Page 84 - Saunders Comprehensive Review For NCLEX-RN

occur to slow traffic down. On the test run, when you arrive at the test facility, walk
into it and become familiar with the lobby and the surroundings. This may help
alleviate some of the peripheral nervousness associated with entering an unknown
building. Remember that you must do whatever it takes to keep yourself in control.
If familiarizing yourself with the facility will help you maintain positive momentum,
by all means be sure to do so.
It is time to check your study plan and make the necessary adjustments now that a
firm date and time are set. Adjust your review so that your study plan ends 2 days
before the examination. The mind is like a muscle. If it is overworked, it has no
strength or stamina. Your strategy is to rest the body and mind on the day before the
examination. Your strategy is to stay in control and allow yourself the opportunity to
be absolutely fresh and attentive on the day of the examination. This will help you
control the nervousness that is natural, achieve the clear thought processes required,
and feel confident that you have done all that is necessary to prepare for and
conquer this challenge. The day before the examination is to be one of pleasure.
Treat yourself to what you enjoy the most.
Relax! Take a deep breath, hold to a count of 4, and exhale slowly. You have
prepared yourself well for the challenge of tomorrow. Allow yourself a restful
night’s sleep, and wake up on the day of the examination knowing that you are
absolutely prepared to succeed. Look at your name with “RN” after it and the word
“YES!”

Day of the Examination (Box 2-3)

Wake up believing in yourself and that all you have accomplished is about to propel
you to the professional level of registered nurse. Allow yourself plenty of time, eat a
nutritious breakfast, and groom yourself for success. You are ready to meet the
challenges of the day and overcome any obstacle that may face you. Today will soon
be history, and tomorrow will bring you the envelope on which you read your name
with the words “Registered Nurse” after it.

Box 2-3
Day of the Examination

Breathe: Inhale deeply, hold your breath to a count of 4, exhale slowly.
Believe: Have positive thoughts today and keep those thoughts focused on your
achievements.
Control: You are in command.
Believe: This is your day.
Visualize: “RN” with your name.

Be proud and confident of your achievements. You have worked hard to achieve
your goal of becoming a registered nurse. If you believe in yourself and your goals,
no one person or obstacle can move you off the pathway that leads to success!
Congratulations, and I wish you the very best in your career as a registered nurse!

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