National Certification Exam Candidates

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  • 1.  Free study resources

    Posted 03-20-2018 02:26 PM
    ​I want to take the school nurse certification exam by late August 2018. But having trouble locating free or reduced costs materials to help me in my studies. The practice exams cost $75 each (there are three), and the on-line review course (8 week course) costs $200. The exam itself costs $450. Financially I cannot afford to spend $800 although I know this is a good investment for myself personally and professionally. I am desperate for any advice out there on where I can cut costs..

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    Carol Hutchinson RN, BSN
    Public Health Nurse/ School Health
    Fairfax County Health Department
    Burke, VA
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  • 2.  RE: Free study resources

    Posted 03-20-2018 02:40 PM
     Carol, I know it is not a huge difference, but the exam itself costs $360.

    Sent from my iPhone
    Pat Krin


    ------Original Message------

    ​I want to take the school nurse certification exam by late August 2018. But having trouble locating free or reduced costs materials to help me in my studies. The practice exams cost $75 each (there are three), and the on-line review course (8 week course) costs $200. The exam itself costs $450. Financially I cannot afford to spend $800 although I know this is a good investment for myself personally and professionally. I am desperate for any advice out there on where I can cut costs..

    ------------------------------
    Carol Hutchinson RN, BSN
    Public Health Nurse/ School Health
    Fairfax County Health Department
    Burke, VA
    ------------------------------


  • 3.  RE: Free study resources

    Posted 03-22-2018 12:17 PM
    I recommend identifying other nurses who have taken the exam or a school nurse course. You might be able to borrow books from them. You might also be able to buy used books online.
    I tried to get my library to buy materials but they did not think there would be a big audience for them.
    You also might share resources by either buying together or each buying a resource.


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    Ginny Black MPH BSN RN LSN
    Licensed School Nurse
    Columbus City Schools
    Delaware, OH
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    Original Message


  • 4.  RE: Free study resources

    Posted 03-20-2018 02:47 PM
    I don't know about the online review coarse, could someone share the link?

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    Elizabeth Lopes RN, BSN
    School Nurse
    Forestdale elementary school
    East Sandwich, MA
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  • 5.  RE: Free study resources

    Posted 03-20-2018 03:41 PM

    Carol, the summer test window only goes until August 1.

     

    • Summer Testing Window: July 12–August 1 
      Registration opens March 15, 2018, and closes June 12, 2018, at 11:59 PM Mountain
      Score Report to be sent within 8 weeks of August 1 (i.e., by September 26, 2018)

     

     

    Pat Krin, RN, MSN, FNP-BC. NCSN, FNASN

    Executive Director

    National Board for Certification of School Nurses

    nbcsnexec@nbcsn.org

    www.nbcsn.org

     



    ------Original Message------

    I don't know about the online review coarse, could someone share the link?

    ------------------------------
    Elizabeth Lopes RN, BSN
    School Nurse
    Forestdale elementary school
    East Sandwich, MA
    ------------------------------


  • 6.  RE: Free study resources

    Posted 03-21-2018 09:10 AM
    1. I bought the Certification Review book and Comprehensive Text
    Product Information - S007 - School Nursing Certification Review-Most Current Edition

    2. used the resources from this online blog
    3. resources found on facebook page "school nurse certification exam study group"
    4. Bought the kindle "Nurse School (NCSN): Board and certification Practice Test" for $9.99. Link is below.  It was 200 questions that could be downloaded onto a phone, desktop or laptop.  

    https://www.amazon.com/Nurse-School-NCSN-Certification-Practice-ebook/dp/B01AIPUM7M/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1521635250&sr=8-2&keywords=ncsn+review&dpID=41w7xVtJLvL&preST=_SY445_QL70_&dpSrc=srch

    5. I went online and found a few questions here and there.  
    6. NASN postition statements.
    7. I formed a study group which met every other week.  We worked on the questions after each chapter in the review book together. 
    8. I split the cost of the NCSN practice exams with another person and we did the questions together.  

    All tolled, I spent about  $200.00 on study "supplies".  
    I just took the exam, which was difficult.  I have not idea how I did, so I cannot yet tell you if what I did was the most effective choices.

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    Missy Langille-Badger RN, BSN, MEd
    Nurse Leader
    North Attleboro School District
    North Attleboro, MA
    mbadger@naschools.net
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    Original Message


  • 7.  RE: Free study resources

    Posted 03-22-2018 03:41 PM
    Hi Carol,  I know a few others have answered, but I wanted to encourage you about taking the test.  It is very overwhelming. We all have different learning styles. Please don't feel like you have to do it all (take all the practice exams, study courses, etc). You don't want to over think the questions. It would be perfect if someone else would be willing to study with you. 

    I did use the review book. My experience was mostly high school. When I came across a section I was unfamiliar with, I read that section in the text book.  See if someone has a textbook you can use. That was very helpful. If it is in your budget to take one of the review courses- great.  Often school nurses know more than they realize. I suspect you do too. 
    Hope this helps,
    Teresa Ross 

    Teresa Ross MSN, RN, NCSN
    Colorado NBCSN Liaison
    Denver Public School Nurse


    ------Original Message------

    ​I want to take the school nurse certification exam by late August 2018. But having trouble locating free or reduced costs materials to help me in my studies. The practice exams cost $75 each (there are three), and the on-line review course (8 week course) costs $200. The exam itself costs $450. Financially I cannot afford to spend $800 although I know this is a good investment for myself personally and professionally. I am desperate for any advice out there on where I can cut costs..

    ------------------------------
    Carol Hutchinson RN, BSN
    Public Health Nurse/ School Health
    Fairfax County Health Department
    Burke, VA
    ------------------------------