![[ Visit Client Website ]](images/banner.gif)
Learning Objective 1: The learner will understand barriers to examination success as well as theories, prevalence, symptoms and assessments of test anxiety.
Learning Objective 2: The learner will receive tip and reference information then practice 5 test anxiety reduction methods.
Test anxiety is a very real barrier to nurse certification and to nursing program success. Often practicing nurses and nursing students have abilities and nursing knowledge, but written or computer testing is a challenge. NCLEX style computer testing is required for professional entry, advanced practice, and is the style of numerous examinations in nursing school or certification exams.
The significance of nurses’ awareness of test anxiety is that otherwise excellent “would-be nurses” are quickly eliminated with examination failure. Further, nurses capable of professional advancement limit themselves based on past test performance and fear of future failure. With nursing being a profession requiring lifelong learning, nurses benefit greatly by documenting their professional knowledge base. Currently, this documentation is typically done through tests.
This presentation is an overview of theories, prevalence, and characteristics of test anxiety, assessments, and strategies for self-diagnosis then success. Convention participants will receive a tip sheet about test anxiety. Information and research about brain changes with salivary cortisol testing will be overviewed. Specific application will be made to computerized testing and NCLEX style test questions. Participants will practice test anxiety reduction methods and will gain over five strategies to enhance exam performance.
Critical thinking strategies for before, during, and after an examination will be offered in applicable ways for a wide variety of participants. Participants might be in nursing practice but facing a certification exam, in academics and desiring to improve teaching techniques, or in administration and eager to enhance success of staff. Students will find ready application of content.