The “B” Word…Boards!

It’s that time of the year again!  Holiday break is approaching and for some this means eggnog and excitement, while for others, it’s a time of rest and maybe a little apprehension.  Don’t get me wrong, several students are taking this time to kick back, enjoy family time, and really catch up on some z’s.  For several others though, December equals graduation and that means they are going to take off just enough time to gather up the much needed gift cards and then hit the books again to pass one more obstacle…boards.

Oh, the “B” word…so much emotion can be induced by mentioning a simple word with therapy students.  There are some that take it with ease, while there have been a few that have told me they simply won’t talk about it until after graduation.  I get it, I completely understand because I myself had to take boards so I remember my own ritualistic behavior.  But as so many before you have done, you too will survive and here are some tips:

  1. Check out reliable study programs that will help you prepare for the boards.  Your specialty’s accreditation sites (APTA, AOTA, etc.) will have online prep help as well.  There are many out there so take some time to research what’s right for you.
  2. Talk with those who have already taken their boards to find out what study programs worked best for them and why.  Everyone absorbs information differently so you really want to hear why each program worked for them.  Some people learn better with books while others are strictly computer based.  There are several options out there, with many offering both styles.
  3. Get together with a study group.  I suggest having a group get-together every week or every couple of weeks.  Groups are great to get different perspectives, have someone explain areas that aren’t your strong suit, or simply to keep you on task.  I suggest working on your own and then have the group focus on a particular area when you do meet so you don’t spend unnecessary time deciding what areas you want to work on.
  4. Take practice tests, take practice tests, take practice tests.  Ever heard of muscle memory? Same concept…enough said.
  5. When studying, take breaks to do things such as laundry or workout.  An hour away can be the perfect refresher.
  6. Relax before you take the boards.  Take a day or two off beforehand to do something really fun and goofy.  This should be something completely for enjoyment.  Remember, your brain is like a computer, if you take in too much, it just begins to dump or not save anything anymore.  So take some time to refresh so that you can acquire that info when needed.

The holidays are full of good cheer and love so make sure to partake in the merry when you can.  With preparation, rest, and some positive thinking, you will do great!  I wish all of you a very merry holiday and good tidings to all!

Sun Hui (Sunny) Snookgraduated with a B.A. in Psychology from Truman State University and received a Master’s in Human Services from Bellevue University. She has been in the healthcare staffing field for 12 years, first working with nurses before moving to a nationwide work strategies consultant where her key responsibilities were to coach staffers and hospital managers on effective staffing. In 2009, Sunny started with Aureus Medical as an Account Manager in the Rehab Therapy division, working with both clients and prospective employees. In 2011, she moved to Student Outreach Coordinator. Sunny was named the 2011 Employee of the Year for C&A Industries, the parent company of Aureus Medical Group. Prior to working in healthcare staffing, she served as an addictions therapist and residential treatment coordinator for five years.

Sunny Snook / 800.456.5857 ext 6578 / ssnook@aureusmedical.com / Facebook / LinkedIn / Twitter

 

One comment

  1. Thanks for the blog. When exams comes really we generally go into stress so to overcome these things we may follow some simple steps such as studying together to gain more, revising the concepts in a friendly manner, enjoying also in free hours, sharing freely about study what one has read. i followed such simple steps to emerge as a winner.

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