Robin,
Thanks for spearheading the National Certification Exam Candidates Discussion. While many like a study group, I knew that was not the best route for me. I thought I would share my preparation process for others who might also like to fly solo. I set a time limit for myself of 6 weeks to prepare for the test. I knew that to linger longer than that would not be best for me. I worked almost every evening and every weekend. I put my family on notice and they supported me.
I started by taking the
NCSN practice exam. This helped me identify strengths and weaknesses in my school nursing knowledge. Then I gathered as many print resources as I could find including:
- School Nursing: A Comprehensive Text
- Scope and Standards of School Nursing Practice
- Legal Resource specific to school health
I also utilized electronic resources such as You Tube, Google Scholar, and other search engines to discover details about specific models of assessment, to review developmental theory, and other areas that I identified as a need for more knowledge. I took copious notes, as I know that is how I learn.
On the day of the exam, I decided to answer all the questions that were easy for me, Then I went back and answered harder questions. Finally, I approached the questions that were stumping me with pencil and paper. What I discovered, was as I took notes from the questions, it helped me recall that student I had cared for and the answer revealed itself. I used all of the allotted test time, answered every question, and was thrilled when my NCSN notification arrived.
My advice is to practice, study in the method you know works best for you, have confidence in your school nursing knowledge, and take your time while testing. You can do it!
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Laurie Combe MN, RN, NCSN
National Association of School Nurses NASN President Elect
lcombe.tsno@gmail.com------------------------------
Original Message:
Sent: 10-06-2017 18:19
From: Cynthia Carrero
Subject: Creating an online study group!
Hi Ms. Robin Cogan,
Thank you for providing this information. I am planning to take the NCSN exam in the Spring 2018. I would truly appreciate to have some guidance along the way as I start to study for the exam. Also if there is anyone else in NJ we can start a study group via chat/in person that would be great.
Thank you,
Cynthia Carrero, BSN, RN, CSN-NJ
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Cynthia Carrero, BSN, RN
Founding School Nurse
Cresthaven Academy Charter School
Plainfield, NJ
Original Message:
Sent: 10-05-2017 12:44
From: Robin Cogan
Subject: Creating an online study group!
Hello to all School Nurses who are getting ready to sit for the NCSN exam this Fall!
School is back in full swing, hopefully, things are going smoother as each week flies by! It takes time to get up and running each September, that is for sure. If there is any interest out there in creating an online study group, I am happy to help out. The book that was most helpful to me is the Selekman/Wolfe School Nurse Certification Review.
https://portal.nasn.org/members_online/members/viewitem.asp?item=S007&catalog=MAN&pn=2&af=NASN.
It really does a great job of breaking down the review into actionable sections with review questions. What helped me was doing the test questions first and then focusing on where I was in need of further study. If there is interest, we can organize some benchmark dates for working through the review book. Let me know!
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Robin Cogan MEd, RN, NCSN
School Nurse
Rutgers University - Camden
Cherry Hill, NJ
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