Stress Management System

Prepare
To maximize your available preparation time, you should begin by taking stock of your strengths and weaknesses. Take a moment and list the areas of the test that you're good at. They can be general (health maintenance questions) or more specific (pharmacological agents). Put down as many as you can think of. Next, do the same for the areas you're not so good at or just plain bad at. Taking stock of your assets and liabilities lets you know exactly the areas you don't have to worry about, and the ones that will demand extra attention and effort.

Now, face your weak spots... and face them again. Increased exposure to tough material makes it more familiar and less intimidating. You'll feel better about yourself because you're dealing directly with the areas of the test that bring you the most anxiety. If you still have difficulty, seek help. Buy a book, get a tutor, or go to a class. There's nothing like that Eureka moment when you finally understand a concept that's been eluding you for weeks. Tackling your weak areas builds confidence because you know you're actively strengthening your chances for passing the NCLEX-RN® exam.

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