As a nurse or nursing student, you know that exams are very common in nursing school, leading up to taking the most important exam, the NCLEX.

Exams don’t stop after graduation from your undergraduate program; you may continue to encounter exams when obtaining a specialty certification, going to grad school, or completing a board certification exam to become a nurse practitioner or certified nurse anesthetist. Due to this, it is essential to identify if you have test anxiety earlier on and figure out how to study best and prepare for exams.

First, we must understand what test anxiety is, including associated symptoms. Test anxiety is tension and apprehensiveness associated with taking a test, frequently resulting in decreased test performance (APA dictionary definition). Symptoms of test anxiety include nervousness, being fidgety, and having difficulty concentrating. It can lead to physical symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, shortness of breath, and rapid heartbeat. A person with test anxiety may also experience emotional symptoms, including self-doubt, fear, stress, and hopelessness.

So, what can a person do to help with test anxiety

and gain confidence when going to exams? It starts with preparation. Start studying well before the exam date and develop a study plan where you write out your studying times and set realistic goals, ensuring a balance between school, work, fun, and self-care. Also, try to study in an environment similar to where you will be taking the exam.

Learning techniques to help relax and calm the mind may help with test anxiety, including deep breathing, meditation, and visualization exercises. Changing your mindset through positive affirmations or restructuring negative thoughts into positive thoughts can also help. For example, instead of thinking, “If I don’t do well on this exam, I am going to cry,” I know I studied and prepared for this exam to the best of my ability, so however I do it, it will be okay.

There are also steps you can take when taking the exam to help with test anxiety. Arrive early to the exam to eliminate the stress or fear of arriving late. This will also give you time to practice relaxation techniques such as deep breaths and visualization before you sit for the exam. Once you start the exam, read each question and all answer options slowly to ensure you understand what the question is asking. Pace yourself, focus on answering the questions you feel very confident about, and stay calm when answering the questions you do not know the answer to.

After the test, take a deep breath and celebrate your successes. Do not obsess over what you did not do well on. Instead, identify the study and preparation techniques that worked well for you and where improvements can be made in the future.

Other options to help manage test anxiety include joining a study group, seeking out help at the testing center of your college or university, or, if your anxiety is significant, talking with a counselor may be beneficial.

Test anxiety can significantly impact the confidence and performance of nursing students. You can manage test anxiety and perform at your best by employing improved preparation methods, practicing mental relaxation techniques, and utilizing effective test-taking strategies. With consistent effort and the right approach, you can turn anxiety into an opportunity for growth and success, not just in exams but in other areas of life.

References

American Psychology Association. (2018, April 19). Test anxiety. APA Dictionary of Psychology. APA Dictionary of Psychology

Goter, Ana. (2017, April 25). What is test anxiety?. Healthline. Test Anxiety: Symptoms, Statistics, and Tips for Coping

Sawchuk, C.N. (2024, May 14). Test anxiety: Can it be treated?. Mayo Clinic. Test anxiety: Can it be treated? – Mayo Clinic

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