BACKGROUND: Test anxiety can be a significant challenge for nursing students, potentially impacting academic performance and mental well-being. Timely intervention is crucial to address the underlying factors contributing to test anxiety and prevent adverse outcomes. OBJECTIVE: This study examined the relationship between self-care practices and test anxiety among nursing students in China. DESIGN: A cross-sectional analysis was conducted using survey data collected from 621 nursing students. RESULTS: The majority (66.2%) of nursing students reported moderate to severe test anxiety. Physical care was associated with lower test-anxiety, but mindfulness meditation and self-compassion were associated greater test-anxiety. CONCLUSIONS: Nursing students should be routinely educated on self-care strategies to mitigate the experience of detrimental test anxiety. Such self-care practices should be considered particularly targeting at-risk students and those early on in their program. The implementation of self-care practices as part of academic curriculum is recommended for nursing students.