Test Anxiety

bear14 · Sep 23, 2011

Talk to your teacher about your test anxiety and see if they have programs for people like you (and me). My school has something where they give you extra time but there has to be some sort of documentation of the anxiety. But first and foremost talk to your teacher and see if she can work with you on that.

merlee · Sep 23, 2011

Go see a professional about your test anxiety. There is 'talk' therapy, and there is medication.

SEEK HELP NOW!!!!

Best wishes!

RKRobbins · Sep 23, 2011

I agree with the above. There can be accommodations made for more time maybe that will help give you a chance to calm down. Find some kind of test day routine to do so you know what to expect out of that day. I always take a huge deep breath right before I look at the first question and let it out telling myself I know this and I know me better and I can do it. Plus talk with your teacher and try to identify if it's a certain kind of question that's getting you or if your changing answers which is a big no no! Plus my school has a student resource counselor she is wonderful for info on calming down and making a test taking strategy. Best of luck, hang in there and find what works for you.

RNinthemaking1986 · Sep 23, 2011

Hey seems like I was reading about "myself" when I read your post. I have anxiety too, that escalated in nursing school. Its my first semester of nur101. I can totally relate. . I know that some test anxiety is normal...everyone has it..But when its extreme to the point where you completely stress yourself out, you start getting tremors, shaking, dizzy, chest pains, sweating, forgetting info.then you should seek medical advise as it could be a severe case.

Try therapeutic techniques first such as of calming yourself down, like breathing exercises, thinking positively, believing in yourself etc. Then discuss this with your professors and see if they have anything to say..

Iznir3 · Sep 23, 2011

When I was in school I had terrible test anxiety. After needing to retake med/surg class bc it was so bad I decided all I could do was my best. I studied hard for every test, and every time walking to the class I listened to the song "that I would be good" By alanis morissette. It calmed me and made me know that I knew all I could at that point and now my goal was to be calm during the test. It worked for the rest of school and even the nclex (most stressful of all). I passed w only 75 questions. By the time u r sitting there with the exam you need a clear focused mind. For people with anxiety it is hard but if u work on it and find something to keep u clear u will find u can pass . If u studied and know your stuff, remember that as you walk in! Good luck:)

fede · Sep 23, 2011

I also get test anxiety!! I spoke to my mentor while I was in Nursing school and she advised me to go see a doctor for this. My doctor prescribed me Ritalin, which freaked me out during my tests. I think it was the worse thing that I could do to myself. I took the ATI testing three times after my very first year and failed every time. I was kick out of school and was told that I could not return. My classes that I took at this school (Western Governors University) will not transfer to any other colleges. I worked so hard to get into this school. I would not recommend this school at all. They will leave you HIGH AND DRY and don't even care about helping you transition into another college for Nursing. My mentor is the one who told me to seek help.

manns1963 · Sep 23, 2011

Wow, I am so sorry to hear this. Nursing school isn't easy and I knew this going in but as far as this anxiety I am going to beat this. I hope with all my heart that things for you get better. I really wasn't looking to take any type of medications because I really think I can dismiss this with some type of exercise thanks to all of the responses that I am receiving. I don't no if you've gone on and finished nursing school or this is still and issue for you but if you haven't finished I wish you luck sincerely. Best of luck to you. :up:

itsmejuli · Sep 23, 2011

You can take control of test anxiety.

Get this book, it helped me and lots of other people I'm sure.

http://www.amazon.com/Dont-Panic-Revised-Control-Anxiety/dp/0060951605

xtxrn, ASN, RN · Sep 23, 2011

Wow, I am so sorry to hear this. Nursing school isn't easy and I knew this going in but as far as this anxiety I am going to beat this. I hope with all my heart that things for you get better. I really wasn't looking to take any type of medications because I really think I can dismiss this with some type of exercise thanks to all of the responses that I am receiving. I don't no if you've gone on and finished nursing school or this is still and issue for you but if you haven't finished I wish you luck sincerely. Best of luck to you.

Please don't hesitate to talk to your doc about this. Anxiety is a legitimate disorder- and test anxiety is fairly common in varying degrees. You may only need an as needed medication vs something all the time. But it can help you with the physical reactions. It's good to do the mental work through what is really at the crux of the anxiety- but in the meantime, you can't be bombing on tests !!

If your doc remembers med school (not the same, but principle is), he/she will have some mercy :)

Good Luck :up: :heartbeat

RainMom · Sep 23, 2011

My school actually had an evaluation process (for those who wanted it) to give additional help by adjusting the testing atmosphere. There were several in my class who tried it and many thought it helped. Primarily, they did not have to take their test in the same room with the majority of the class but went to a learning center where it was a bit quieter & they didn't have to see when other people completed testing before them. They still had the same test at the same time with the same amount of time to complete & they were monitored by staff. I guess some research has shown that the color of the paper can also affect your concentration, etc. & so most of them had tests which were printed on blue, green or peach paper rather than white. I think most of the students thought that it all helped. Good Luck!

Sunnysidegirl · Sep 24, 2011

I became very anxious taking nursing exams.So I always brought lavender oil to the classroom and doted the sides of my nose with the stuff and took deep breaths.

Obviously you must have taken some exams to get where you are now so you are capable. Don't give up, seek help, and breath : )