Overcoming Test Anxiety Before the NCLEX ®

Keys to Being a Confident Test-Taker

Exams can cause a lot of pressure. Everything you’ve worked toward in school seems to come down to how well you perform on an exam. That said, there are practical and applicable steps you can take to alleviate your worries before a major exam, giving you confidence on test day. Below is a brief guide of our recommendations on how to study for the NCLEX ® and to minimize your test anxiety.

Ways to Overcome Text Anxiety

Study Efficiently

Some test anxiety may be caused by being underprepared. Studying efficiently can help you have more confidence on the day of your exam. You can get ahead in your studies by understanding what kind of environment you work best in.

Where to Study

Find a place where you can focus. For some people, this may be a quiet, distraction-free room. Others may benefit from the accountability of a public area such as a library or coffee shop. The best place to study is the place where you can focus without interruptions. This is different for everyone, so really ask yourself where you stay focused best.

When to Study

Students have complicated schedules. Time can understandably be a major hurdle when figuring out how to study for the NCLEX ®. Find blocks of time in your weekly schedule that you can dedicate to studying. Much like knowing where to study, knowing when to study can make a difference in how productive you are. The key is to not do it all at once; find a routine and spread it out over multiple days and weeks. Studying is a process.

Take a Break

You may feel the need to take every opportunity to study before the exam, but finding a balance will be important to your performance and mental health.

Eat and Drink

When cramming for an exam, some of us tend to skip the essentials of life. Be intentional about taking a break to eat a meal and drink some water. This can be a relaxing moment to yourself or surrounded by friends and family. Plus, it’s important to stay nourished and hydrated.

Exercise

Set aside time in the weeks and days leading up to your exam to exercise and prioritize your health. Not only will working out help you release tension, but it’s also an opportunity to get your mind off your upcoming exam. You’ll likely feel refreshed afterward.

Unwind

Don’t spend hours studying and immediately go to bed. While you may have a busy day, allow yourself time to relax and wind down before bed. Rest is key to performing well on your exam, and it’ll be easier to fall asleep once your mind is cleared.

Get Support

You don’t have to prepare for an exam alone. Find a study group or other support that may help you. Better yet, an exam preparation program can help you put your best foot forward. The benefit of an exam prep program is that it will be led by instructors who have been in your shoes and know exactly what you need to know going in. Test-taking is more than knowing information—it’s about fully understanding a concept. In the case of the NCLEX ®, it’s about thinking like a nurse. Ready to Pass is here to help you think like a nurse.

Find Your Confidence at Ready to Pass

Ready to Pass offers online review courses, tutoring, and mentoring that give you practical insight on how to study for NCLEX ®. The resources we provide put students in a position to find success when they take the NCLEX ®, helping them to reach their goals as aspiring nurses. You’ve got what it takes to become a nurse—now all you need is the knowledge, attitude, and inspiration to make it happen.

Give us a call today at (516) 408-3696 or fill out our contact form to learn about the next steps of enrolling at Ready to Pass. We look forward to being a part of your success!

“This was the best class I have ever taken.  Simple to follow and the nurses that taught the classes were so organized and professional.  I took the class in December 2020 and passed the nclex on January 5 2021.  I would highly recommend this!  I gained so much knowledge on how to answer questions and how to eliminate answers as well as tricks and ways to remember the nursing aspects.  I can’t say enough about these professors!  Thank you so much.”
— Valerie