Using guided reflection to reduce test anxiety in nursing students

Test anxiety is a phenomenon that can affect as many as 40% of students. Many nursing students are under great stress from long hours of study, a rigorous curriculum, and balancing work and family life. These stressors can lead to anxiety in many areas of the student's life, most notably in situations where he or she is being evaluated. This article will aim to discuss how the use of guided reflection can help the student actualize his or her feelings about test anxiety by using Johns's Model for Structured Reflection. By using cues from the model and structure provided by a guide, the student will partake in a journey to gain insight about oneself and discover ways to decrease test anxiety that can be incorporated into the student's holistic self-care plan.