This semester I have been able to prepare for licensure and practice through the completion of various ATI assessments and their accompanying remediations. Each assessment has taught me more about my test taking abilities, what content gaps I have, and how I can adapt my behavior for better outcomes.

For instance, after each assessment was completed, I was able to reflect upon my Individual Performance Profile and think about how I could use the information provided to improve with the next assessment. I often noticed that my profile demonstrated how quickly I was taking these tests. Sometimes for a 75 question test I would only take 30 minutes, and it was often reflected in lower test scores and misread words/questions. When I read through my remediations, I often found that I knew the answer, but that I misread the question, or did not read the question fully, and therefore answered it wrong. This trend of fast test taking appeared in the majority of my early exams, however, I was able to consciously try to pace myself in the later assessments. This helped me improve upon my scores thereby positively effecting my testing outcomes.

Another way in which my preparation was influenced by ATI assessments, includes identifying content gaps and subsequently working to fill such gaps in order to be able to provide safe practice. A common theme in my ATI tests revealed to me a content deficit in areas such as pharmacology. With this in mind, I used the remediation process to review topics in this content area, and I eventually saw an improvement in this NCLEX category. The difference was amazing, and my confidence in pharmacological topics to be increased. I found the remediations to be really helpful in refreshing my memory and supportive of my movement towards content mastery.

This testing process also inspired me to practice self-care strategies to adapt better prepare myself for licensure. I realized that I needed to adopt effective time management properties in order to be successful. With this realization, I attempted to make myself a daily schedule of tasks that I needed to complete in order to stay on track. This was helpful, especially with managing ATI assessments and remediations because those assignments were time consuming. Better time management allowed for me to complete assessments and remediations without feeling rushed and thus compromising my testing outcomes. As the semester progressed, I was able to do this scheduling and keep up-to-date on deadlines and assignments. This is definitely a skill I will need to take forward with me into clinical practice as I plan my working days and even the days I have time off.

The skills and knowledge I have gained this semester will follow me well after graduation. I will be able to use my test taking strategies and pacing skills while taking the NCLEX to earn the best score possible. I can also use the content areas identified by ATI to tailor my NCLEX study plan to improve content deficits. Another valuable skill I previously touched on includes time management. I have always struggled with time management, however this semester has pushed me to adapt efficient strategies and methodologies to be successful and timely. I will use this in my clinical practice to keep me on track and timely in planning assessments, medication passes, procedures, etc. This is a valuable skill as patients will depend on me to take care of them and meet whatever needs they have in a timely fashion. Overall, this semester has provided me with many tools to make me successful in both the NCLEX and in professional practice. ATI assessments and remediations have been instrumental in my preparation for practice and has given me the confidence I need to go forward in my transition to practice.