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. 2024 Jul-Aug;54(7-8):422-426.
doi: 10.1097/NNA.0000000000001451.

Nurse Certification and Test Anxiety

Karen Stanzo  1 , Marinetta DeMoss, Bria Hollingsworth, Sarah Schrah Sherrill, Maria Sarah Faye D Cruz, Allison Reynolds, Tina Jackson, James Nwawuihe
Affiliations

Nurse Certification and Test Anxiety

Karen Stanzo et al. J Nurs Adm. 2024 Jul-Aug.

Abstract

Objective: To determine the relationship between scores on the Westside Test Anxiety Scale (WTAS) and nurse certification rates.

Background: Nurse certification is associated with improved outcomes. Understanding intrinsic factors associated with low certification rates including test anxiety could help nurse leaders improve certification rates.

Methods: This descriptive, correlational study used a convenience sample of 577 RNs with at least 2 years of nursing experience. Participants completed a survey of their demographics and the 10-question WTAS.

Results: Certified nurses were significantly older and had more years of experience. Noncertified nurses had significantly higher scores on the WTAS.

Conclusions: Facilities working to increase their nurse certification rates may consider adding test anxiety reduction interventions to other levels of support.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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