Cardiac/Vascular Nurse Exam Secrets Study Guide (50 page)
Read Cardiac/Vascular Nurse Exam Secrets Study Guide Online
Authors: Mometrix Media
· Attempt to do something that is relaxing before the examination begins. As last minute cramming clouds the mastering of overall concepts, it is better to use this time to create a calming outlook.
· Be certain to arrive at the test location well in advance, in order to provide time to select a location that is away from doors, windows and other distractions, as well as giving enough time to relax before the test begins.
· Keep away from anxiety generating classmates who will upset the sensation of stability and relaxation that is being attempted before the exam.
· Should the waiting period before the exam begins cause anxiety, create a self-distraction by reading a light magazine or something else that is relaxing and simple.
During the exam itself, read the entire exam from beginning to end, and find out how much time should be allotted to each individual problem. Once writing the exam, should more time be taken for a problem, it should be abandoned, in order to begin another problem. If there is time at the end, the unfinished problem can always be returned to and completed.
Read the instructions very carefully - twice - so that unpleasant surprises won’t follow during or after the exam has ended.
When writing the exam, pretend that the situation is actually simply the completion of homework within a library, or at home. This will assist in forming a relaxed atmosphere, and will allow the brain extra focus for the complex thinking function.
Begin the exam with all of the questions with which the most confidence is felt. This will build the confidence level regarding the entire exam and will begin a quality momentum. This will also create encouragement for trying the problems where uncertainty resides.
Going with the “gut instinct” is always the way to go when solving a problem. Second guessing should be avoided at all costs. Have confidence in the ability to do well.
For essay questions, create an outline in advance that will keep the mind organized and make certain that all of the points are remembered. For multiple choice, read every answer, even if the correct one has been spotted - a better one may exist.
Continue at a pace that is reasonable and not rushed, in order to be able to work carefully. Provide enough time to go over the answers at the end, to check for small errors that can be corrected.
Should a feeling of panic begin, breathe deeply, and think of the feeling of the body releasing sand through its pores. Visualize a calm, peaceful place, and include all of the sights, sounds and sensations of this image. Continue the deep breathing, and take a few minutes to continue this with closed eyes. When all is well again, return to the test.
If a “blanking” occurs for a certain question, skip it and move on to the next question. There will be time to return to the other question later. Get everything done that can be done, first, to guarantee all the grades that can be compiled, and to build all of the confidence possible. Then return to the weaker questions to build the marks from there.
Remember, one’s own reality can be created, so as long as the belief is there, success will follow. And remember: anxiety can happen later, right now, there’s an exam to be written!
After the examination is complete, whether there is a feeling for a good grade or a bad grade, don’t dwell on the exam, and be certain to follow through on the reward that was promised and enjoy it! Don’t dwell on any mistakes that have been made, as there is nothing that can be done at this point anyway.
Additionally, don’t begin to study for the next test right away. Do something relaxing for a while, and let the mind relax and prepare itself to begin absorbing information again.
From the results of the exam - both the grade and the entire experience, be certain to learn from what has gone on. Perfect studying habits and work some more on confidence in order to make the next examination experience even better than the last one.
Learn to avoid places where openings occurred for laziness, procrastination and day dreaming.
Use the time between this exam and the next one to better learn to relax, even learning to relax on cue, so that any anxiety can be controlled during the next exam. Learn how to relax the body. Slouch in your chair if that helps. Tighten and then relax all of the different muscle groups, one group at a time, beginning with the feet and then working all the way up to the neck and face. This will ultimately relax the muscles more than they were to begin with. Learn how to breathe deeply and comfortably, and focus on this breathing going in and out as a relaxing thought. With every exhale, repeat the word “relax.”
As common as test anxiety is, it is very possible to overcome it. Make yourself one of the test-takers who overcome this frustrating hindrance.
Additional Bonus Material
Due to our efforts to try to keep this book to a manageable length, we’ve created a link that will give you access to all of your additional bonus material.
Please visit
http://www.mometrix.com/bonus948/cardiacvas
to access the information.
Table of Contents
Cardiac/Vascular Education for Patients, Families, or Groups
Secret Key #1 - Time is Your Greatest Enemy
Secret Key #2 - Guessing is not Guesswork
Secret Key #3 - Practice Smarter, Not Harder
Secret Key #4 - Prepare, Don’t Procrastinate