Hi! I understand your anxiety! My employer required the Certification so that pressure did not help. I chose to study independently. I set aside a few hours every Sunday from late January through March to study. I read and took notes from the Review Book, I watched/listened to the online review course (keep in mind that has an expiration date and to know when it is no longer available to you), I used the review cards, and took ALL the practice tests in the book and online. I averaged around 90% and loved that it gave me an idea of what to focus on.
I decided to take my test remotely. I thought to be in my space, no distractions (I even boarded my dogs so they wouldn't bark) and in the space I had studied in would be best. I did however worry about "what if's" like the power going out or losing my connection. So I also had a back up computer and they make you test your system so you know your computer can handle the test/proctor, etc. The proctor remotely checks your setting, makes you take jewlery off, I had to show the room I was in, under my (dining room) table, etc. That is slightly unnerving but 2 other people who took their test at the testing center here (Charlotte, NC) reported it was very crowded and very cold. However, there is the security of knowing nothing can glitch and you be held responsible....so that was why they chose the testing center. I will tell you that my system failed in the middle of the proctor looking at my room. I could have hit the off button but I don't know what happened. I logged back on and had time to do it over and made it through the test, but my nerves were shot.
Not to panic, but I thought it was a difficult test. I felt well prepared but for me I believe 75% of test questions were find "the best" answer and the other 25% were tough clinical questions. I did not think I was passing it as I took it. I wanted to go back and change answers but didn't, they say not to. I did use the strikethrough feature to eliminate answers. It does require a lot of good judgement and experience.
It clearly can be done! I passed thankfully but it really highlighted to me that we truly never stop learning. I have been a nurse for a loooong time and it still required around 40 hours of intense, uninturrupted study time. I think my passing score average was around 85% and they do give you a breakdown of the different areas and how you did. They say the passing rate is around 75% so that tells me that its pretty tough. I would not go into it and not study any less than I did. I felt like it was significantly more difficult than the practice exams.
Best of luck studying! Have confidence and make a study plan and you can do it!
Feel free to reach out with questions!
Beth
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Beth Young R.N., B.S.N.
Pineville, NC United States
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Original Message:
Sent: 04-07-2022 05:46
From: Robin Hinderliter
Subject: Free Certification Exam Review Book!
I am trying to figure out when to sit for my exam. How much time should you allow for studying? I have the worst testing anxiety and have been concerned about taking this test for awhile. I have started to casually now, but also don't want to waste my whole summer in a panic. I have been doing well on practice questions I have done.
Original Message:
Sent: 4/5/2022 8:57:00 AM
From: Kenesha Willis, B.S.N., RN
Subject: Free Certification Exam Review Book!
Good Morning, Fellow school nurses!
In light of the current registration window and the new review group starting up in the coming weeks, I have a GIVEAWAY!
Long story short, I ordered a printed review book and after some confusion and about 8 weeks later, received TWO books accidentally. I have no use for two, so I decided to give one away here. This group and this page has been so helpful and I want to return the favor to someone. Just privately email your interest and proof that you have registered to sit for the summer exam! I will even cover shipping :)
Happy Studying!
-Kenesha <3
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Kenesha Willis BSN, RN
New Beginnings Inc. Family Academy
Bridgeport, CT United States
kwillis@nbfacademy.org
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