The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of relaxation techniques among first semester Baccalaureate Degree nursing students' test anxiety and academic stress. Additionally, this study examined if there was a relationship among demographic characteristics of the respondents and test anxiety and academic stress. The pretest and posttest was developed by the researcher and presented to 45 first semester nursing students. The study identified nursing students' test anxiety and academic stress. The significant findings of the study indicated that after using relaxation techniques the students reported statistically significant decrease in test anxiety and academic stress. Paired t-test results indicated that there was a significant difference in the means between test anxiety pretest and test anxiety posttest among students in nursing schools. The students reported lower level of test anxiety and academic stress after relaxation technique sessions. Correlation analysis among pretest and the relaxation techniques reveals that pretest anxiety was moderately correlated with adult coloring, guided imagery, and aromatherapy and found to be useful relaxation techniques for test anxiety. The focus group participants shared their experiences regarding test anxiety, academic stress, and relaxation techniques. The students revealed that they were anxious, nervous and worry about consequences of failure. They indicated that the use of relaxation technique sessions helped reduce their anxiety and stress. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://www.proquest.com.bibliotheek.ehb.be/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]