Test Anxiety, Performance Expectancy, and Actual Performance on the Professional Licensure Examination Among Diploma Nursing Graduates

Abstract

This prospective study examined the relationship between test anxiety and performance on the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) in diploma nursing graduates. A convenience sample of 77 diploma graduate nurses, who were eligible for licensure and volunteered to participate, was utilized. The subjects were administered the Test Anxiety Inventory and the Performance Expectancy Questionnaire. Chi square analysis and t-tests were used to analyze data and revealed: (a) a significant relationship between test anxiety means and actual NCLEX-RN performance; (b) no significant relationship between test anxiety and performance expectancy on the NCLEX-RN, and (c) no significant relationship between performance expectancy and actual performance on the NCLEX-RN. Nurse educators should be aware of the negative effects of test anxiety and utilize this information to identify high risk students for diagnosis and treatment.