powerful thing - if you've studied hard then the info will be in there and you just have to TELL your brain that you WILL be able to retrieve that information on the day! I reckon the night before a big test is the most important time, second only to actually studying in the first place.

Don't use the time to study any more - use the time to sleep, and if you can't sleep, to lay down and relax your whole body. If you can talk someone into giving you a massage, so much the better! Eat something really healthy for dinner....lots of veggies with their vitamins to perk you up. Then spend the evening just coaching your brain -- "I have studied...the information is there for me to access when I wish...I will not be afraid of this test...I am smart and prepared..." etc. Sounds dumb I know, but it really does work if you've put in the work before the test.

Next morning eat a LIGHT carb-based brekky. Like one piece of toast with jam. No protein and not too much. You want all your blood to be working on your brain and not your digestive system. Your brain functions on glucose only -- I usually take a handful of glucose jellybeans into the test (clear it with the instructor if you need to) and suck them slowly one at a time. Towards the end of the test if you find your brain straining and your energy levels sapped, pop 3 of those little suckers and you'll be amazed at the energy burst your brain gets 10 mins later.

Do the easy questions first and skip anything you don't instantly know the answer to. This gives your brain a little warm-up. You'll be much more ready for the harder questions after a 20 min warm-up. But don't leave the REALLY hard essay-type questions till last. Tackle them about an hour into the exam...when you're warmed up but not mentally exhausted.

If your heart is pounding and your hands shaking consider this GOOD -- it means your sympathetic nervous system is working and that blood is directed to your brain where it ought to be.

You'll do great - I'm sure of it! Let us know how it goes!

lunakat · Sep 13, 2004

All the other advice is great! I am already in my 4th week of the 1st semster and here is my advice:

-Read each qustion & answer carefully.

-Underline key words if you can, I have been tripped up becasue I missed key words

Can't think of anything else at the moment! GOOD LUCK!!!!

collegegurl_2003 · Sep 13, 2004

I took the test today and I have to say it wasnt as hard as I thought..There was one I know I missed because I went back and changed my answer:o..I hate when I do that..The only thing is that we have to wait until Friday after class to see the results..Cruel isnt it..lol...Thanks for the advice..I used some of it...!!!!!

jenrninmi, MSN, RN · Sep 13, 2004

first off, congratulations on doing well on your exam.

second, one of the things in my psych rotation that i'm learning about is how to meditate. my instructor considers herself a "healer" and meditation is something she's teaching us to help us as students to reduce our stress levels and also so that we can possibly teach our clients how to reduce their stress levels. i've never really meditated before, but i've done yoga and meditation and deep breathing is incorporated in the exercise. meditation really helps to clear the mind, concentrating on only your breathing relaxes you like nothing else can. you might want to do some research on it (yeah, like you have time - lol). but give it a try - it's great!

babynursewannab · Sep 13, 2004

I took the test today and I have to say it wasnt as hard as I thought..There was one I know I missed because I went back and changed my answer:o..I hate when I do that..The only thing is that we have to wait until Friday after class to see the results..Cruel isnt it..lol...Thanks for the advice..I used some of it...!!!!!

Woo hoo!!! It's over!

Waiting is the hardest part...

You can breathe now.