Each time I took an ATI test and did remediations, I tried to reflect on how I did and what I could do to improve. I know how important these practice and proctored exams are and I truly give them my best effort. I want to adequately prepare for the NCLEX and prove to myself that I can do it. There’s a lot of anxiety that comes along with test taking, especially with something as important as a licensing exam. Therefore, I aim to improve my performance each time and do my best to create a test-taking environment. I didn’t always simulate a test-taking environment, especially when I was home during break. After taking a few exams, I realized that I should change it up to promote a better and focused environment. I moved to the kitchen table or my desk at school and I only would do tests at those locations. I stopped sitting on the couch or in my bed, which I think helped with mental clarity. I have always felt that my time taking tests and answering questions is sufficient. I don’t normally dwell on questions, and I don’t go too fast as to not pay enough attention. Most of the time, I stay focused, and my mind stays on track. There have been a few discouraging moments, especially with CATs, but I truly try my best and work through it.
I believe that one of my best tools for reviewing content has been my work as a tutor. I get to go back to previous material and help explain and teach it to students who are learning it for the first time. This process tests my knowledge and helps me realize that I know more and have retained information than I sometimes believe. I also have taken each ATI remediation seriously, and there has been a ton of those. I know that they are for my benefit, even though I am quite excited for them to be over with. I work diligently in my classes to do well on exams, and this is also extremely helpful when answering questions on ATI. If I have a good foundation of knowledge, I am able to build on it and not have to relearn everything. There are areas that I struggle with, and remediating has helped me identify those areas. When school is over and I have all the time in the world to prepare for the NCLEX, I will go back to my remediations and focus on topics that I can improve in.
This semester I have tried to balance school and my personal life better than I have previously. School is normally my priority and I put a lot of pressure on myself to do well. I’m a perfectionist, which is a blessing and a curse. I work extremely hard and I’m constantly being hard on myself. I get upset when I don’t do as well as I think I should have, and it makes me think negatively. Thankfully others in my life boost me up and help realize it’s not the end of the world. I always move past it, but sometimes it’s challenging in the moment. Through all of this, I have decided to take more time for myself, my friends, and family. I have spent time with friends going out to dinner and just talking. I have gone home a few times and have been able to spend quality time with my family, even if it’s the weekend before an exam. I used to not allow myself any free time or fun right before an exam. This semester I took more breaks and my grades have not suffered. I always thought I would decline and not perform to my best abilities if I didn’t study practically every minute of the day. I proved myself wrong, and I only wish I had realized it sooner.
I have gained study skills and confidence in myself, especially in this last year. I will be tutoring throughout the summer, and I know adult health III reviews will be very beneficial. I plan to utilize ATI practice quizzes and my meticulous notes that I have handwritten throughout nursing school. I feel good about my study plans and I know Laura and I will study together as well! As for my new career, I know I have so much to learn and I’m very eager for it to begin. I realize that there will be a learning curve and I’m sure many emotions as well. I will continue talking with my mom and friends to help me work through it. I have been sure to ask at every interview who is there for support and who I can go to, as I know this is going to be a major transition. I am trying to prepare myself and I will continue to work hard and give my best to everything I do.
