Test anxiety

[ktweis, ASN]

Hey all! I am in pre-nursing and just have a few more things to do b4 I can apply for nursing school.. I have really bad test anxiety (always have) and I also do poorly on multiple choice tests!! (Usually I get between a 70% and 85%, I do not ever fail though) I am assuming most of the tests in nursing school will be primarily multiple choice.. Are they? How are tests in nursing school usually set up? Does anyone have any advice on how I can become a better MC test taker? I am very good at essay tests and having to draw and label diagrams and stuff.. But MC is def my downfall! Does anyone also have any advice on how to help with test anxiety? I'm sure most nursing students have anxiety all day everyday so............

[Kuriin, BSN, RN]

Most exams will be multiple choice and select all that apply to provide enough practice prior to the NCLEX. You will have some fill in the blank, creating concept maps (potentially), and medication calculations as well.

[LadyFree28, BSN, LPN, RN]

I used to have extreme test anxiety; I would have the knowledge and the application, yet not do well on tests in nursing school; hence, I failed the first time in nursing school, at 19; I took a break, then eventually tried again through PN school, worked and then got my BSN.

What helped me, at least my PN program helped me achieve that my previous program couldn't was given me tips on breaking my test anxiety; what helped for my learning style was identifying key words to help me understand what the question was asking, choose the answer and not change the answer, perform deep breathing exercises and meditate prior to quizzes and exams, and I would do yoga the night before testing, helping with my anxiety.

I passed PN and my BSN programs and both NCLEXs the first time after my initial failure.

Find out your learning and studying style, find tips on how to test take effectively, and seek out your professions early and offer are my hugest suggestions for test taking success.

Best wishes.