Nursing student’s frequently stress just before taking tests and exams.  Many report test anxiety which is essentiall the same as performance anxiety.  Here is how to avoid the the fast beating heart and sweaty palms while continuing to be successful on the up and down,twisting roller coaster journey of becoming a nurse.

 

Do you have test anxiety? Here a few tips to reduce test taking anxiety and stress.

1.  Get a good night’s sleep before a big exam.

A recent study found out that those people who slept a full eight hours before taking a test involving critical thinking, as in math were nearly three times more likely to be able to problem solve and find the right solution that those who stayed awake all night and studied.

2.  Prepare for exams by studying well in advance.

Do not leave the bulk of new material until the night before an exam. Students who are well prepared, and care about doing well are also known to have less test anxiety.  Being well prepared empowers the student to be confident and these students leave exams knowing they did well.

 Leaving assignments and studying for exams to the last minute doubles test anxiety because the student knows they don’t have the information, and in nursing school guessing or wishing for the right answer is not always that easy when the options are very close and three out of four answers are good.   

3.  You don’t have to a 100% on each quiz or exam.

It’s alright to miss a question here and there.  Those nursing students who have traits that lean towards being perfectionists are more likely to also have an increase in test anxiety.  Some students find it hard to be less than perfect. It’s okay to miss a few. Remember no one can be an expert in each area of nursing. That’s why there are specialty areas of nursing such as pediatrics, maternity, and emergency nursing.

4.   Watch out for negative self talk

Don’t tell yourself that you are going to bomb the exam. Negative thoughts such as “I am not good at test taking” or I know I’m not going to do well on this test, only sets one  up to do poorly. Replace the negative thought with, “I know that I have prepared for this, just bring on those questions, I’m ready.”(Of course if you have not studied that you can’t use these thoughts!) The best method is to stay on top of your testing ability by being prepared and positive.

Calm yourself just before the exam by telling yourself that you know it and you are capable of doing well.  Just before starting close your eyes and take a few deep breaths, slowly releasing these breaths, and gently tell yourself to relax each muscle and relax those tense areas.  Tell yourself that you know what is about to be asked and then slowly bring yourself back to the present moment and know that all is going to go well.

5.  Make sure to eat something before a big test

No brain works well with low blood sugar.  Think about it.  You are soon going to be a nurse, and you will be telling your client’s the importance of eating a good breakfast.  Do yourself a favor and eat breakfast before a quiz or a final.  Your brain will reward you as it will function at its highest.