What cheers up when you're having a rough time in NS?

[PurplePens, RN]

I have a big test coming up this Monday, and I'm not feeling too great about it. I'm proud of my grades and check-offs thus far, but this upcoming exam might shake the confidence I've managed to build. I'm crossing my fingers that I make a redeemable grade, but my hopes are not high. In the meantime, I'm trying to stay calm and study as effectively as possible.

So, when you hit a bump in the road, what do you do that cheers you up? After this test I might need to borrow some of your techniques. I wish I were kidding.

[Guest123456788, MSN, RN]

I don't know that I have specific techniques or anything, but I do think it is super important to relax right before and after an exam. You have to balance studying hard with taking care of yourself and doing things that make you happy and keep you relaxed, whatever that is. Nursing school is stressful but you will feel better (and perform better on exams) if you take time to take care of yourself. Also, keep in mind that one bad grade does not define your success in nursing school and will not hurt you in the long run. If one exam or check off goes badly, learn from it and move on

[203bravo, MSN, APRN]

Margarita Monday

[wannabeny]

girls night or family night. kayaking.

[PurplePens, RN]

Thank you, when I read this I actually did take it easy the night before the exam and scored an 88%. As hard as it was to relax, it made all the difference. (: There are only three tests in this class though, so one test might have sunk me if I did badly enough.

[Nightmaren, BSN, RN]

I tended to hang out with friends -- not the sort of friends who have chronic testing anxiety and complain about studying all the time -- the sort of friends who made me laugh because of their antics. Sometimes non-nursing school friends were the best for this! Basically, my relaxation came down to me stepping back from the nursing school environment to get a breather.