Any ideas to get over test anxiety?

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Ok I need some help. I am having trouble getting motivated with my studing and it is simply because I have failed nursing school in the past by only 1/2 a point. It stinks, but I am trying to move on. I know my information through and through. When I go to take an exam I freeze. I want to have a positive attitude which will help me tremendously, but I know every time I sit to take a test I think I am going to fail. I want to get over this FEAR, but I am so afraid of being a failure that it damages me during testing. Please help. All I want is to be a great nurse. :(

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Specializes in Med surg and Psych.

I suffer from test anxiety myself. For each exam I study from the EC content guide,Study group 101, and I take the EC practice exams, and go over all of the rationales. I have friends and family pray that I can prove my stuff by passing my exam, and that they send calming thoughts my way, so that I do not freeze up. I also have a silver dollar and a $1 bill that belonged to two very special people that I keep in my wallet, and of course it is locked up at the test site.These little quirks may seem silly,but so far they have worked for me. I was so nervous before, during, and after my 1st exam that I had to wipe my hands on my jeans, so that my fingerprints would read. Get that first exam out of the way after preparing of course, but do not put it off upteen times like I did initially. I did it because of the fear of failing. Once you have got that first one down you will want to take the next one and it will have a domino effect. I am hopefully fixing to take my last NC(6) exam on Jan.23rd or 24th., and then Soc. , and hopefully I will be CPNE eligible the end of Feb. I will have to take some exams while I am awaiting a CPNE date, but hey what I am saying is I am getting closer, and once you get started you will be on your way too. Good Luck! Remember...Get this done, and you will be one Awesome nurse. Traci

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Contact your schools student support services. They might make accommodations for test anxiety under ADA.

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Specializes in psych, addictions, hospice, education.

I recommend getting rest the night before and eating nutritiously. Do something you love.

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I would make sure you:

1. Get plenty of rest the night before

2. Make a hand written "cheat sheet"- even if you can't use it during the exam, the act of writing it out and seeing the info in your own hand writting can help reinforce the material and ease stress.

3. MOST IMPORTANTLY--- REWARD yourself!! Give your self something to look forward to after the exam- a favorite meal/snack, a shopping trip, a hot bath... this will keep you focused on the positive and give you something to work for. :D:heartbeat

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