Dear New Graduates,

I just wanted to post some information I found on the web to help reduce test taking anxiety for those of you who will be taking your board exam soon! This information came from http://www.testtakingtips.com/ with some additions from me.

• Try to maintain a positive attitude while preparing for the test and during the test. (DO NOT WORRY!!! Once you are seated at the testing center, there is nothing you can do at this point so you might as well relax and know that you are well prepared!)
• Exercising for a few days before the test will help reduce stress.
• Get a good night's sleep before the test. (You will probably not learn or retain much information by staying up all night before the test- so try to get some rest!!!)
• Make sure you eat something before testing- remember- breakfast is the most important meal of the day!!!
• Show up early to the testing center so you won't have to worry about being late. (Also, know exactly where the testing center is located as well as if there is any construction on your route to the center)
• Stay relaxed, if you begin to get nervous take a few deep breaths slowly to relax yourself and then get back to work.
• Read the directions slowly and carefully. (This is especially important as some questions may have “tricky” wording- ex. Choose the best answer…..choose what you would do first…..make sure you know what the question is asking!)
• If you don't understand the directions on the test, ask the moderator to explain it to you.
• Write down important formulas, facts, definitions and/or keywords (on your scrap piece of paper) so you won't worry about forgetting them.
• Don't worry about how fast other people finish their test; just concentrate on your own test.
• Focus on the question at hand; don't let your mind wander on other things.
• If you experience extreme test anxiety after following these tips, seek help from our college counselor.

Anyway, I hope these tips help and if you have any other ideas to help the good of the group, please feel free to post them! I wish you all the best!

Sincerely,

Julie Kruse

Monday, June 09, 2008 10:53:16 AM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00)    Comments [0] | 

Congratulations Nursing Graduates!

I am writing to wish you all the very best and congratulate you on your outstanding achievement! It has been a pleasure working with all of you!

The Friends in Nursing blog is a way for you to stay connected with one another and share your nursing stories. Let us know when you pass your board exam as well as how you are doing in your nursing career.

Additionally, this blog will have Lourdes College Nursing Alumni who will act as "mentors" for you. They will assist and guide you through your first few years as a new nurse, if you desire. If you have any questions, concerns, or just feel overwhelmed as a new nurse....please post a note. If you would like to share your positive nursing stories....please do so as well.

The Friends in Nursing Blog was set up for you....to assist you as you transition into your new career!

On behalf of Lourdes College, and in the Franciscan tradition, we wish you “Peace and All Good” in your new journey.

Sincerely,

Julie Kruse

Tuesday, May 13, 2008 3:11:19 PM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00)    Comments [3] | 

Friends In Nursing is a new Alumni LourdesWorld blogger! Welcome Friends In Nursing!

Tuesday, May 13, 2008 9:15:10 AM (Eastern Standard Time, UTC-05:00)    Comments [0] |