All Studied Out...

[TramaRN22]

Hello,

I am currently failing my Med/Surg semester in school. Not because I don't know the material or I don't study, but I was told that I don't know how to answer nursing test questions effectively or I still have test anxiety. I have practiced many questions (so many my eyes hurt), but I just can't do it when it's test time. I improved by 4 points on my last test (from test 5 to test 6). What are proven ways that I can calm my nerves before a test? I have two more tests this semester, and if I can do well, I'll pass.

[cairomania]

Getting over test anxiety can be really difficult. I use to stress so badly I would make myself sick on test days, sometimes to the point of vomiting. There are a few therapy techniques that I practice that help me, and one that helps a lot is playing "worst, best, and most likely scenario" which is exactly how it sounds.

What's the worst-case scenario for your performance on this test, how will you handle/cope with that

What is the best-case scenario?

Now given the resources you have and the information you know to be true, what is the most likely scenario?

It helps you sort of decatastrophize it in your head ?

[No Stars In My Eyes]

Things are so different these days from when I was in school (1970-71). I don't know if this will be of help or not. When I had to get ready for a test, I would use the notes I took in class...then I would take a plain piece of 9"x11" piece of paper and put a line down the middle of the page and then across the middle of the page so it is divided into four sections. In each section I copy in small print the pertinent points of each page of my class notes. I used red pen to underline the most important parts. So there are four pages condensed onto one page. 

The day before the test I reviewed them, and in the classroom before the test when everyone was trying to tell each other certain points to get right, and correcting each other (verbally), I made sure to block my ears so I didn't hear them and become confused by what I heard. I would tell myself, "If I don't know it by now, I don't know it." Then when I got to a question on the test, I close my eyes to 'see' which corner of my four-sectioned study page that info was copied in.

Something about re-copying my class notes helped the info stay in my brain better. A lot of students told me that was "too much trouble" to go through. I could tell them, it may seem like a lot of trouble or extra work, but it was what helped set the information in my mind. I am a visual person so seeing the notes and re-copying them in the way I did, helped me visualize answers or portions of answers. 

Anyway, for what it's worth, I graduated second in my class, so at least I know that my way of studying helped me!

[tashafamous1, ASN, CNA]

I like that information I will give it a try I am also a visual learner