The main aspect of the Individual Performance Profiles for each ATI Assessment that helped me to improve my test taking strategy was the amount of time that I am spending on each question. I feel that in some ways it allowed me to take my time more to read each question and each answer thoroughly. This helped me to really utilize the test taking strategies that we have learned throughout nursing school. A lot of the content that appeared on ATIs was content that we did not dive deep into during classes, so using the process of elimination strategy was a big help for me when taking the ATI assessments. Although the Performance Profiles showed me to take more time on each question, it also helped me to realize that I should not second guess myself and always go with my first answer. Additionally, I began the semester taking these ATI assessments wherever it was convenient. I realized that when I went to an environment that was quiet and there were not a lot of distractions, that I did better on the ATI assessments and was really able to take the Assessments to the best of my ability.

Through taking the various ATI assessments, I became more appreciative what the ATI program has to offer. We are literally given the exact information to show us where we went wrong for each question. The remediation helped me take advantage of these resources and assess where my mode of thinking went wrong in answering the question. It also just simply helped me to learn new things that we had not learned in class. As the semester progressed, I switched my mindset behind the remediations to a learning opportunity, rather than just another assignment that I had to do. The aspect of the remediation where we have to write a reflection on how the information learned will help us be a better nurse allowed me to see the importance behind each individual remediation.

Throughout this tedious semester, I adapted better self-care strategies that I will definitely carry with me once I enter clinical practice. Exercise is a major outlet for me to work off any anger, stress, or simply just to reset. To make it even better, I enjoy exercising! Depending on how I am feeling, the exercise that I do each day can range from running on the treadmill, lifting weights, yoga, going for a walk, or teaching barre classes on campus. As long as I get in some type of exercise, I will not be as stress throughout the day. Work/life balance is something that I struggled with last semester, so I wanted to be sure that was something that I worked on this semester. I decided to make a schedule of certain times of the day that I would strictly focus on doing work and then other times where I could do what I want, whether that is exercising, watching TV, or hanging out with friends. I look forward to adapting even more self-care strategies to focus on my mental health as I enter clinical practice.


This semester has been a great help and eye opener in the fact that I am graduating and will soon obtain a registered nursing license. For one, I will use all of the study guides and strategies that I have practiced this semester when I begin to study for my NCLEX. Additionally, I have adapted a new way of test taking during ATI Assessments that has been very beneficial to me. I will be sure to practice and utilize this before and during the NCLEX exam. Finally, my main take away from this semester is my self- care strategies. In previous years, I would focus too much on school and stress myself out too much, losing site of what is most important. Using the self-care strategies that I have learned throughout this semester, I hope to be able to manage my mental help in both studying for the NCLEX and when I enter clinical practice.