How do you ace nursing school tests when you have anxiety

MIA-RN1, RN · Oct 8, 2005

Hi!
I need some help with figuring out what I'm doing wrong. I'm repeating 2nd semester, and I study my tail off & know the information. I can take it to clinicals, but for some reason I can't get it to the tests. I do practice questions, and get 95% of them right. I have anxiety bad!!!! Every little sound distracts me, and i can't think straight. Does anyone have any suggestions? I've got to conquer these tests.

Our school has a program where people with test anxiety and difficulties with noise etc can go to a private area and test. you might ask about that.

I meditate before a test, and then in the car on the way over, I BLAST music and sing at the top of my lungs.

This is rather new-age but I carry hematite,(for good grounding) amethyst,(to help my higher self and intuition) and clear quartz (For clear thinking) in my pocket.

stressgal, RN · Oct 8, 2005

One of the things some of us have implimented during exams is to wear earplugs. You can get the foam ones cheap in any sporting goods section. You would be amazed at the distractions they remove.

I would also suggest you go to your learning assistance center and get advice. I guarantee you are not the first student to have this issue and I'm sure they can hekp you out.

Good luck!

AuntieRN · Oct 8, 2005

Salford, I have really bad test anxiety as well. One of the things I do is stand outside the class until the instructor shows up to hand out the test. I find that sitting there with everyone chitchatting just makes me worse. When I get my test I close my eyes, take 3 deep breaths, and start...i find that if I take my time and read each question carefully and actually take my pencil and cross off all the stuff in the question that is just added as "fluff" and cross off all the answers I know are absolutely incorrect....I also chew a peppermint gum..someone told me this once and I thought they were nuts..and perhaps it was mind over matter but it seems to work. There is nothing worse then test anxiety...just try to relax...take your time...I am thinking of ya..good luck...sorry I ramble hope some of this helps....

ENP-wanna-be · Oct 9, 2005

The best advice that I've been given so far has been:

-take 10 deep breaths before taking the test, it's supposed to decrease adrenaline levels and calm anxiety.

-Close your eyes and say a quick prayer. I've done this everytime and I haven't failed a test yet!

-MOST IMPORTANT- NEVER, NEVER EVER change your answer on a question!!! ALWAYS go with the first answer that comes to your mind. If you studied well, the correct answer will usually be the first one that "jumps" out at you. This has been pretty hard to do at times, but I've noticed that every time I second guessed myself and changed the answer, I've missed it.

Hope this helps! It's worked for me and I've had 4 tests so far! By the way, I'm in my first semester of RN school. Good luck!

Blessings,

ENP-wanna-be

Deb123j · Oct 9, 2005

I agree with vlsgrl about chewing gum.

When you chew gum,more blood goes to your brain. At least that's what I've heard in school.

cardiacRN2006, ADN, RN · Oct 9, 2005

I agree with vlsgrl about chewing gum.
When you chew gum,more blood goes to your brain. At least that's what I've heard in school.

I heard it was cinnamon flavored gum!

Fun2, BSN, RN · Oct 9, 2005

I agree with vlsgrl about chewing gum.
When you chew gum,more blood goes to your brain. At least that's what I've heard in school.

Is that why I have been "hooked on gum" more than usual lately? Ever since I have gone back to school (Nov '04) Trident has been my very, very good friend. I really think I am keeping them in business. LOL

To the OP: Maybe your instructor would allow you to take the test in the testing center. Where I attend, the testing center even has private rooms, maybe yours does as well. It never hurts to ask. If not, the ear plug idea seems to be a good one. I'll have to remember that. It always seems every little noise is amplified when you are taking a test, and everyone coughs or sneezes. lol Keep some Trident or other kind of gum on ya at all times. lol

I wish you the best of luck!

PhoenixGirl · Oct 9, 2005

This is weird but I find doing my tests back to front helps me out. I have no idea why. I like to turn to the last page and answer those questions first. Sort of been my good luck charm lately!

salford39047 · Oct 10, 2005

Thanks to all of you for your help. Keep me in your prayers, and I'll be praying for all of you!

salford

Achoo!, LPN · Oct 10, 2005

This is weird but I find doing my tests back to front helps me out. I have no idea why. I like to turn to the last page and answer those questions first. Sort of been my good luck charm lately!

I do that as well, the essay questions first, multiple choice last.