tips for calming NCLEX nerves

[quinnie]

Hi everyone - I am scheduled to take the NCLEX-RN in 9 days. I am, by nature, a very anxious person and a bit of a control freak. The fact that I really have no idea what it will be like until I sit to take the exam is driving me crazy. I am starting a job on Monday as a GN at a really prestigious hospital and I am terrified that I'll have to tell them that I failed it, which means I'll lose my job (not to mention everyone else I know). I graduated in December and took a 2 day review class the very beginning of January and have been studying ever since using ATI online tests, the kaplan book and the saunders book. I'm doing 150-450 questions every day. I took a comprehensive predictor my last week of school which gave me a score of 97% chance of passing...but that's only a predictor. I'm finding that for every practice question I get wrong my anxiety builds and builds and I'm starting to feel really dejected and have a sinking feeling that I won't pass. I know you're not supposed to cram in the days before the exam but I'm scared about starting a new job right before my test because I know I'll be tired and will only have about 2 hours to study each night. I always have the option of switching my date but I don't know if I can handle having the black cloud that is the nclex looming over me anymore and I'm scared the longer I wait the more information I'll forget. In my current state I'm ready to get a prescription for Ativan!

For those that are studying currently, how are you dealing with your nerves? For those that have already taken it, what advice would you give? I know that a very important part of passing the test is going in feeling confident and keeping your anxiety as low as possible.

[caliotter3]

You should always start with standard relaxation techniques. Good advice for any anxiety provoking activity.

[kgh31386, BSN, MSN, RN]

When I took it, I wasn't nervous..and the reason is because a test is just a test and I don't listen to people hype things up. A lot of nursing students tend to make things sound much harder than they really are. The answer is staring at you, and you can always eliminate the wrong ones based on a little common sense and some basic nursing school knowledge. If you think it's a trick, you're trying to trick yourself..because the questions are straight forward if you can use some sense. I'll tell you from experience exactly what the test will be like.....it will be just like any other test you've taken:twocents:. Oh and my only advice if you are bothered by noise, wear the headphones they give you throughout the whole test. I did that to eliminate the shuffling, coughing, sniffing, tapping, etc. that people tend to do. Not everyone in the room will be taking the NCLEX(we had a couple of pharmacy techs taking their cert test, a finance girl taking her test)

[sheila0313]

If you believe in the Lord Jesus Christ just pray and know he is there with you! God will calm your nerves on that day if you pray and have faith. Also watch this video on Pearson Vue, this video will help relieve some anxiety, because you get to see the process and know what to expect.

Good luck, and may the Lord be with you

Blessings!

[slave_diverRN]

CHill out! Yes, you'll get a few practice questions wrong....and you might even get a few questions on the NCLEX wrong....you can pass without getting 100% right!!!

R-E-L-A-X.