SERIOUS test-out anxiety

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Okay...my first post.

Major, MAJOR test-out anxiety. I seriously freeze when doing my test-outs, even though I know the skills upside down and inside out--Anybody have any techniques to help me with the whole "mind going blank" thing? My instructors know that I know the stuff, because I can do it just fine on actual patients in the clinical setting. I am just getting SO frustrated with myself. Any help at all would be greatly appreciated, particularly with the sterile field, drain dressings, and sterile dressing changes. I've actually burst into tears during a test-out...:crying2:

Specializes in ED, ICU, MS/MT, PCU, CM, House Sup, Frontline mgr.

Do you practice a lot? I mean to the point that if you do a skill you can do it in your sleep because you do not have to think about it, it comes natural? It has been my experience that if I practice so much I can do something blind folded, being nervous does not get in the way of my performance because I am not having to think about the steps.... my hands know them by heart. :twocents:

Specializes in Telemetry.
Okay...my first post.

Major, MAJOR test-out anxiety. I seriously freeze when doing my test-outs, even though I know the skills upside down and inside out--Anybody have any techniques to help me with the whole "mind going blank" thing? My instructors know that I know the stuff, because I can do it just fine on actual patients in the clinical setting. I am just getting SO frustrated with myself. Any help at all would be greatly appreciated, particularly with the sterile field, drain dressings, and sterile dressing changes. I've actually burst into tears during a test-out...:crying2:

Practice, Practice, Practice. I too had that problem but I develop confidence by practicing with other students and with my children.

Specializes in geriatric, ltc, telemetry, med-surg.
Okay...my first post.

Major, MAJOR test-out anxiety. I seriously freeze when doing my test-outs, even though I know the skills upside down and inside out--Anybody have any techniques to help me with the whole "mind going blank" thing? My instructors know that I know the stuff, because I can do it just fine on actual patients in the clinical setting. I am just getting SO frustrated with myself. Any help at all would be greatly appreciated, particularly with the sterile field, drain dressings, and sterile dressing changes. I've actually burst into tears during a test-out...:crying2:

I had that problem, I knew the stuff so well but going back to school after being an LPN for 17yrs. I guess just made me nervous. Anyway I spoke with the instructors about it and we decided that it would help me to talk my way through it. I would talk to her as if I were teaching her how to do it and I swear I never had another problem. I was able to help some of the other students with this also. Even if you have to make a joke of it, just anything to get you through your check offs in lab. Good Luck to you.

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