Trying to keep my head up but...

smarcelino · Sep 13, 2012

Test anxiety is something that I have struggled with since day one of nursing school. I found that covering up the answers helps so much. Read the question and come up with the answer without looking at the options, if your answer is one of them you can be pretty confident that you got it right!

LindseyRN86 · Sep 13, 2012

Sorry to read that Big thing is don't study all 6 straight hours. Study for 2 off for 2 on for 2 you get the picture. Make sure to use note cards. Write out on a blank piece of paper what you know. Then go back through your notes and book and see what you are still missing. The biggest thing to remember is this test doesn't define you!! Act like the test is your opponent and you need to give yourself as many weapons as possible to pass that bugger!! I promise you if you just look at it differently it will make all the world of a difference!!! :)

Mrsladysoul83 · Sep 13, 2012

I would probably have test anxiety if the day of the test i walk in class & over half of the class have their books & notes out discussing questions last minute & studyin BUT i dont because BEFORE i step foot up in there, i have my ipod TURNT UP jamming & playing uno on my phone so i get in the zone constantly telling myself "you have studied & did all you can & NOW YOU GOT THIS"! I use to just sit there & listen to my classmates & 2nd guess what ive studied because i was listening to them & would PANIC like OMG i dont remember reading that or i didnt learn that like that. On your way to school just say outloud "I GOT THIS" Take a deeeeeeeeppppp breath, say a small prayer(necessary for me maybe not for others) & once the test starts read the question slowly twice that way you wont miss small things like "what nursing action IS NOT appropriate"(i'll miss the NOT & read what IS) answer the question BEFORE you even look at your options & dont 2nd guess your self & PLEEEAAAASSSSEEE DONT CHANGE YOUR ANSWER! Also set up an appointment with your instructor & tell them about your concerns & go over your exam 1 on 1 & they could possibily be able to help you with your test anxiety. HANG IN THERE!

Music in My Heart · Sep 14, 2012

You don't need internet help, you need real help. Get to your school's tutoring program and counseling center and have them work with you on this. You may even need medication.

If you really know your stuff but just freeze up, you need practice with relaxation while testing.

tink0013 · Sep 14, 2012

I came home today and cried my eyes out because of this same problem. You are not alone. I know that I am smart and capable and I think that I can do this. But, this test **** is getting old. And its KILLING my spirit to stay in nursing school. Furthermore, I hear other girls talking about their test grades and not studying and passing with flying colors. So, my point is, you're not alone. We suck at tests, it is what it is. We WILL hopefully move the eff on and learn how to get past this.

allnurses Guide · Sep 14, 2012

If you are struggling, seek out your school's tutoring service. It can be a huge help.

nurseprnRN, BSN, RN · Sep 14, 2012

Everyone, your college has a tutoring service, an English as a second language service, a learning disability evaluation service, a counseling service. They have seen people like you before. It's what they do. You owe it to yourselves to go and check them out.

You know what they say-- the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result. Do something different.

wchailstate · Sep 14, 2012

Ceciliailicec, if u don't mind me asking, are u attending ICC's program?

okonrad · Sep 15, 2012

I have a couple of girls in my program that are/have been in the same situation.

It really depends on you, individually.

Some girls find that doing question after question will kind of get you into the flow of things and it's a pretty simple solution that has worked for me personally.

Others do use the tutoring approach; but if it's a matter of you knowing the material, but get so anxious with tests, this will not help.

A couple girls also use earplugs during tests to drown out any distractions, and even suck on peppermint since apparently it helps to focus the mind.

The most extreme case I have come across is one girl in particular who has medication for anxiety and even takes a Benadryl beforehand on account of breaking out in hives every time.

I hope one of these approaches helps you and good luck!