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Welcome to Week #1 of our Online Study Group

Pat Krin, MSN, M.S., RN, NCSN-E, FNP-BC-Retired, FNASN

Pat Krin, MSN, M.S., RN, NCSN-E, FNP-BC-Retired, FNASN09-21-2020 12:16 PM

I was surprised to see that there were no responses to the Welcome to Week#1 post which is the beginning ...
Pat Krin, MSN, M.S., RN, NCSN-E, FNP-BC-Retired, FNASN

Pat Krin, MSN, M.S., RN, NCSN-E, FNP-BC-Retired, FNASN09-22-2020 10:03 AM

#NCSN Since new members are joining this group all the time I thought I would repeat some information ...
Pat Krin, MSN, M.S., RN, NCSN-E, FNP-BC-Retired, FNASN

Pat Krin, MSN, M.S., RN, NCSN-E, FNP-BC-Retired, FNASN09-22-2020 12:55 PM

Thank you @ Lynnette Ondeck, MEd, BSN, RN, NCSN for your encouragement. I would like everyone ...
Pat Krin, MSN, M.S., RN, NCSN-E, FNP-BC-Retired, FNASN

Pat Krin, MSN, M.S., RN, NCSN-E, FNP-BC-Retired, FNASN09-24-2020 10:12 AM

Watch for the Week #2 email on Friday. If you are looking for exam prep materials check out the Exam ...
Pat Krin, MSN, M.S., RN, NCSN-E, FNP-BC-Retired, FNASN

Pat Krin, MSN, M.S., RN, NCSN-E, FNP-BC-Retired, FNASN09-30-2020 02:32 PM

Welcome Colleen. After 21 years you should have a lot to contribute. Sent from my iPhone Pat Krin ...
Pat Krin, MSN, M.S., RN, NCSN-E, FNP-BC-Retired, FNASN

Pat Krin, MSN, M.S., RN, NCSN-E, FNP-BC-Retired, FNASN10-02-2020 06:55 AM

Welcome Rosa, check out the Examination tab on the website and look at the Eligibility vs Readiness ...

  • 1.  Welcome to Week #1 of our Online Study Group

    Posted 09-18-2020 06:02 AM




    Welcome to Week #1 of our online NCSN Study Group.  Here is a little study group humor to set the tone for our group because we also need to have some fun. Remember to enjoy the process. In the end, you might just find that you learned a lot through this refresher course in school nursing practice!  To begin this process, it's suggested to start with the Selekman/Cogan School Nursing Certification Review book 3rd Edition Digital.

    Selekman, Shannon, and Yonkaitis School Nursing: A Comprehensive Text is an important resource to help prepare for the exam as well. The 3rd edition was released last summer.

    Let's start our study group by reviewing the content of Chapter 1 of the School Nursing Certification Review book. One idea that worked for me and others I have spoken with is to take the assessment at the end of the chapter first, and then while reviewing the content, pay extra attention to the sections where you missed the mark There is no assessment for Chapter 1.

    In addition to the information in the review book, you might want to review the Selekman, Shannon, and Yonkaitis School nursing: a comprehensive text textbook and/or NASN's White Papers on the specific topics.

    Assignment for Week #1: Review Chapters 1 and 2     in the Selekman, Cogan review book.

    Review Book Chapter 1 National Certification – The Why and How

    This chapter provides general information about the exam including:

    1. Why and How National Certification is Achieved

    Please visit our website at www.nbcsn.org for information. You can also find some of this information in the Candidate Handbook (we suggest that you download it for future reference) available at https://www.nbcsn.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/nbcsn-handbook-2020-v1-2-2020.pdf.

    Corresponding Selekman, et.al. 3rd ed. School Nursing: A Comprehensive Text Chapters 1 & 2

     

    Review Book Chapter 2 – Foundations of Pediatric Nursing: Understanding Children and Their Families

    1. Growth and Development
    2. Foundations of School Nursing Practice

    Corresponding Selekman, et.al. 3rd ed. School Nursing: A Comprehensive Text 3rd Edition Chapters 1-4 and 11-13

    This week’s assignment: share a reflection on why you decided to pursue national certification with our group.  If you have any questions about the material please feel free to post them to the list. The more responses, the richer the discussion! I am here to support the group in any way I can, and I encourage you to reach out to each other as well for support, ideas, and suggestions to create the kind of virtual study group that you need. Remember when discussing questions refer to the questions and answers by chapter, number, and letters, eg., Chapter 2 Question 3 Answer B. The information in the review book is copyrighted so you cannot copy the questions and answers to the discussion list.

    Congratulations on taking this important step.  Once you dig into the content, I promise it will be fun and you will feel really empowered by taking ownership of the process.  Take the word study out of the equation and substitute it with being curious, we are life-long learners, it's the nature of a nurse! Keep in touch, and happy learning!


    ​

    ------------------------------
    Robin Cogan, MEd, RN, NCSN
    School Nurse & Faculty
    Rutgers-Camden School of Nursing
    Camden City School District, NJ
    ------------------------------


  • 2.  RE: Welcome to Week #1 of our Online Study Group

    Posted 09-21-2020 12:16 PM
    Edited by Pat Krin, MSN, M.S., RN, NCSN-E, FNP-BC-Retired, FNASN 09-21-2020 12:18 PM
    I was surprised to see that there were no responses to the Welcome to Week#1 post which is the beginning of our online study group.  I will try to get a conversation going to get us started.
    1. If you haven't checked out the NBCSN Exam Prep information check it out here. You can click on Exam Prep for General info and each dropdown menu item will give you more info about the specific exam prep products. You will notice there are both free and for purchase products. Click on the last dropdown Challenge the School Nurse September 2020 for a sample question. You can also sample the practice tests for free in our application software.
    2. One of the things we asked for in our Week#1 assignment was to tell us why you became certified.

    This is my story. I am a diploma nurse who started in school nursing part-time in 1982 and full time in 1986. I had a wonderful mentor who encouraged me to join my state school nurse association and through that organization, I found out about National Certification through NBCSN which had just been organized as an offshoot of NASN in 1986. In 1989 NBCSN announced that the application requirement to sit for the exam was changing to require a baccalaureate degree. I didn't have a degree, so I decided if I wanted to be certified I would need to take the exam soon, and sat for it and passed in August of 1989. I have gone on to get my BSN, an FNP MSN, and a Masters in Clinical Psychopharmacology. I was a practicing school nurse for 34 years, have been a school health consultant for 6 years, and am now Executive Director of NBCSN.
    I have enjoyed every minute of my school nursing experience, although I must say I am glad I am retired from active practice with Covid 19.

    The more discussion that happens in this group, the better your experience will be. I know it would have been difficult for me to reach out to others when I was first considering sitting for the exam, but I think you will find that being candid about this process will help you and everyone else.

    #NCSN
    ------------------------------
    Pat Krin, MSN, RN, FNP-BC-Retired, NCSN-E, FNASN
    Executive Director
    NBCSN
    nbcsnexec@nbcsn.org
    www.nbcsn.org
    ------------------------------



  • 3.  RE: Welcome to Week #1 of our Online Study Group

    Posted 09-21-2020 05:56 PM
    @Pat Krin, MSN, M.S., RN, NCSN-E, FNP-BC-Retired, FNASN Thank you for getting the conversation moving! I really appreciate hearing stories from this amazing group. Welcome to our study group, we will be guiding you through the next 8 weeks with a suggested study schedule. I will post the weekly messages on Friday and want to give a special shout out to Pat, for taking helping me craft the weekly messages. I also want to thank @Janice Selekman, DNSc, RN, NCSN, FNASN for encouraging me to assist her in editing the newest edition of the School Nursing Certification Review book. It was long overdue for an update and it was one of the only bright spots that came from COVID. The updated book has more questions along with the rationale. Since we are human, there may be some unforeseen errors or omissions. If you find any typos, errors, or omissions, please let us know. Due to COVID, the book is still available in a digital format, but we hope to have hard copies as well. 

    Let's keep the conversation going! I will hop back on and share my nursing story with the group too!

    ------------------------------
    Robin Cogan, MEd, RN, NCSN
    School Nurse & Faculty
    Rutgers-Camden School of Nursing
    Camden City School District, NJ
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 4.  RE: Welcome to Week #1 of our Online Study Group

    Posted 09-21-2020 06:03 PM
    @Robin Cogan, MEd, RN, NCSN. We have a good start here, I am excited for everyone to hear your story. One of the recurring themes from school nurses is perseverance. It is always so interesting to hear the stories and share our thoughts.

    Sent from my iPhone
    Pat Krin



    Original Message


  • 5.  RE: Welcome to Week #1 of our Online Study Group

    Posted 09-22-2020 10:53 AM
    Edited by Becky Smith, NCSN, RN, BSN 09-22-2020 10:54 AM
    My name is Landra Roope and I live in North Carolina. I graduated with my ADN in 1991. While working full-time and going to school part time I earned my BSN from Winston-Salem State University in 1997. I have always worked many hours and most of the time 2 jobs, not because of being a single mom or anything, its just what I do. I worked Labor and Delivery full-time from 1991-2000. Also, during that time frame I was a part-time clinical nursing instructor for our local community college. Then in 2000 my oldest daughter was 4 and needed to go to Pre-K due to severe speech impediment but I needed a 8 hour job instead of 12 so I didn't rely on family for getting her to and from school because my husband at the time worked 2nd shift. So, I started looking and applied for a position at our local health department where I started working in the fall of 2000. I worked there for 19 years and really thought I would stay there until I retired, but then a grandbaby came along and the sound of being off in the summer to help care for him became very appealing. So, I applied for the school nurse position came open, I applied and started Feb, 3 2020 and 6 weeks later the children were in remote learning. I tell everyone that I broke the school system (lol) but we now what really happened. The 19 years that I was at our local health department was very rewarding working with underserved clients and helping them to get the services that they needed. I learned a lot and gained much needed, valuable knowledge that is needed in the role as a school nurse. For the last 12 years at the health department I mainly worked in Child Health where I was an expanded role nurse. Expanded role nursing is recognized through the state because it involved about a year and a half of more in depth training almost like a FNP program. So, now I am still working with many of the same families that I have worked with for many years through the health department, which is very helpfully because the rapport and trust has already been established many years ago. I have severe test anxiety any time I have to take a certification exam and this is no different. I am looking forward to this study group hoping to learn a lot and hear everyone views on all of the discussion that come up.

    ------------------------------
    Becky Smith NCSN, RN, BSN
    School Nurse
    Wilkes County Schools
    Purlear, NC United States
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 6.  RE: Welcome to Week #1 of our Online Study Group

    Posted 09-26-2020 07:43 PM
    ​Bernadette Campos RN , BSN

    Hello everyone,
    I currently work as a High School Nurse in Houston Texas for the past 6 years. I recently took the test because I love my profession so much and wanted to learn more and obtain certification. Unfortunately I did not pass!! During the time I took the test I was going through a lot of personal family issues and was not concentrating on the test( I took the proctor test in my home) instead of re-scheduling for a later date. To make things worst  the date of my test , My 15 year old daughter was downstairs and I was upstairs taking the test ( she had the TV on high volume) . It is so amazing , because the previous day we had discussed me taking the test and how I needed a quiet space. I even remember telling the person ( my proctor) that I needed to go downstairs to tell my daughter lower the volume. He reminded me that every minute was going to count ( I decided to stay). I now realize that  it was supposed to happen like that , and for whatever reason I was not supposed to pass. But that is not going to stop me. I plan to take the test again in March!! I'm committed to studying and giving it all I got ! Thank you everyone , I know we are going to make a great team!!

    ------------------------------
    Bernadette Campos B.S.N.
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 7.  RE: Welcome to Week #1 of our Online Study Group

    Posted 09-26-2020 07:53 PM
    Bernadette, I am sorry that you didn't pass the test, but I applaud your attitude and resolve. If you would like to share either privately (my email is nbcsnexec@nbcsn.org) or on the list what you did to prepare for the exam, perhaps we can help to get you prepared for the next time.

    Sent from my iPhone
    Pat Krin



    Original Message


  • 8.  RE: Welcome to Week #1 of our Online Study Group

    Posted 09-26-2020 08:21 PM

    What I did to prepare for the test ..

    I bought one of the practice test from NBCSN . I also have the book School Nursing Certification Review  by Janice Selekman  & Wolfe . I studied a lot .. honestly I just think the day of the test I had  a lot of things in my mind and the issue with my daughter downstairs �� . I want to make sure I have the right materials and do more this time around!! What do you suggest? I was searching on the NASN website , and I found the test prep tab and that is how I found the study group. I also liked that it was free!!! I'm kind of sorry I found it after the first week had started..

    Bernadette




    Original Message


  • 9.  RE: Welcome to Week #1 of our Online Study Group

    Posted 09-26-2020 08:39 PM
    Bernadette, thank you for sharing that. So the book we are now using is a digital updated edition. It not only has the questions and answers but also rationale for the answers.
    I think the letter that you received with your score has a graph that shows how you performed in each domain. That will help you determine the area(s) where you need to focus.
    If you look at the exam prep area on our website you will see a link to a NurseBuilders free Test Taking Strategies Course that you might find helpful.
    If you go through the assignments weekly for this study group and try to answer the questions prior to reading the chapter to again see where you might need to focus your efforts.

    Thank you again for sharing and reaching out. Feel free to continue to reach out for whatever help we can give you.
    Sent from my iPhone
    Pat Krin



    Original Message


  • 10.  RE: Welcome to Week #1 of our Online Study Group

    Posted 09-26-2020 09:01 PM
    THANK YOU!!!




    Original Message


  • 11.  RE: Welcome to Week #1 of our Online Study Group

    Posted 09-27-2020 10:45 AM
    My best recommendation is this group!  Of course the test prep book. Other things to consider are the new online review course from Selekman at NurseBuilders and contacting your state liaison to find out if there are any local study groups. 

    Please excuse my typos as I am writing from my phone. 



    Original Message


  • 12.  RE: Welcome to Week #1 of our Online Study Group

    Posted 09-21-2020 03:35 PM
    Hello everyone,
    This is my story...
    My name is Andrea Barker and I graduated in 1990 with my ASN and worked on an ICU stepdown unit then went on to work as a critical care float, on a Coronary Care Unit, in Cardiac Cath Lab, and in Open Heart Surgery. I left the hospital in 2010 and returned to college as an "older student" and obtained my BSN. After graduating with my BSN, I knew I wanted to work in school nursing so I started out doing sub work for a local city school district in Ohio and doing home health care as well. After doing sub work for about 2 months, I was offered a full time school nurse position and was absolutely thrilled. I knew school nursing was what I was meant to do to finish out my career. I met my husband and moved to Indiana where I now reside and am now a Coordinator of Health Services for Peru Community Schools and the school nurse at Blair Pointe Upper Elementary school. I have always been a member of my professional organization whether it be AACN (American Association of Critical Care nurses) or NASN. I was a member of the Ohio ASN before moving to Indiana and becoming a member of the Indiana ASN. I have contemplated becoming nationally certified a couple of times and this year I made up my mind that I am going to do it and becoming a part of this study group will be wonderful. I can't wait to hear from everyone and know we will all learn a great deal from each other and each others experiences.
    Have a wonderful evening,
    Andrea Barker RN, BSN

    ------------------------------
    [Andrea] [Barker] [RN,BSN]
    [Coordinator of Health Services and School Nurse]
    [Peru Community Schools]
    [Peru], [Indiana] [USA]
    ------------------------------



  • 13.  RE: Welcome to Week #1 of our Online Study Group

    Posted 09-21-2020 04:05 PM

    Welcome Andrea, and thank you for being brave enough to start the conversation, maybe now others will join in. I hope you find this group helpful.  Please let us know what you think.  I am looking forward to everyone's questions and comments.

     

    Stay well.

     

    Regards,

     

    Pat

     

    Pat Krin, MSN, RN, FNP-BC-Retired, NCSN-E, FNASN

    Executive Director

    NBCSN

    nbcsnexec@nbcsn.org

    www.nbcsn.org

     




    Original Message


  • 14.  RE: Welcome to Week #1 of our Online Study Group

    Posted 09-21-2020 04:26 PM

    I have worked in school nursing for over 10 years and have wanted to get my certification for almost that long.

    I figured "what better time?"

    I am looking forward to learning and growing.

    I am also hoping to enjoying that feeling of accomplishment when I PASS.

     

    Valerie Jaramillo, RN

    School Nurse

    Rugel Elementary

    972-882-7263

    972-822-7270 (fax)

     

    The information contained in this transmission may contain privileged and confidential information, including patient information protected by federal and state privacy laws. It is intended only for the use of the person(s) named above. If you are not the intended recipient, you are hereby notified that any review, dissemination, distribution, or duplication of this communication is strictly prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient, please contact the sender by reply email and destroy all copies of the original message.

     

     




    Original Message


  • 15.  RE: Welcome to Week #1 of our Online Study Group

    Posted 09-21-2020 04:38 PM

    Hello All… My name is Edith (Edie) Dougherty.  I graduated in 1991 with my ADN.   I worked in the hospital in Pediatrics and Orthopedics.  I earned my BSN in 1993.  I switched to Dialysis while in graduate school.  I earned my MSN as a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner with a minor in Community Health in 1995.  I then practiced as a CPNP in Lake Charles, LA and, then, Corpus Christi, TX.  My husband was in the Army and moved to Ft. Gordon, GA, Ft. Hood, TX, and Ft. Polk, LA.  While moving around, I consulted with FNPs on difficult pediatric patients and was hired by the Military to provide Respite Care for Special Needs families.  These jobs afforded me the ability to stay home with my children (our daughter was medically complex and had many doctor's visits and hospital stays).  Once my husband retired, we moved to Lake Stevens, WA.  After my daughter passed away, I decided I wanted a job that would allow me to work with children and still be able to be available for my boys.  School nursing was the answer.  I thoroughly enjoy my job at Mountain Way Elementary in Granite Falls, WA.  This is my 3rd year.  I am excited to become a Nationally Certified School Nurse.  I believe it is important to hold a high standard of practice.



    ------------------------------
    Edie Dougherty MSN
    Lake Stevens, WA United States
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 16.  RE: Welcome to Week #1 of our Online Study Group

    Posted 09-21-2020 04:58 PM
    Welcome Edie. I am sorry you lost your daughter. But so glad you found school nursing. It sounds like you and school nursing were made for each other. Thanks for sharing.

    Sent from my iPhone
    Pat Krin



    Original Message


  • 17.  RE: Welcome to Week #1 of our Online Study Group

    Posted 09-21-2020 04:54 PM
    Welcome Valerie, thanks for sharing.

    Sent from my iPhone
    Pat Krin



    Original Message


  • 18.  RE: Welcome to Week #1 of our Online Study Group

    Posted 09-21-2020 04:46 PM
    Hi everyone my name is Kyna.  I have been a school nurse for 8 years.  I recently transitioned into the Nurse Manager role a year ago for my school district.  I have several colleagues that have taken the national certification exam and they have really encouraged me to not only sit for the exam but to become a member of NASN.  I look forward to this study group and expanding my curiosity and knowledge as it relates to school health.

    ------------------------------
    Kyna Shaw MSN-Ed
    Prince George's County Public Schools
    Hyattsville, MD United States
    ------------------------------



  • 19.  RE: Welcome to Week #1 of our Online Study Group

    Posted 09-21-2020 05:05 PM
    Welcome Kyna, thank you for sharing. I second the suggestion to join NASN.

    Sent from my iPhone
    Pat Krin



    Original Message


  • 20.  RE: Welcome to Week #1 of our Online Study Group

    Posted 09-21-2020 05:39 PM
    Hello all. My name is Teresa Williams. I tried to reply earlier through my phone but I apparently didn't hit the right button and it didn't post. So I hope doing it on the computer will give me better results. I started out in the nursing field as a CNA in 2004 after my second daughter turned 2. I started on the Women and Infants floor and had the idea then that I wanted to retire on that unit like some of the older more seasoned nurses had done that I had known. While working on that same unit I went back to school and got my LPN in 2006 and ADN in 2009 and found out before I graduated that year that we would be expecting our third girl. I received my RN that August. In 2013 I decided I didn't like the way things were going on my unit and with the hospital so I went PRN and took a full time position on the same type unit at the hospital in the next county (had to get my feet wet and know that it was ok and I would be ok stepping out of my comfort zone). Some of the same providers worked there as well so that was good. I quickly realized (was only there approx 3 months) that whole setup and the way they cut back too close for my comfort was not for me so I left there and just stayed PRN at my original hospital. March of 2014 (closing in on 10 years of being at that hospital) I realized I needed something different so I applied for Dialysis nursing and started there that March. I did that full time for 2 years driving back and forth to a clinic 40 mins away each way. I needed to get back closer to home and do something in my community. Dec. 2013 I saw that our school system was needing a school nurse. I applied. The process was long. I left dialysis full time to do it PRN and was able to move that status to a clinic closer to home (10 min down the road) that Feb. 2014. When I quit I didn't know for sure if I had gotten the job but I knew I couldn't do dialysis full time anymore. During this time into early March, one of my uncles was declining in health and I was blessed enough to have be able to be there the moment he passed. His son and daughter was also there. I later got word that I got the job and could start Mid March. I have been at it for 4 years now. I was supposed to get my BSN and certification within 3 years of hire. I started the BSN online that June. August 2017 with only 3 weeks left to complete it, my husband has a terrible life altering accident in our yard. In that moment, time stood still and I didn't know how I was going to complete it but I knew I had come too far not to. That first week following the accident I didn't do school. My instructors were very supportive and understood. If it weren't for God and family being able to help with our girls and being able to relieve me at the hospital so I could step away to do my school work and they stay with him I don't know what I would have done. I was able to finish and he was mending. Since then, I have studied and taken the exam 3 different times. Not passing either time. My 3 year time frame has passed and with the help of our Assistant Superintendent (who is over nursing and student services) she was able to get it worked out to were I could take it again. I was scheduled to take it a 4th time this past spring on the very day that Covid-19 closed the testing site I was to test at. I was able to get it rescheduled for July but when I showed up for the online exam, my proctor didn't. I posted a question about it on the FB group and a sweet lady by the name of Bea responded and helped me get on the right track and got me connected with the right people. With their guidance I was able to have it rescheduled to the November window and it was suggested I join this study group. God has a plan and I am following. I still do dialysis PRN but would rather be school nursing only. With the help of this group I plan on Passing time. I know there are others who have had to take it more than once. I work with several, and one passed it on her 5th attempt. I want this to be my last.

    ------------------------------
    Teresa Williams
    Henderson, NC United States
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 21.  RE: Welcome to Week #1 of our Online Study Group

    Posted 09-21-2020 05:51 PM
    Theresa, I am so glad that you took the time to repost. Welcome to the group. If you would like to please send me a personal message to let me know what you have done in the past to prepare. Perhaps this group can help you be successful this time. You can just hit reply to sender in this email on your computer and when you write your message it will come directly to me.

    Sent from my iPhone
    Pat Krin



    Original Message


  • 22.  RE: Welcome to Week #1 of our Online Study Group

    Posted 09-21-2020 10:31 PM
    Good Evening Everyone. I am Janet James-Benson. I have been in school nursing since 1999, having come from the critical care, surgical care and home care specialties at Rush Medical Center in Chicago, IL. I have been practicing nursing since 1982, having received my BSN from DePaul University, also in Chicago. Since that time I have gotten an MS and a M.Ed. I am currently getting ready to defend my dissertation for my Ed.D. I have been a CSN since 2003 and have been in school off and on since that time. Now that I am almost done, I thought it is time I get my national certification. 
    Unfortunately, I just saw this message this evening. My emails from NASN & IASN don't go to my inbox and if I don't check my "promotions" inbox, I would miss these. Any suggestions as to how I can get these emails to go to my primary inbox? I am looking forward to this and I hope I can remain engaged throughout the next several weeks. The only thing that may hamper me is if my dissertation chair wants me to spend more time preparing my presentation and practicing my defense. In either case, I'll keep the group posted. 
    Have a restful evening everyone and please stay safe. 
    Janet

    ------------------------------
    Janet James Benson MS, BSNMS/M.Ed
    PEL-CSN
    Chicago, IL United StatesMS, BSN
    ------------------------------


  • 23.  RE: Welcome to Week #1 of our Online Study Group

    Posted 09-22-2020 07:49 AM
    Welcome Janet. Wow, you are the epitome of a lifelong learner. Best of luck with your dissertation. As far as your email goes, contact nasn@nasn.org to ask that question.

    Sent from my iPhone
    Pat Krin



    Original Message


  • 24.  RE: Welcome to Week #1 of our Online Study Group

    Posted 09-22-2020 10:03 AM
    #NCSN 
    Since new members are joining this group all the time I thought I would repeat some information for the newer members.
    Visit our Exam Prep page on the NBCSN website at https://www.nbcsn.org/ncsn/the-exam/exam-prep/. There is a great deal of information there for both free and for purchase exam prep materials.
    • Download the Candidates Handbook for general information about the exam and keep it handy for reference.
    • I recommend that you set the mail delivery status for this community to Real Time so that you get information as it is posted rather than as a daily digest. The instructions to do that are in the announcements for this community.
    • If you have a question about the application, test centers, Prometric (the testing company), score reports, remote proctoring, etc., that are not addressed on our website, please send your questions to info@nbcsn.org.
    • Questions about this study group, assignments, reference materials, etc., can be addressed here. If you have a question or concern about materials in the review book, you can ask them here but please refer to the Chapter and question number, please don't write the questions and answers in your post as the information in the book is copyrighted.

    Please use this community to discuss any concerns or questions you have related to this study group, NBCSN board members do monitor the list and want everyone to get what they need from this community.

    ------------------------------
    Pat Krin, MSN, RN, FNP-BC-Retired, NCSN-E, FNASN
    Executive Director
    NBCSN
    nbcsnexec@nbcsn.org
    www.nbcsn.org
    ------------------------------



  • 25.  RE: Welcome to Week #1 of our Online Study Group

    Posted 09-22-2020 11:34 AM
    Wow, what an amazing group of nurses!  Such a wealth of school nursing and life knowledge.  I wish all well as you travel down this road together.  Pat and Robin do an amazing job of guiding you through the process.  As with so many things in life, we all take different paths to get there, but the final destination is the same.  Good luck to you all!.

    Be well

    ------------------------------
    Lynnette Ondeck, MEd, BSN, RN, NCSN
    Vice President
    National Association of School Nurses
    School Nurse Corps Administrator
    Northwest Educational Service District
    ------------------------------



  • 26.  RE: Welcome to Week #1 of our Online Study Group

    Posted 09-22-2020 12:55 PM

    Thank you @Lynnette Ondeck, MEd, BSN, RN, NCSN for your encouragement.  I would like everyone to know how much we appreciate NASN's support for NBCSN. As you know we would not exist it if hadn't been for a group of forward thinking school nurses who had the foresight to know how important National School Nurse Certification would be. https://www.nbcsn.org/about/history/

     

     

    Stay well.

     

    Regards,

     

    Pat

     

    Pat Krin, MSN, RN, FNP-BC-Retired, NCSN-E, FNASN

    Executive Director

    NBCSN

    nbcsnexec@nbcsn.org

    www.nbcsn.org

     




    Original Message


  • 27.  RE: Welcome to Week #1 of our Online Study Group

    Posted 09-22-2020 07:45 PM

    Hello, I am Laurie Tufts from Ohio. I have been a registered nurse for 35 years in various pediatric areas. The last 16 years have been as a school nurse. In the past, I was proud to display my specialty certification but do not have the same for school nursing. I had planned to take the exam earlier but family circumstances derailed my plans. However, this year I made it my professional goal to achieve and I am here to make my goal a reality with support.



    ------------------------------
    Laurie Tufts MSN, RN, BSN
    Licensed School Nurse
    Columbus, OH United States
    ------------------------------



  • 28.  RE: Welcome to Week #1 of our Online Study Group

    Posted 09-22-2020 07:50 PM
    Welcome Laurie, glad to have you aboard. Certification certainly is something to aspire to. It is interesting how many nurses come to school nursing a number of years into their careers.

    Sent from my iPhone
    Pat Krin



    Original Message


  • 29.  RE: Welcome to Week #1 of our Online Study Group

    Posted 09-24-2020 10:12 AM
    Watch for the Week #2 email on Friday. If you are looking for exam prep materials check out the Exam Prep section of our website https://www.nbcsn.org/ncsn/the-exam/exam-prep/
    Handbook
    Challenge the School Nurse
    List of Resources
    Test Taking Strategies
    Review Book
    Practice Tests
    Recorded Review Course
    School Nursing Text
    Audio CDs

    Sent from my iPhone
    Pat Krin



    Original Message


  • 30.  RE: Welcome to Week #1 of our Online Study Group

    Posted 09-24-2020 11:46 AM
    My name is Amanda and I would love to join this study group. I'm not sure how to get notifications for this group, but I'd love to be a part of it. I have been a nurse 17 years. I spent about 7 years doing OB/GYN nursing. Then I took about 5 years off originally to stay at home with my fourth child, but during that period we also ended up adopting two more children. When I went back my life was quite different with 6 children, so I worked prn as in OB/GYN, then in Pre-Op. Once my youngest was going into kindergarten I started school nursing and am so grateful I did. I first started in a small district that neighbors my kids schools and they gave me the keys to the old nurse's office and told me to figure it out. So I did. But in California we are required to take classes to be credentialed, so as I did I realized the district was not supportive of my role as the only health professional in the district and got a job in my kid's district. The current district I am in is very supportive and I love my role as the school nurse. Between the two districts I have been in school nursing 3 years and I have earned my California School Nurse Credential.

    ------------------------------
    Amanda Pitts
    School Nurse
    Bakersfield, CA
    ------------------------------



  • 31.  RE: Welcome to Week #1 of our Online Study Group

    Posted 09-24-2020 11:52 AM

    Welcome Amanda, you don't have to do anything else to join the study group. If you are posting and receiving emails you are already a part of it. You can go back into the archives and find the Week #1 email (Search (with parens) "Welcome to Week #1".  The week 2 email will come tomorrow and you will receive it automatically.

    I recommend that you set your mail to "real time" delivery rather than weekly digest. The instructions are in the announcements for this group. I can see that you purchased the review book, so read Chapter one and you will be all caught up for tomorrow's lesson.

     

    Stay well.

     

    Regards,

     

    Pat

     

    Pat Krin, MSN, RN, FNP-BC-Retired, NCSN-E, FNASN

    Executive Director

    NBCSN

    nbcsnexec@nbcsn.org

    www.nbcsn.org

     




    Original Message


  • 32.  RE: Welcome to Week #1 of our Online Study Group

    Posted 09-25-2020 08:32 AM
    Edited by Fleur Davis, MBA, NCSN, BA, B.S. Nursing 09-25-2020 08:35 AM
    Hi! My name is Fleur Pang. I am starting my second year of school nursing in Rockland, MA. Nursing was a career change for me. I went back to school when I was 38 and my youngest of 3 kids started pre-school. He finished preschool and I finished nursing school with an ADN. I worked in med surg for a year and a half then moved to the ED. I earned a BSN from UMass Boston while working. I stayed in the ED for 4 years before coming to school nursing. I feel like ED nursing was the perfect training ground for school nursing as there is plenty of overlap with triage and social-emotional making up a big piece of both nursing fields. I am currently the only nurse at my middle school of 770 students grades 5-8. My nurse leader is in the attached high school and is very supportive.

    I am not sure if I will take this exam in November or March. Probably March as I don't feel like I have enough time to prep between now and November!

    ------------------------------
    Fleur Pang, RN, BSN
    Rogers Middle School
    Rockland, MA
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 33.  RE: Welcome to Week #1 of our Online Study Group

    Posted 09-25-2020 08:42 AM
    Welcome Fleur. We so appreciate your story. The ED is a great training ground for school nursing. The NBCSN website has an area included under the Examination tab that addresses the difference between eligibility and readiness to take the exam. You might want to take a look at that.

    Sent from my iPhone
    Pat Krin



    Original Message


  • 34.  RE: Welcome to Week #1 of our Online Study Group

    Posted 09-25-2020 09:22 AM
    Thanks for your warm welcome.

    ------------------------------
    Florence Pang
    Duxbury, MA United States
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 35.  RE: Welcome to Week #1 of our Online Study Group

    Posted 09-24-2020 11:55 AM
    My name is Heidi Streed.  I have been a nurse since 1998.  The first 14 years I worked at a hospital in Minneapolis, Abbott Northwestern, where I worked in CCU, Cardiac patient research and PACU.  I switched to school nursing first as a sub on my off days at the hospital and enjoyed it so much that I switched to that career 8 years ago.  The whole time I have worked in a private school and have worked hard to ensure I am up to date and following best practices.  I chose to take this test to fill in any final gaps of knowledge in this area of health care as I continue to practice in a school setting.

    ------------------------------
    Heidi Streed
    Minneapolis, MN United States
    ------------------------------



  • 36.  RE: Welcome to Week #1 of our Online Study Group

    Posted 09-24-2020 12:21 PM

    Welcome Heidi, glad you are aboard.  I started in school nursing in a similar manner. I had been volunteering in my son's school when the nurse there unfortunately fell and broke her hip.  I did a long term sub stint for her, then started working part time and the rest is history. Glad you are here in the group and I hope you find it helpful.

     

    Stay well.

     

    Regards,

     

    Pat

     

    Pat Krin, MSN, RN, FNP-BC-Retired, NCSN-E, FNASN

    Executive Director

    NBCSN

    nbcsnexec@nbcsn.org

    www.nbcsn.org

     




    Original Message


  • 37.  RE: Welcome to Week #1 of our Online Study Group

    Posted 09-25-2020 11:26 AM
    On behalf of the entire NBCSN Board of Directors, I congratulate you on your decision to sit for the NCSN exam!  This is a professional milestone you can be proud of.  Robin and Pat will give you great advice on successful preparation and test taking. I look forward to seeing all of your names soon on the "New NCSNs" list!

    ------------------------------
    Deborah Pontius, MSN, RN, NCSN, FNASN
    President, NBCSN
    CE Instructor and School Nursing Consultant
    Retired Health Services Coordinator
    Sparks, NV
    Website: http://nursedeborahpontius.weebly.com
    ------------------------------



  • 38.  RE: Welcome to Week #1 of our Online Study Group

    Posted 09-25-2020 02:32 PM
    Edited by Julie Storjohann, RN, BSN 09-25-2020 02:33 PM
    I'm Julie Storjohann, and have been an RN for 25 years. I was a CNA and LPN prior to getting my ADN and then BSN.  I have worked in med/surg, renal, hospice, OR/PACU/Pre-OP, pain management, ED, home IV infusions, and home care. For most of my RN career, I have worked two jobs in nursing.  I have been in school nursing for 5 years and 3 years in a middle school (7-8 grades) with about 810 students.  I am full time in my building.  I would like to study and sit for the exam, to broaden my knowledge on school nursing.  It is a very busy health room, but I have found my job very rewarding. I look forward to studying with all of you.

    ------------------------------
    Julie Storjohann RN, BSN
    School Nurse
    Centennial Middle School
    Snohomish, WA United States
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 39.  RE: Welcome to Week #1 of our Online Study Group

    Posted 09-25-2020 03:41 PM
    Welcome Julie, we appreciate hearing your story. Thank you for sharing. 

    Sent from my iPhone
    Pat Krin



    Original Message


  • 40.  RE: Welcome to Week #1 of our Online Study Group

    Posted 09-28-2020 12:23 AM
    Completed week 1.  Thanks Robin for the tip to do the practice questions first before reading the chapter.  It really helped me to see what areas I needed to review further.  I enjoyed reading the rationales for the answers as well.  Reviewing the theories (Erikson & Piaget) were my focus for this week.

    ------------------------------
    Kyna Shaw MSN-Ed
    Prince George's County Public Schools
    Hyattsville, MD United States
    ------------------------------



  • 41.  RE: Welcome to Week #1 of our Online Study Group

    Posted 09-29-2020 10:48 AM
    Hello all!

    I'm coming in a little late to this group. I have considered getting my NCSN for a while, but I had two kids since I started school nursing and managing post-partum would have been difficult. I became a nurse in 2014 and worked in the OR for a bit. In nursing school, I always knew I wanted to pursue school nursing. I have now been in school nursing for 4 years and enjoy every minute of it. I am currently health coordinator for my district (5 schools total - including Early Childhood), and am the only nurse in the district. The elementary schools have health clerks and I am based out of the junior high. It's a busy and rewarding job. Looking forward to studying along.

    ------------------------------
    Andreea Balici RN, BSN, MSN
    District Nurse / Health Coordinator
    School District 68
    Skokie, IL
    ------------------------------



  • 42.  RE: Welcome to Week #1 of our Online Study Group

    Posted 09-29-2020 10:55 AM

    Welcome Andrea, it is never too late to join, you can always go back and search for the previous "lessons". So far we have done Chapters 1 and 2 of the 2020 digital edition of the School Nurse Certification Review book by Selekman and Cogan, available through the NBCSN website.  Please feel free to ask any questions or provide any comments you feel you need more info on or don't understand.

     

    Stay well.

     

    Regards,

     

    Pat

     

    Pat Krin, MSN, RN, FNP-BC-Retired, NCSN-E, FNASN

    Executive Director

    NBCSN

    nbcsnexec@nbcsn.org

    www.nbcsn.org

     




    Original Message


  • 43.  RE: Welcome to Week #1 of our Online Study Group

    Posted 09-30-2020 11:38 AM
    Greetings,
    My name is Afra Brown.  I have been a nurse since 1996.  My background is ER, ICU, Med-Surg, Nurse Educator, QI/QA, Infection Control, Wound Care, Long Term Care.  I attained degrees in Biology, Nursing and have a Masters in Nursing- FNP.  I presently work as a Nurse Manager and most of my colleagues have taken and passed the School Nurse Certification Exam.  I felt it was time after 7 years to join the ranks.  I am looking forward to the support.

    ------------------------------
    Afra Brown MSN, RN
    Upper Marlboro, MD United States
    ------------------------------



  • 44.  RE: Welcome to Week #1 of our Online Study Group

    Posted 09-30-2020 02:19 PM
    Hello,
    My name is Pat Talkington. I started my school nursing out as an RN, then went back to school to get my BSN. Now I am starting my Master's soon, so I decided I better get my certification. I have been in elementary school for 20 years.

    ------------------------------
    Patricia Talkington RN, BSN
    Nurse
    LAWSON ELEM.
    Hazelwood, MO United States
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 45.  RE: Welcome to Week #1 of our Online Study Group

    Posted 09-30-2020 02:35 PM
    Welcome Pat. Never too late to move forward. There seems to be quite a number of lifelong learners in this group.

    Sent from my iPhone
    Pat Krin



    Original Message


  • 46.  RE: Welcome to Week #1 of our Online Study Group

    Posted 09-30-2020 02:30 PM
    Welcome Afra. Glad to have you aboard. Please feel free to participate in the conversation. We're here to help.

    Sent from my iPhone
    Pat Krin



    Original Message


  • 47.  RE: Welcome to Week #1 of our Online Study Group

    Posted 10-06-2020 04:10 PM
    Hello!

    My name is Anna.  I have been a nurse since 2001. I received my BSN in 2014  I have worked in various settings throughout my career and school nursing for 12 years now. I have a wonderful and supportive husband along with 3 kids (16, 10, and 7) who all keep me busy with outdoor activities and sports. 

    I am late getting a start on studying but do have my test scheduled in November.  I am really hoping I can pull this off! 

    Good luck to everyone! 
    --
    Anna Davis, RN, BSN
    Hayden School District 
    276-3756 

    "Children must be healthy to be educated and educated to be healthy." -- author unknown



    Original Message


  • 48.  RE: Welcome to Week #1 of our Online Study Group

    Posted 10-06-2020 04:32 PM
    Welcome Anna. So we have covered Chapters 1,2,3 in the review book. Look back at those weeks to see Robin's tips. Read the material in the book and do the questions. You might want to do the questions prior to reading the chapters.

    Sent from my iPhone
    Pat Krin



    Original Message


  • 49.  RE: Welcome to Week #1 of our Online Study Group

    Posted 09-30-2020 02:07 PM
    Hi my name is Dr. Colleen Nauta. This is my 21st year in school nursing. I just completed my PhD and now interested in obtaining national certification. I am excited to join this study group.



    Dr. Colleen Nauta RN, CSN
    School Nurse and Health Educator
    Frederick A. Priff School
    139 Wells Mills Road
    Waretown, NJ 08758
    609-693-3131*215
    cnauta@otsdk6.org

    ------------------------------
    Colleen Nauta MSN, RN
    School Nurse
    Waretown, NJ United States
    ------------------------------



  • 50.  RE: Welcome to Week #1 of our Online Study Group

    Posted 09-30-2020 02:32 PM
    Welcome Colleen. After 21 years you should have a lot to contribute.

    Sent from my iPhone
    Pat Krin



    Original Message


  • 51.  RE: Welcome to Week #1 of our Online Study Group

    Posted 09-30-2020 06:05 PM
    HI all, I have worked for 9 years in school nursing, mostly with adolescents.  I have completed the study book, but look forward to interaction with others to study.  I have recently worked in a rural inpatient department at a Crow Reservation hospital, and with a public health department in Covid response. ​

    ------------------------------
    Karen Lied RN
    Kettle Moraine High School and Middle School
    Wales, Wisconsin
    ------------------------------



  • 52.  RE: Welcome to Week #1 of our Online Study Group

    Posted 09-30-2020 06:37 PM
    Welcome Karen. Your hospital work sounds interesting. 

    Sent from my iPhone
    Pat Krin



    Original Message


  • 53.  RE: Welcome to Week #1 of our Online Study Group

    Posted 10-01-2020 09:47 PM
    Hello everyone,
    I have been a school nurse for 2 short years. I worked in the hospital as nurse for 7 years.  School nursing was a scary step for me, but I have completely fall in love with the job, the children and just the whole community. It is very rewarding to me to help future leaders of my community stay healthy while at school. The  National School Nurse certification is one more step in my school nursing path to gain knowledge and be more competent to serve my community. Looking forward to the next 6 weeks, just a tad nervous about this test.

    ------------------------------
    rosa faulkner ADN-RN
    Henderson, NC United States
    ------------------------------



  • 54.  RE: Welcome to Week #1 of our Online Study Group

    Posted 10-02-2020 06:55 AM
    Welcome Rosa, check out the Examination tab on the website and look at the Eligibility vs Readiness section. You nay find it helpful.

    Sent from my iPhone
    Pat Krin



    Original Message


  • 55.  RE: Welcome to Week #1 of our Online Study Group

    Posted 10-02-2020 09:22 AM
    Is anyone using the review guide on kindle? It seems to lean towards hospital peds and adult med frequently. 



    Original Message


  • 56.  RE: Welcome to Week #1 of our Online Study Group

    Posted 10-02-2020 09:36 AM
    You need to be wary of products on Amazon that say NBCSN OR NCSN, they are not developed by NBCSN and we don't know if they are written by subject matter experts. The materials listed on our Exam Prep page are written by Subject Matter Experts i.e., NCSNs.

    Sent from my iPhone
    Pat Krin



    Original Message


  • 57.  RE: Welcome to Week #1 of our Online Study Group

    Posted 10-03-2020 02:41 PM
    Hello,

    I want to join this study group. Please advise.

    ------------------------------
    Africa Thomas B.S.N.
    Fort Gordon, GA United States
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 58.  RE: Welcome to Week #1 of our Online Study Group

    Posted 10-03-2020 03:21 PM
    Africa, you are a part of the group by being in this community. If you missed the week 1-3 emails just search "welcome to week #1" (include parens) etc. and you will get the info. We use the 2020 digital edition of the School Nurse Certification Review book available where you applied to take the exam.

    Sent from my iPhone
    Pat Krin



    Original Message


  • 59.  RE: Welcome to Week #1 of our Online Study Group

    Posted 10-03-2020 04:28 PM
    Awesome. Will we have virtual meetings or virtual study groups?




    Original Message


  • 60.  RE: Welcome to Week #1 of our Online Study Group

    Posted 10-04-2020 03:25 PM
    The group takes place within this community. 
    As I said look at the emails particularly from @RobinCogan from the last 3 Fridays. If you have questions or comments please feel free to respond. Anything you don't understand or questions about practice are welcome. We can only help by responding to what people ask or comment on.
    Sent from my iPhone
    Pat Krin



    Original Message


  • 61.  RE: Welcome to Week #1 of our Online Study Group

    Posted 10-02-2020 12:25 PM
    I have not used the review guide on Kindle, however before finding this study group, I found one on FB.  The App Nursing Pearls was recommended.  900 practice questions for roughly $10.    I am undecided on whether I like it or not.  Some of the questions are more clinic based compared to school based.

    Having commented - I guess I should introduce myself.  I found the study group a little late but have gotten caught up! 
    I am Amanda from West Virginia.  I am in my 15th year as a school nurse and did 3 years contract nursing for the school system prior to being hired by the county.   I have planned to "start the process" and schedule a test numerous times.  Life would happen and the studying was placed on the back burner.  When I opened my review book this time, I found notes from a phone message from June 2019 when I was caregiver to my granny.  I had recently admitted her to in-home hospice care.  Fast forward and my granny is gone but this time...I am dedicating this for her!  She was a fabulous and well-respected nurse - this would make her proud!

    ------------------------------
    Amanda Ashley RN, BSN
    Shady Spring, WV United States
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 62.  RE: Welcome to Week #1 of our Online Study Group

    Posted 10-02-2020 12:53 PM

    Welcome Amanda, glad you are going through with this long term goal.

     

    Stay well.

     

    Regards,

     

    Pat

     

    Pat Krin, MSN, RN, FNP-BC-Retired, NCSN-E, FNASN

    Executive Director

    NBCSN

    nbcsnexec@nbcsn.org

    www.nbcsn.org

     




    Original Message


  • 63.  RE: Welcome to Week #1 of our Online Study Group

    Posted 10-02-2020 02:16 PM
    Love your story ��




    Original Message


  • 64.  RE: Welcome to Week #1 of our Online Study Group

    Posted 10-03-2020 02:42 PM
    Robin,

    How do I join this study group?

    ------------------------------
    Africa Thomas B.S.N.
    Fort Gordon, GA United States
    ------------------------------