Anxiety, the NCLEX, and how I passed.

6 Posts

I am the type of person that makes a big deal out of something really small. My family and friends know me very well to be the type of person that stresses out from the simplest things and I was surprised I didn't have panic attacks throughout nursing school. I knew anxiety was going to be a BIG issue when it came to the NCLEX-RN. I swear, some nights I lost sleep over it and felt hopeless. As the day of the test started approaching I felt my anxiety just sky rocket. I remember just sitting in my car in the library parking lot, closing my eyes, and just praying to God that I make it through this test alive. A few days before my test I had to clear my mind out. I told myself I passed nursing school. I fulfilled all the requirements at clinical. I graduated with this degree. I deserve this success. I've worked so hard to get to this point and no matter what happens I will continue to work hard to get to where I need to be. The NCLEX does appear to be scary and incredibly intimidating but we also have to recognize that what makes it scary and intimidating is ourselves. The NCLEX is only the big bad monster that we all make it to be.

I also knew that the only way I could fight the anxiety was to be well prepared. I made sure I did as many questions possible. I took a Kaplan review course and made sure to do all the Question Trainers, practice tests, and completed ALL the questions in the Qbank. I reviewed every rationale whether it was right or wrong. When I ran out of questions I made sure to create tests from the Qbanks consisting of only the incorrect questions. I figured that if i was getting certain questions wrong, I needed to break it down and review it thoroughly to have a clearer understanding of the subject. I also turned to Saunder's NCLEX questions making sure to choose the analysis & application multiple choice questions on the CD. I also used Saunders to create quizzes that only consisted of SATA & Alternate type questions. The night before the NCLEX I did nothing. I didn't touch my books, instead I went shopping, watched a movie, ate a great dinner and slept early.

The day of the exam I made sure to eat breakfast and arrived at the test site early. I did get a bit anxious on my way to the center, so I just reminded myself of what I told myself earlier--I deserve this success & i will work hard no matter what to achieve this. I also accepted the reality that If i didn't pass, I will take it again, and again, and again if I have to! During the NCLEX I made sure to take my time to answer every question confidently. I felt like I was being defeated with every question. The computer shut off at 75 questions and ... to be honest, I don't remember how I felt. All i know is that I bursted into tears once I left the center. 2 days later, I saw that i PASSED!!

I wish everyone taking their NCLEX the best of luck, but most importantly--BELIEVE IN YOURSELF!!