Nurse Certification and Test Anxiety

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.