Nervous about the State exam! Any tips???

y&rfan84 · Mar 28, 2011

It really wasnt that bad when I took mine. I literally made myself sick for nothing. I had a nice examiner, and she smiled everytime I looked up because I was nervous! I said everything out loud, and calmed down. Once I got past the first skill It was nothing to to it! I just praticed at home on my husband...that helped alot. Good luck! And dont panic! :up:

bsn2013 · Mar 28, 2011

I think the post above gave very good advice. I remember being terrified before my exam, but it really wasn't that bad. I'd also recommend saying aloud what you are doing, it helped keep me on track. Also, try very hard to imagine you are working with a real patient. It will help you remember things like closing the curtain for privacy when needed (something I forgot to do during my test...but obviously in a real life situation I would not have forgotten). Also, find friends, your spouse, stuffed animals ...whatever you can to practice on beforehand. I was so sure that I was going to be given blood pressure as one of my skills ( I wasn't) so I practiced on my friends until it was second nature. Good luck, I'm sure you'll do great!

tomc5555 · Mar 29, 2011

Practice, especially skills you feel less confident in.

I was deficient in upper body ROM and I got that skill for exam. I passed the skill but was told to "watch my support of joints".

I got blood pressure and couldnt hear the first readings due to another examee hitting the table which caused loud noise/interference, i requested to take second reading. I passed.

Make sure you demonstrate the critical elements of each skill, such as privacy for bed bath.

The skills test is easier than i thought, it helped me to talk to the 'patient' during the skill explaining what i was doing.

I'm sure you'll do great!

Getreal2011 · Mar 29, 2011

It really wasnt that bad when I took mine. I literally made myself sick for nothing. I had a nice examiner, and she smiled everytime I looked up because I was nervous! I said everything out loud, and calmed down. Once I got past the first skill It was nothing to to it! I just praticed at home on my husband...that helped alot. Good luck! And dont panic!

Thank you! I will try my best not to. :)

Getreal2011 · Mar 29, 2011

I think the post above gave very good advice. I remember being terrified before my exam, but it really wasn't that bad. I'd also recommend saying aloud what you are doing, it helped keep me on track. Also, try very hard to imagine you are working with a real patient. It will help you remember things like closing the curtain for privacy when needed (something I forgot to do during my test...but obviously in a real life situation I would not have forgotten). Also, find friends, your spouse, stuffed animals ...whatever you can to practice on beforehand. I was so sure that I was going to be given blood pressure as one of my skills ( I wasn't) so I practiced on my friends until it was second nature. Good luck, I'm sure you'll do great!

Yes, I am practicing, definitely! I hope to goodness I'm not given BP. I wrote out some flashcards and have been watching videos on Youtube. I have to remember also, to provide privacy. Thank you for the vote of confidence.

Getreal2011 · Mar 29, 2011

Practice, especially skills you feel less confident in.
I was deficient in upper body ROM and I got that skill for exam. I passed the skill but was told to "watch my support of joints".
I got blood pressure and couldnt hear the first readings due to another examee hitting the table which caused loud noise/interference, i requested to take second reading. I passed.
Make sure you demonstrate the critical elements of each skill, such as privacy for bed bath.
The skills test is easier than i thought, it helped me to talk to the 'patient' during the skill explaining what i was doing.
I'm sure you'll do great!

Thank you! I'm glad you said that! During clinicals we really didn't do any ROMs skills, so I'm not experienced that much with them. Definitely going to have to go over those. Thank you, once again. :up:

Bbo.W · Mar 30, 2011

First: have some caffeine (coffee, tea, etc), before your exam. Second, wear your scrubs during your exam, you look the part and much more proffesional during your exam w/ scrubs on. During my exam, 4 students from my class wore scrubs (we were required to wear them at every class, not just during clinicals). All 4 of our students passed. The 2 students who did not wear them did not pass! Next: RELAX! If you did well in your class and practiced your skills you will be fine! Deep breath! Let us know how it goes! P.S.- I passed my state exam w/ a 97%! You will do fine!

Getreal2011 · Apr 5, 2011

First: have some caffeine (coffee, tea, etc), before your exam. Second, wear your scrubs during your exam, you look the part and much more proffesional during your exam w/ scrubs on. During my exam, 4 students from my class wore scrubs (we were required to wear them at every class, not just during clinicals). All 4 of our students passed. The 2 students who did not wear them did not pass! Next: RELAX! If you did well in your class and practiced your skills you will be fine! Deep breath! Let us know how it goes! P.S.- I passed my state exam w/ a 97%! You will do fine!

Wooohooo for you!!! :yeah:

I pray, I pass the 1st time around. It's funny you suggested the scrubs. I was just thinking about that the other day. I think it will put me more in the frame of mind I need to be in. Oh and caffeine is a what...MUST..hellllooo! :eek: Especially, if I get a morning appointment. My test site is 40 minutes away from my house. Thank you.