Hello! I just recently graduated from my Nursing ADN program. My school didn't have a certain score requirement for the Exit HESI final. They averaged our Exit HESI grade into our total overall grade. I am so unbelievably thankful for that because despite how much effort I put into studying, I couldn't sleep the night before due to Test anxiety and got a 69%!!! Thankfully my overall grade was high enough that I managed to still pass the program, but I felt absolutely defeated. I felt like an idiot because all of my other classmates were telling me they made A's and B's. I felt dumb. I still feel dumb. Instead of feeling happy that I completed the program and am graduating tomorrow, I feel terrible. I'm absolutely terrified of the NCLEX. I am so worried that I'm going to bomb it. I've been on edge and have been experiencing GI problems due to the immense amount of anxiety I've been having since the final. I'm worried I'm not going to pass the NCLEX. I paid for the HURST review, which I'm taking in a couple weeks, as well as UWORLD last night. I've done 125 questions so far on UWORLD. My initial UWORLD assessment said I was "HIGHLY LIKELY" to pass the NCLEX and placed me in the 60th percentile. That made me feel good for a total of 30 minutes, but then the worry struck back.
I also had an interview for a hospital yesterday with an incredible salary and benefits. They offered me the job on the spot. You'd think I'd be ecstatic... I can't help but feel even more pressure to pass the NCLEX now that I have landed this job.
I know I'm my worst critic, but I don't know what to do. I don't know how to get rid of this text anxiety and fear. I'm having mini panic attacks and my heart has been pounding 24/7.
This is so frustrating. Does anyone have any advice? It's as if the NCLEX is my worst fear. I've never had test anxiety so bad in my life. Honestly, I can't even think of a time that I've experienced this kind of anxiety. I had so many stressful situations happen every semester of nursing school and didn't get this stressed out. This is ridiculous!! I need to master the art of acceptance and just be calm. PLEASE HELP
I normally never had test anxiety but I too accepted a new grad residency earlier this month which obviously puts more pressure to pass. I am also selling my house, trying to find a new house, coaching my daughter's soccer team, and carting 3 kids around constantly so I feel like numb when I think of the test!
I am testing 6/1. I was going to do 2 pm because I am not an early bird but I did my LPN NCLEX 8 years ago at 8 am and passed so I am going with that because I am superstitious lol. I am also testing at the exact same place I tested for my LPN.
I have also been doing U World. I did one of the self assessment exams about a week ago, scored a 74% with a "high chance" of passing but I want like 100% because I want to be sure but obviously that's not feasible. With about two weeks ago till D day I am just reviewing my incorrect questions, doing NCLEX mastery questions, and will be taking my second self assessment test next week.
The day before the test, I am going to do what I have read others on here suggested, and NOT study. I think you may want to consider this for your test anxiety as well. I have a 1.5 hour massage scheduled and I am going to take my kids to the pool, relax in the evening, and go to bed not thinking about the test. The best way I have found to reduce test anxiety is just to block it. I am blocking out that I am taking the test in two weeks and just focusing on my reviewing.
On your way to the test, listen to your favorite music, act like your just driving to the store and it's a normal day. Tell yourself you have done all you can do, breathe, and start the first question.
Thank you! Sounds like you've got A LOT on your plate!! Thank you for the advice. I wish you good luck on the exam!! I bet you'll ace it because you did so well on the UWORLD assessment exam!
I think it is normal to feel some anxiety about the NCLEX. There are just so much that we can be tested on. I take my text in less than a week and I too have a job pending the exam. Here is how I look at it...the correct answer is there, you just have to take a minute and think about what the question is actually asking. Take a deep breath in and take it one question at a time.
These are all great ideas! I finally got my ATT after waiting almost a month, and the closest place had June 19th as the earliest test date. So I'm going to eat out with the family on Father's Day. I decided to take it in the afternoon so I'll be well-rested. I have a tendency to set like 15 alarms on the day of a test if I can't choose the time to take it. I end up arriving at the test site on time but tired. At least this way I'll be more rested. Good luck!
I'm testing 4 days from now. I'm having test anxiety too!!! I'm exclusively using Uworld for my review. I only finish about 1338 questions and rereading some of the rationales that I can cover as I'm also working part-time. I only scored 52% overall. My 1st assessment is 67% and 2nd assessment 68% which places me with High Chance of passing. However, I still feel like I needed more time to finish everything. I don't know if I should reschedule my test. But right now, I'm just soooo nervous and can't concentrate when I read something!! God help me! Hope I pass the test. :)
You've got this!! You're going to pass! I've heard that UWORLD practice questions are a little harder than the actual NCLEX, so I think you'll be fine! :)
You've got this!! You're going to pass! I've heard that UWORLD practice questions are a little harder than the actual NCLEX, so I think you'll be fine! :)
Thank you! Nothing is impossible with God. I hope we both pass our test. Good luck!
It is true that the UWorld questions are harder than the actual NCLEX
Hard to say, honestly. There is a world of difference in doing questions at home versus the real deal. Also, UWorld is not adaptive so there is a blend of question levels unlike the NCLEX. UWorld looks just like the NCLEX, so that helped...a lot. Because of UWorld I felt prepared to think through questions I had little knowledge of or was not positive of the answer right away.
Hi, I am currently in the same position. I have severe anxiety around this test - can’t eat, can’t sleep, constantly thinking about I cry. What did you do to manage or remain positive? I did see your update on passing so congrats!!
I'm exclusively using Uworld for my review. I only finish about 1338 questions and rereading some of the rationales that I can cover as I'm also working part-time. I only scored 52% overall. My 1st assessment is 67% and 2nd assessment 68% which places me with High Chance of passing. However, I still feel like I needed more time to finish everything. I don't know if I should reschedule my test. But right now, I'm just soooo nervous and can't concentrate when I read something!! God help me! Hope I pass the test. :)
SaltySarcasticSally, LPN, RN
2 Articles; 440 Posts
I normally never had test anxiety but I too accepted a new grad residency earlier this month which obviously puts more pressure to pass. I am also selling my house, trying to find a new house, coaching my daughter's soccer team, and carting 3 kids around constantly so I feel like numb when I think of the test!
I am testing 6/1. I was going to do 2 pm because I am not an early bird but I did my LPN NCLEX 8 years ago at 8 am and passed so I am going with that because I am superstitious lol. I am also testing at the exact same place I tested for my LPN.
I have also been doing U World. I did one of the self assessment exams about a week ago, scored a 74% with a "high chance" of passing but I want like 100% because I want to be sure but obviously that's not feasible. With about two weeks ago till D day I am just reviewing my incorrect questions, doing NCLEX mastery questions, and will be taking my second self assessment test next week.
The day before the test, I am going to do what I have read others on here suggested, and NOT study. I think you may want to consider this for your test anxiety as well. I have a 1.5 hour massage scheduled and I am going to take my kids to the pool, relax in the evening, and go to bed not thinking about the test. The best way I have found to reduce test anxiety is just to block it. I am blocking out that I am taking the test in two weeks and just focusing on my reviewing.
On your way to the test, listen to your favorite music, act like your just driving to the store and it's a normal day. Tell yourself you have done all you can do, breathe, and start the first question.