Panicking!

[Daisy_08, BSN, RN]

So I'm relaxing on the computer, researching what kind of car I might buy, when it hits me. A fear so great, so emense its got my stomach in knots and a lump in my throat.

I'm a new grad of about two weeks. I was at the top my my class, abandoned my social life like you wouldn't believe and dedicated the past two years of my life to the study of nursing. With that said, I have been feeling fairly confident with my reg. exam coming up in..gulp...6 days. I did both of the online predictor test got 95-100% chance of passing on both, did the review book and got 75-80% of the q's right, and on my breaks i have been reviewing stuff i was never exposed to/have little interest in like OB and Mental health.

One minute I am fine now i just want to burst into tears. I really did not study at all the last four months of consolidation. All I can think of is how i dont know my pharm, never had experience with this or that....sigh i just wish i could fast forward two months from now, and be done the exam and know if I failed.

Anyone have any tips on how to stay calm cool and collected these last few days? Anyone who wrote recently have any helpful hints of how to prepare last min?

Thanks:eek:, I think I need a drink.

[CanadianGirl79]

First of all, take a deep breath. Panicking will not help.

Next, look at what areas you were weakest in when you did the prep book. Focus on those areas. No, you can't learn everything there is to know about a given subject in 6 days, but you can do your best to learn some basics.

Go back to your texts and read them. Read the sections that pertain to your weakest areas. Read each section several times. For me, throughout school and studying, I found it helpful if I read the chapter/section/etc through once, just really READING it, then a second time - highlighting what seemed the most important (stuff that's bolded is a good call, as is stuff in boxes, etc). Then take a notebook, and make notes from the stuff you highlighted. Don't just copy it, put it in your own words. Once you've got some notes, review them.

When you write the exam, don't stare at the clock. Read each question thoroughly before you answer. Once you have answered, move on. Don't go back and change answers unless you are absolutely CERTAIN you were wrong the first time (ie you suddenly realize that aspirin is NOT an antibiotic and that you were having a massive brain fart earlier when you thought it was).

Hope this helps. Good luck! :)

[joanna73, BSN, RN]

Don't panic. You got through school, and this is just the last step. Just remember to read carefully and manage your time. GL :)

[NurseSuzann]

Honestly, if you did well in school and are not suffering from anxiety issues severe enough that you may need to see a doctor, you should be fine. The PN exam is not hard if you know your stuff and it sounds like you do. Also if English is your first language you should be okay. Many of the failed applicants have english as a 2nd language, and even if they are incredibly intelligent, it is the language of the questions that is so difficult.