Hello all - My "study buddy" and I managed to pass the exam in July. B/c we were both a bit late to the process (my application was submitted and accepted just days before the deadline). Here are some strategies that worked well for us that may be helpful to some of you:
1. Initially started with the Test Prep guide already encouraged by Pat and Robin with the method they suggested (ie, 1st take test at end of chapter, correct, then go back & review material). Used the School Nurse text as a primary resource.
2. B/c we had a shared interest in trying to understand the "why" as well as the "what", we would sometimes dig deeper into reputable sites (CDC, etc).
3. Ended up devoting 1-2 hrs together (virtually) each day reviewing materials in the final wks before our exam dates (remember, we both started prepping a bit late) - made up our own tables for details we would need to know (ie, immunization details, etc) to share & quiz ea. other.
4. Reviewed the National Cert Exam postings from prior months to practice / discuss / read comments about some other questions and learn from our fellow nurses.
5. Kept in mind the good test-taking advice (ie, think "best practice" rather than daily reality of the school nurse) and the strategies / posted shared throughout.
6. We both took our tests "in-person" (didn't want the distractions of having family nearby).
7. Scouting out the test site in advance removed any stress about driving to our appointment.
There are many, many more strategies out there (the test was very challenging).
Best wishes to all of you as you prepared - my "buddy" and I both agreed that, even if we didn't pass, we both learned several strategies that will ultimately help us to "up our game" (we often discussed how to apply some of the best practices in our own practice).
Special thanks to Pat & Robin for all that you do.
Jean
-- Jean Hobbie RN BSN MSSchool Nurse
Hatfield Public School System
33 Main Street
Hatfield, MA 01038
(Ph) (413) 247-5010
(Fax) (413) 247-0482
"She, Her, Hers"
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