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Sending Best Wishes for the Upcoming Exam Window!

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

Pat Krin, MSN, M.S., RN, NCSN-E, FNP-BC-Retired, FNASN03-13-2018 06:18 PM

I can only imagine how stressful it is to plan to take a big step and to have Mother Nature conspire ...

  • 1.  Sending Best Wishes for the Upcoming Exam Window!

    Posted 03-01-2018 07:01 AM
    Edited by Robin Cogan, MEd, RN, NCSN, FNASN, FAAN 03-01-2018 09:03 AM

    It has been a pleasure posting on this Listserv during the most recent exam study period.  Here are some final suggestions for a great outcome on this journey to become a Nationally Certified School Nurse!

    1. Read every word of the question before you jump to the answers.
    2. Pace yourself and use the full time allotted.
    3. Flag those questions that you want to review at the end - there is a mechanism for this.  
    4. Answer only what they are asking, based on the scenario presented.
    5. Remember KISS from Nursing School, it applies here too!
    6. Try not to overthink your answer.
    7. Believe in yourself, your preparation and your knowledge base. 
    8. It is only a test.
    9. Breathe, smile, relax your shoulders, shake off the tension.
    10. 
    Please share your test-taking experiences (without sharing the questions or topics).  We are rooting for each of you!


    ------------------------------
    Robin Cogan MEd, RN, NCSN
    School Nurse
    Rutgers University - Camden
    Cherry Hill, NJ
    ------------------------------


  • 2.  RE: Sending Best Wishes for the Upcoming Exam Window!

    Posted 03-02-2018 12:51 PM

    Thank you! I need some prayers as I sit for the test tomorrow in the midst of the crisis we have in education in WV right now. It has been hard to stay focused on studying and preparing when our state is in such upheaval. 

    #55 Strong


    Wendy Carr MSN,RN
    Certified School Nurse
    Harrison County Board of Education
    (304) 326-7076

    CONFIDENTIAL AND PRIVILEGED:  This email is confidential and privileged, and intended only for the review and the use of the addressee.  Any unauthorized review, use, disclosure, distribution or other dissemination of this email message and/or the information contained therein is strictly prohibited.  If you are not the intended recipient of this email message, please contact the sender by reply email and destroy all copies of the original message.


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


    It has been a pleasure posting on this Listserv during the most recent exam study period.  Here are some final suggestions for a great outcome on this journey to become a Nationally Certified School Nurse!

    1. Read every word of the question before you jump to the answers.
    2. Pace yourself and use the full time allotted.
    3. Flag those questions that you want to review at the end - there is a mechanism for this.  
    4. Answer only what they are asking, based on the scenario presented.
    5. Remember KISS from Nursing School, it applies here too!
    6. Try not to overthink your answer.
    7. Believe in yourself, your preparation and your knowledge base. 
    8. It is only a test.
    9. Breathe, smile, relax your shoulders, shake off the tension.
    10. 
    Please share your test-taking experiences (without sharing the questions or topics).  We are rooting for each of you!


    ------------------------------
    Robin Cogan MEd, RN, NCSN
    School Nurse
    Rutgers University - Camden
    Cherry Hill, NJ
    ------------------------------


  • 3.  RE: Sending Best Wishes for the Upcoming Exam Window!

    Posted 03-05-2018 10:05 AM
    OK, I don't remember KISS from nursing school... What does it stand for again?

    BTW, good luck in WV with the teacher's strike. What do school nurses do when the teachers strike. Do we cross the picket line and work anyway?

    Good luck on the test, and let us know if you had any specific difficulties.
    Thanks,
    Amber

    ------------------------------
    Amber Guillot R.N., B.S.N.
    School District Nurse Kersey CO
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 4.  RE: Sending Best Wishes for the Upcoming Exam Window!

    Posted 03-05-2018 07:22 PM
    Hi, 
    K.I.S.(S) Stands for:   Keep It Simple.  The second S is silent.

    ------------------------------
    Robin Cogan MEd, RN, NCSN
    School Nurse
    Rutgers University - Camden
    Cherry Hill, NJ
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 5.  RE: Sending Best Wishes for the Upcoming Exam Window!

    Posted 03-06-2018 12:09 PM
    OK, Now I remember, although we said "Keep It Simple Stupid". Ha ha! We were pretty young and full of ourselves.

    ------------------------------
    Amber Guillot R.N., B.S.N.
    School District Nurse Kersey CO
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 6.  RE: Sending Best Wishes for the Upcoming Exam Window!

    Posted 03-05-2018 12:22 PM
    I'll be praying for you. I'm taking it Friday and I need prayer as well. 

    Good luck!

    ------------------------------
    Vicki Barrera, RN, BS
    Currituck Co. Schools
    School Nurse
    Moyock Middle School
    vbarrera@currituck.k12.nc.us
    252-435-2566 ext. 9030
    Moyock, N.C.
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 7.  RE: Sending Best Wishes for the Upcoming Exam Window!

    Posted 03-12-2018 12:28 PM
    Hi all, I took the exam last Friday.  For starters it was majorly annoying that the computer screen could not be adjusted.  I had to sit tipping my head back so that I could look through the bottom of my glasses to read  the questions.  I went into the test feeling well prepared , with a good attitude.  I came out ready to burst into tears.  I have never taken an exam with such subjective questions.  Many of the scenarios were ones that have happened in my school.  Do I feel confident that my answer, from experience, was the one you were looking for, no.  That test feels like a money maker to me.  It does not reflect my ability to do my job.  Most certification exams are set up so that you find out either immediately or very quickly how you have done. The fact that this exam has such a process of being analyzed after tells that it is poorly written.  Obviously, I have to wait until May to find out my results and there is a chance that I could have passed but at this point I find the whole process very frustrating. 

    Carla Dumas, RN, BSN
    Center School
    Phone: 978-461-0009
    Fax: 978-965-3975


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


    It has been a pleasure posting on this Listserv during the most recent exam study period.  Here are some final suggestions for a great outcome on this journey to become a Nationally Certified School Nurse!

    1. Read every word of the question before you jump to the answers.
    2. Pace yourself and use the full time allotted.
    3. Flag those questions that you want to review at the end - there is a mechanism for this.  
    4. Answer only what they are asking, based on the scenario presented.
    5. Remember KISS from Nursing School, it applies here too!
    6. Try not to overthink your answer.
    7. Believe in yourself, your preparation and your knowledge base. 
    8. It is only a test.
    9. Breathe, smile, relax your shoulders, shake off the tension.
    10. 
    Please share your test-taking experiences (without sharing the questions or topics).  We are rooting for each of you!


    ------------------------------
    Robin Cogan MEd, RN, NCSN
    School Nurse
    Rutgers University - Camden
    Cherry Hill, NJ
    ------------------------------


  • 8.  RE: Sending Best Wishes for the Upcoming Exam Window!

    Posted 03-13-2018 08:21 AM
    Wow, Carla's experience is concerning. I take the exam today at 2pm. I'll give my feedback tomorrow.

    ------------------------------
    Carole Gish BSN, RN
    School Nurse Coordinator
    Boerne ISD
    Boerne, TX
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 9.  RE: Sending Best Wishes for the Upcoming Exam Window!

    Posted 03-14-2018 09:09 AM
    Hello everyone,

    I took my exam yesterday in San Antonio.  Hallelujah, it's over!!  I studied for about 6 weeks on my own and put in a lot of hours studying.  I frequently told people "Don't talk to me, I'm studying." I spent about $500 on this exam and I intend to pass the first time!!

    I purchased the Mometrix study guide and flashcards.  I purchased SCHOOL NURSE CSN CERTIFICATION REVIEW (500 questions) and NURSE SCHOOL (NCSN) BOARD AND CERTIFICATION PRACTICE TEST (200 questions) online tests through Kindle. I used the CRAM flashcards (about 300) for School Nursing (these are free).  I felt very prepared going in.

    Even with all that study material, there were still questions that none of the study material touched on.  I flagged the questions I was not positive on and went back to review them after I completed the 200 questions.  I took my time, finished with one minute and 30 seconds to go (whew!).  I had to really think about some of the questions but my nursing knowledge/experience kicked in and I feel pretty confident in my score.  

    If I pass, I get nothing but personal satisfaction for taking this exam and some letters behind my name.  But, studying was a great refresher course for me and I highly recommend it.    Good luck to all! 



    ------------------------------
    Carole Gish BSN, RN
    School Nurse Coordinator
    Boerne ISD
    Boerne, TX
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 10.  RE: Sending Best Wishes for the Upcoming Exam Window!

    Posted 03-14-2018 11:28 AM
    Thank you to all who expressed support and encoragement.  I apologize for causing worry to those who are planning on taking the test soon.  A friend/colleague of mine took the test this past Sunday. She said highlighting exactly what was being asked helped.  It is a lot of work to do that 200 times but I think it is a good idea.  Take care all those that are taking the test in the near future, and stay positive. 

    Carla Dumas, RN, BSN
    Center School
    Phone: 978-461-0009
    Fax: 978-965-3975


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

    Wow, Carla's experience is concerning. I take the exam today at 2pm. I'll give my feedback tomorrow.

    ------------------------------
    Carole Gish BSN, RN
    School Nurse Coordinator
    Boerne ISD
    Boerne, TX
    ------------------------------


  • 11.  RE: Sending Best Wishes for the Upcoming Exam Window!

    Posted 03-13-2018 09:35 AM
    I have a couple of questions for Carla - did you do any of the practice exams in the review book or the ones available from NBCSN?  I'm just curious because that is what I have been studying in preparation for the exam tomorrow.  Now I'm a little scared!!
    Thanks to everyone for the feedback and good wishes!
    Stacey

    ------------------------------
    Stacey Hickmott RN, BSN, MEd, CSN
    Certified School Nurse
    Central Bucks SD
    Doylestown, PA
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 12.  RE: Sending Best Wishes for the Upcoming Exam Window!

    Posted 03-13-2018 10:21 AM
    Dear Carla,

    I do agree that much about this process is convoluted and way more complicated than it should be. I tried to sign up for the March test dates and it was so challenging I gave up. I am planning to take the exam in July. All that said, I applaud you for attempting the exam and encourage you to stay positive.

    Sincerely,
     

     
    Bernadette Berset, MSN, RN
    School Nurse
    6600 Little Falls Road Arlington, VA 22213 
    TEL: 703-237-1443; FAX: 703-237-1465
       
    Notice:  This e-mail (including attachments) is confidential and may contain individual patient health information. The use and disclosure of information contained in this email is restricted by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 and is protected under The Privacy Act of 1974.  It is intended only for the use of the individual(s) to whom it is addressed.  This material must be destroyed appropriately when its use is no longer required.  If the reader of this message is not the intended recipient(s) or the employee or agent responsible for delivering the attached information to the intended recipient(s), please note that any dissemination, distribution or copying of this communication is strictly prohibited.  Anyone who receives this communication in error should notify the sender immediately, delete it from your system and destroy any copies.


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

    Hi all, I took the exam last Friday.  For starters it was majorly annoying that the computer screen could not be adjusted.  I had to sit tipping my head back so that I could look through the bottom of my glasses to read  the questions.  I went into the test feeling well prepared , with a good attitude.  I came out ready to burst into tears.  I have never taken an exam with such subjective questions.  Many of the scenarios were ones that have happened in my school.  Do I feel confident that my answer, from experience, was the one you were looking for, no.  That test feels like a money maker to me.  It does not reflect my ability to do my job.  Most certification exams are set up so that you find out either immediately or very quickly how you have done. The fact that this exam has such a process of being analyzed after tells that it is poorly written.  Obviously, I have to wait until May to find out my results and there is a chance that I could have passed but at this point I find the whole process very frustrating. 

    Carla Dumas, RN, BSN
    Center School
    Phone: 978-461-0009
    Fax: 978-965-3975




  • 13.  RE: Sending Best Wishes for the Upcoming Exam Window!

    Posted 03-13-2018 05:43 PM
    Carla Dumas,

    I took my exam yesterday and felt exactly as you did. I could have written the exact same comments.  I purchased the 2 NCSN practice exams and did well on each.  I reviewed what I was weak on as I did with the exams I took from the review book. I took suggestions from this online blog, had a study group every other week  of 6 perple and also studied on weekends with a friend as well as nightly myself.  I felt prepared.  I walked out of this exam without a clue as to how I did.  I did not take this exam out of necessity for my role,  but to better myself in my profession.  If I do not pass, I will have to think long and hard before I will take this exam again.  Non-school nurse friends/coworkers are shocked that results take 6 weeks to come back.  


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

    Original Message


  • 14.  RE: Sending Best Wishes for the Upcoming Exam Window!

    Posted 03-14-2018 10:12 AM
    I really want to be positive, but I have to agree with Carla and Missy. I took the exam yesterday. My colleague and I studied together for several months, we read the review book and did all the tests/studied our weak areas. We bought the online tests, studied the 8 week course info. We were as prepared as we could be. I have been a nurse for almost 17 years; I passed the NCLEX the first time and successfully passed a certification exam in a different specialty. This was by far the most difficult testing experience of my Nursing career. What Carla and Missy said matches my experience. There were several questions that I felt were not covered in any of the material (even the review book.) 

    I also agree that having to wait 8 weeks for results is excessive. I completely understand the rationale behind it, but it does seem that there is much room for improvement in the process. This is such a huge investment. I would love to be part of a team to look at improving the process.

    ------------------------------
    April Hodges, BSN, RN, CNOR
    School Nurse
    Union County Public Schools
    Charlotte, NC
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 15.  RE: Sending Best Wishes for the Upcoming Exam Window!

    Posted 03-13-2018 11:21 AM
    I am checking in with the candidates that are preparing for the exam to share some last minute thoughts on minimizing test-anxiety. Deciding to take this journey is a big step! No one is a test result! Have faith in your efforts, life and work experience. 

    Test preparation to reduce anxiety:

    • Approach the exam with confidence:
      Use whatever strategies you can to personalize success: visualization, logic, talking to your self, practice, teamwork, journaling, etc.
      View the exam as an opportunity to show how much you've studied and to receive a reward for the studying you've done
    • Be prepared!
      Learn your material thoroughly and organize what materials you will need for the test. Use a checklist
    • Choose a comfortable location for taking the test
      with good lighting and minimal distractions
    • Allow yourself plenty of time,
      especially to do things you need to do before the test and still get there a little early
    • Avoid thinking you need to cram just before
    • Strive for a relaxed state of concentration
      Avoid speaking with any fellow students who have not prepared, who express negativity, who will distract your preparation
    • A program of exercise
      is said to sharpen the mind
    • Get a good night's sleep 
      the night before the exam
    • Don't go to the exam with an empty stomach
      Fresh fruits and vegetables are often recommended to reduce stress.
      Stressful foods can include processed foods, artificial sweeteners, carbonated soft drinks, chocolate, eggs, fried foods, junk foods, pork, red meat, sugar, white flour products, chips and similar snack foods, foods containing preservatives or heavy spices
    • Take a small snack, or some other nourishment
      to help take your mind off of your anxiety.
      Avoid high sugar content (candy) which may aggravate your condition

    During the test:

    • Read the directions carefully
    • Budget your test taking time
    • Change positions to help you relax
    • If you go blank, skip the question and go on
    • Don't panic, use all of the time!  There's no reward for finishing first

    Use relaxation techniques
    If you find yourself tensing and getting anxious during the test:

    Relax; you are in control. 
    Take slow, deep breaths

    Don't think about the fear
    Pause: think about the next step and keep on task, step by step

    Use positive reinforcement for yourself: 
    Acknowledge that you have done, and are doing, your best

    Expect some anxiety
    It's a reminder that you want to do your best and can provide energy
    Just keep it manageable

    Realize that anxiety can be a "habit" 
    and that it takes practice to use it as a tool to succeed

    After the test, review how you did

    • List what worked, and hold onto these strategies
      It does not matter how small the items are: they are building blocks to success
    • List what did not work for improvement
    • Celebrate that you are on the road to overcoming this obstacle
    Retrieved from - http://www.studygs.net/tstprp8.htm

    We are rooting for your success!

    ------------------------------
    Robin Cogan MEd, RN, NCSN
    School Nurse
    Rutgers University - Camden
    Cherry Hill, NJ
    ------------------------------



  • 16.  RE: Sending Best Wishes for the Upcoming Exam Window!

    Posted 03-13-2018 11:32 AM
    Thank you Robin for all of the suggestions!  Are we allowed to bring snacks into the testing center?  I thought I read that we were not allowed to bring anything in with us.  It would be great if we could bring a snack and some water.

    Thanks,
    Stacey

    ------------------------------
    Stacey Hickmott RN, BSN, MEd, CSN
    Certified School Nurse
    Central Bucks SD
    Doylestown, PA
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 17.  RE: Sending Best Wishes for the Upcoming Exam Window!

    Posted 03-13-2018 11:53 AM

    Here is a link to the Prometric site, you may find some helpful info here.

    https://www.prometric.com/en-us/for-test-takers/prepare-for-test-day/pages/overview.aspx

     

    Also, I have heard of a couple of instances recently that people have been turned away because the name on their ID and the name on the application are different.

     

    Please make sure that you read all materials well and completely.  The test centers have very strict rules and requirements and test center staff cannot deviate from those.  While something requirements may seem unnecessary it is important to understand that professional testing centers administer tests for all walks of life and the requirements are what they are, we as an organization cannot change them, and we have no say in what they are.

     

    Good luck for those who are yet to test.  Believe it or not, we really want you to be successful.

     

    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------

    Thank you Robin for all of the suggestions!  Are we allowed to bring snacks into the testing center?  I thought I read that we were not allowed to bring anything in with us.  It would be great if we could bring a snack and some water.

    Thanks,
    Stacey

    ------------------------------
    Stacey Hickmott RN, BSN, MEd, CSN
    Certified School Nurse
    Central Bucks SD
    Doylestown, PA
    ------------------------------


  • 18.  RE: Sending Best Wishes for the Upcoming Exam Window!

    Posted 03-13-2018 12:04 PM

    I am sure this is available on the last link I sent, but here is a helpful fact sheet.

     

    https://www.prometric.com/en-us/for-test-takers/prepare-for-test-day/documents/TestCenterRegulations.pdf

     

    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------

    Here is a link to the Prometric site, you may find some helpful info here.

    https://www.prometric.com/en-us/for-test-takers/prepare-for-test-day/pages/overview.aspx

     

    Also, I have heard of a couple of instances recently that people have been turned away because the name on their ID and the name on the application are different.

     

    Please make sure that you read all materials well and completely.  The test centers have very strict rules and requirements and test center staff cannot deviate from those.  While something requirements may seem unnecessary it is important to understand that professional testing centers administer tests for all walks of life and the requirements are what they are, we as an organization cannot change them, and we have no say in what they are.

     

    Good luck for those who are yet to test.  Believe it or not, we really want you to be successful.

     

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

    Executive Director

    National Board for Certification of School Nurses

    nbcsnexec@nbcsn.org

    www.nbcsn.org

     





  • 19.  RE: Sending Best Wishes for the Upcoming Exam Window!

    Posted 03-13-2018 12:19 PM
    Thank you - I knew I had read that we weren't allowed food/ snacks.  But when i saw the test taking strategies Robin posted that included having a snack with you, I was hopeful!

    ------------------------------
    Stacey Hickmott RN, BSN, MEd, CSN
    Certified School Nurse
    Central Bucks SD
    Doylestown, PA
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 20.  RE: Sending Best Wishes for the Upcoming Exam Window!

    Posted 03-14-2018 06:53 AM
    About snacks and water, the test center where I took my test had lockers in a separate room where you could lock up your purse and have snacks and water for a break.  I did go ahead of time and check it out, which I do suggest so you are comfortable with finding the location and asking any questions ahead of the test.  They were very nice and accommodating. So, check it all out first so you have no surprises.

    ------------------------------
    Robin Cogan MEd, RN, NCSN
    School Nurse
    Rutgers University - Camden
    Cherry Hill, NJ
    ------------------------------

    Original Message


  • 21.  RE: Sending Best Wishes for the Upcoming Exam Window!

    Posted 03-13-2018 05:32 PM
    SOOO frustrating.   People who have studied for weeks/months for this exam window are now being told that due to New England weather conditions, on March 13  and 14 that forced the closing of testing centers, that they cannot take the exam until the JULY  window.  Heard that directly from calling the NBCSN phone number.  I was able to take my exam, but I have a friend who I have studied with who now has to wait.  NOT FAIR.

    ------------------------------
    Missy Langille-Badger RN, BSN, MEd
    Nurse Leader
    North Attleboro School District
    North Attleboro, MA
    ------------------------------



  • 22.  RE: Sending Best Wishes for the Upcoming Exam Window!

    Posted 03-13-2018 06:18 PM

    I can only imagine how stressful it is to plan to take a big step and to have Mother Nature conspire against you. We are in the process of contacting anyone who was not able to test today or tomorrow due to the snow storm on the east coast.

     

    While it is certainly an imposition on candidates unable to test, ( we do understand that) fortunately, this weather event impacted fewer than 5% of our exam candidates for this test window.

     

    The National Board for Certification of School Nurses would like to apologize for any inconvenience anyone experienced having to delay testing for the Nationally Certified School Nurse (NCSN) exam. Unfortunately, we have no control over the weather and the Prometric testing sites alone determine their ability to remain open during inclement weather.

     

    Extending the test window creates a domino effect that impacts test score release time, next test window application availability, and scheduled test development activities. While we understand the frustration, it is not possible to extend the test window.  We again apologize for any aggravation anyone may have experienced. There will be no fee to transfer the exam to the next test window (if you are taking the exam for recertification we will not lapse your certificate).

     

    Please contact our office at 844-808-6276 to discuss moving your exam window.  They will facilitate that for you and provide you with a gift to help defray your inconvenience.

     

    With sincere apologies,

     

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

    Executive Director

    National Board for Certification of School Nurses

    www.nbcn.org

    nbcsnexec@nbcsn.org

     

     

     



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

    SOOO frustrating.   People who have studied for weeks/months for this exam window are now being told that due to New England weather conditions, on March 13  and 14 that forced the closing of testing centers, that they cannot take the exam until the JULY  window.  Heard that directly from calling the NBCSN phone number.  I was able to take my exam, but I have a friend who I have studied with who now has to wait.  NOT FAIR.

    ------------------------------
    Missy Langille-Badger RN, BSN, MEd
    Nurse Leader
    North Attleboro School District
    North Attleboro, MA
    ------------------------------