National Certification Exam Candidates

Welcome to Week #2 of our online NCSN Study Group! We are moving full-steam ahead in preparation for the upcoming Spring 2025 Exam Window.  It is exciting to see how many school nurses have joined the group and are contributing to the ongoing conversation. Thank you to those who have shared your experiences and posted questions. We are off to a great start!

The application window for Spring 2025 testing is open now – Early Bird Registration is until January 18, 2025, and the window closes on February 1, 2025. The Spring 2025 testing window is from March 1-31, 2025.

Suggested Reading for Week #2:

We are digging deeper into Chapter 2 of the Review book. We introduced it last week, but with so much to absorb, we believe that focusing on this Chapter by itself this week will give you all space to review and get used to the pacing of the online study group. We will not be repeating other chapters; it only happens this week to ease you into setting your study time.

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. 3^rd ed. School Nursing: A Comprehensive Text 3^rd Edition Chapters 1-4 and 11-13

This topic comprises 27% of the exam.

This week's contribution:
Please share what resources you chose to reinforce areas that needed more focused attention after reviewing the material and taking the chapter quiz.

This chapter of information is always the hardest for me. I have found that I learn and retain information related to stages of development and levels of prevention by creating charts and tables to organize the information.  My notes for this section involve color-coded printouts of Piaget and Erickson's stages of growth and development, as well as charts with definitions and examples of levels of prevention.

Test Taking Tips:
As promised, here are some test-taking tips specifically geared toward multiple-choice
Nursing exam questions! (11 Test-Taking Tips & Strategies For Nurses * Nurseslabs)

1.    Read Questions Carefully

a.    Scores on tests are greatly affected by reading ability.

b.    In answering a test item, you should begin by carefully reading the stem and then asking yourself the following questions:

                                               i.     What is the question really asking?

                                             ii.     Are there any keywords?

                                            iii.     What is information relevant to answering this question included in the stem?

                                            iv.     How would I ask this question in my own words?

                                             v.     How would I answer this question in my own words?

c.    After you have answered these questions, carefully read the options and then ask yourself the following questions:

                                               i.     Is there an option that is similar to my answer?

                                             ii.     Is this option the best, most complete answer to the question?

d.    Deal with the question as it is stated, without reading anything into it, or
making assumptions about it.

e.    Answer the question asked, not the one you would like to answer. For simple recall items, the self-questioning process usually will be completed quickly. For more complex items the self-questioning process may take longer, but it should assist you in clarifying the item and selecting the best response.

2.    Identify Keywords

a.    Certain keywords in the stem, the options, or both should alert you to the need for caution in choosing your answer.

b.    Because few things are absolute without exception, avoid selecting answers that include words such as always, never, all, every, only, must, no, except, and none.

c.    Answers containing these keywords are rarely correct because they place special limitations and qualifications on potentially correct answers.

d.    Example: All of the following are services of the National Kidney Foundation except:

                                               i.     Public education programs

                                             ii.     Research about kidney disease

                                            iii.     Fund-raising affairs for research activities

                                            iv.     Identification of potential transplant recipients

                                             v.     This stem contains two keywords: all and except. They limit the correct answer choice to the one option that does not represent a service of the National Kidney Foundation.

                                            vi.     When except, not, or a phrase such as all but one of the following appears in the stem, the inappropriate option is the correct answer in this instance, option 4.

e.    If the options in an item do not seem to make sense because more than one option is correct, reread the question; you may have missed one of the keywords in the stem.

f.      Be on guard when you see one of the keywords in an option; it may limit
the context in which such an option would be correct.

Here is the link to a free "Test Taking Strategies" course from NurseBuilders: 
Test Taking Techniques - A Guide For Nursing Certification

Additionally, check out the Exam Prep Materials on www.nbcsn.org, located under the exam tab.

Happy learning! Keep us posted on your progress!​​

------------------------------
Sarah T. Portle M.Ed., BSN RN, NCSN
Lead Nurse - Arizona State University Preparatory Academy
PhD Student - Arizona State University, Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation
------------------------------

Question 24 made me realize the importance of key words.  I picked up on the key word "redirect" for C, but had to reread D a couple of times before I realized it said "shallow" breaths. 

Welcome to Week #2 of our online NCSN Study Group! We are moving full-steam ahead in preparation for the upcoming Spring 2025 Exam Window.  It is exciting to see how many school nurses have joined the group and are contributing to the ongoing conversation. Thank you to those who have shared your experiences and posted questions. We are off to a great start!

The application window for Spring 2025 testing is open now – Early Bird Registration is until January 18, 2025, and the window closes on February 1, 2025. The Spring 2025 testing window is from March 1-31, 2025.

Suggested Reading for Week #2:

We are digging deeper into Chapter 2 of the Review book. We introduced it last week, but with so much to absorb, we believe that focusing on this Chapter by itself this week will give you all space to review and get used to the pacing of the online study group. We will not be repeating other chapters; it only happens this week to ease you into setting your study time.

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. 3^rd ed. School Nursing: A Comprehensive Text 3^rd Edition Chapters 1-4 and 11-13

This topic comprises 27% of the exam.

This week's contribution:
Please share what resources you chose to reinforce areas that needed more focused attention after reviewing the material and taking the chapter quiz.

This chapter of information is always the hardest for me. I have found that I learn and retain information related to stages of development and levels of prevention by creating charts and tables to organize the information.  My notes for this section involve color-coded printouts of Piaget and Erickson's stages of growth and development, as well as charts with definitions and examples of levels of prevention.

Test Taking Tips:
As promised, here are some test-taking tips specifically geared toward multiple-choice
Nursing exam questions! (11 Test-Taking Tips & Strategies For Nurses * Nurseslabs)

1.    Read Questions Carefully

a.    Scores on tests are greatly affected by reading ability.

b.    In answering a test item, you should begin by carefully reading the stem and then asking yourself the following questions:

                                               i.     What is the question really asking?

                                             ii.     Are there any keywords?

                                            iii.     What is information relevant to answering this question included in the stem?

                                            iv.     How would I ask this question in my own words?

                                             v.     How would I answer this question in my own words?

c.    After you have answered these questions, carefully read the options and then ask yourself the following questions:

                                               i.     Is there an option that is similar to my answer?

                                             ii.     Is this option the best, most complete answer to the question?

d.    Deal with the question as it is stated, without reading anything into it, or
making assumptions about it.

e.    Answer the question asked, not the one you would like to answer. For simple recall items, the self-questioning process usually will be completed quickly. For more complex items the self-questioning process may take longer, but it should assist you in clarifying the item and selecting the best response.

2.    Identify Keywords

a.    Certain keywords in the stem, the options, or both should alert you to the need for caution in choosing your answer.

b.    Because few things are absolute without exception, avoid selecting answers that include words such as always, never, all, every, only, must, no, except, and none.

c.    Answers containing these keywords are rarely correct because they place special limitations and qualifications on potentially correct answers.

d.    Example: All of the following are services of the National Kidney Foundation except:

                                               i.     Public education programs

                                             ii.     Research about kidney disease

                                            iii.     Fund-raising affairs for research activities

                                            iv.     Identification of potential transplant recipients

                                             v.     This stem contains two keywords: all and except. They limit the correct answer choice to the one option that does not represent a service of the National Kidney Foundation.

                                            vi.     When except, not, or a phrase such as all but one of the following appears in the stem, the inappropriate option is the correct answer in this instance, option 4.

e.    If the options in an item do not seem to make sense because more than one option is correct, reread the question; you may have missed one of the keywords in the stem.

f.      Be on guard when you see one of the keywords in an option; it may limit
the context in which such an option would be correct.

Here is the link to a free "Test Taking Strategies" course from NurseBuilders: 
Test Taking Techniques - A Guide For Nursing Certification

Additionally, check out the Exam Prep Materials on www.nbcsn.org, located under the exam tab.

Happy learning! Keep us posted on your progress!​​

------------------------------
Sarah T. Portle M.Ed., BSN RN, NCSN
Lead Nurse - Arizona State University Preparatory Academy
PhD Student - Arizona State University, Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation
------------------------------

Question 24 made me realize the importance of key words.  I picked up on the key word "redirect" for C, but had to reread D a couple of times before I realized it said "shallow" breaths. 

Welcome to Week #2 of our online NCSN Study Group! We are moving full-steam ahead in preparation for the upcoming Spring 2025 Exam Window.  It is exciting to see how many school nurses have joined the group and are contributing to the ongoing conversation. Thank you to those who have shared your experiences and posted questions. We are off to a great start!

The application window for Spring 2025 testing is open now – Early Bird Registration is until January 18, 2025, and the window closes on February 1, 2025. The Spring 2025 testing window is from March 1-31, 2025.

Suggested Reading for Week #2:

We are digging deeper into Chapter 2 of the Review book. We introduced it last week, but with so much to absorb, we believe that focusing on this Chapter by itself this week will give you all space to review and get used to the pacing of the online study group. We will not be repeating other chapters; it only happens this week to ease you into setting your study time.

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. 3^rd ed. School Nursing: A Comprehensive Text 3^rd Edition Chapters 1-4 and 11-13

This topic comprises 27% of the exam.

This week's contribution:
Please share what resources you chose to reinforce areas that needed more focused attention after reviewing the material and taking the chapter quiz.

This chapter of information is always the hardest for me. I have found that I learn and retain information related to stages of development and levels of prevention by creating charts and tables to organize the information.  My notes for this section involve color-coded printouts of Piaget and Erickson's stages of growth and development, as well as charts with definitions and examples of levels of prevention.

Test Taking Tips:
As promised, here are some test-taking tips specifically geared toward multiple-choice
Nursing exam questions! (11 Test-Taking Tips & Strategies For Nurses * Nurseslabs)

1.    Read Questions Carefully

a.    Scores on tests are greatly affected by reading ability.

b.    In answering a test item, you should begin by carefully reading the stem and then asking yourself the following questions:

                                               i.     What is the question really asking?

                                             ii.     Are there any keywords?

                                            iii.     What is information relevant to answering this question included in the stem?

                                            iv.     How would I ask this question in my own words?

                                             v.     How would I answer this question in my own words?

c.    After you have answered these questions, carefully read the options and then ask yourself the following questions:

                                               i.     Is there an option that is similar to my answer?

                                             ii.     Is this option the best, most complete answer to the question?

d.    Deal with the question as it is stated, without reading anything into it, or
making assumptions about it.

e.    Answer the question asked, not the one you would like to answer. For simple recall items, the self-questioning process usually will be completed quickly. For more complex items the self-questioning process may take longer, but it should assist you in clarifying the item and selecting the best response.

2.    Identify Keywords

a.    Certain keywords in the stem, the options, or both should alert you to the need for caution in choosing your answer.

b.    Because few things are absolute without exception, avoid selecting answers that include words such as always, never, all, every, only, must, no, except, and none.

c.    Answers containing these keywords are rarely correct because they place special limitations and qualifications on potentially correct answers.

d.    Example: All of the following are services of the National Kidney Foundation except:

                                               i.     Public education programs

                                             ii.     Research about kidney disease

                                            iii.     Fund-raising affairs for research activities

                                            iv.     Identification of potential transplant recipients

                                             v.     This stem contains two keywords: all and except. They limit the correct answer choice to the one option that does not represent a service of the National Kidney Foundation.

                                            vi.     When except, not, or a phrase such as all but one of the following appears in the stem, the inappropriate option is the correct answer in this instance, option 4.

e.    If the options in an item do not seem to make sense because more than one option is correct, reread the question; you may have missed one of the keywords in the stem.

f.      Be on guard when you see one of the keywords in an option; it may limit
the context in which such an option would be correct.

Here is the link to a free "Test Taking Strategies" course from NurseBuilders: 
Test Taking Techniques - A Guide For Nursing Certification

Additionally, check out the Exam Prep Materials on www.nbcsn.org, located under the exam tab.

Happy learning! Keep us posted on your progress!​​

------------------------------
Sarah T. Portle M.Ed., BSN RN, NCSN
Lead Nurse - Arizona State University Preparatory Academy
PhD Student - Arizona State University, Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation
------------------------------

Welcome to Week #2 of our online NCSN Study Group! We are moving full-steam ahead in preparation for the upcoming Spring 2025 Exam Window.  It is exciting to see how many school nurses have joined the group and are contributing to the ongoing conversation. Thank you to those who have shared your experiences and posted questions. We are off to a great start!

The application window for Spring 2025 testing is open now – Early Bird Registration is until January 18, 2025, and the window closes on February 1, 2025. The Spring 2025 testing window is from March 1-31, 2025.

Suggested Reading for Week #2:

We are digging deeper into Chapter 2 of the Review book. We introduced it last week, but with so much to absorb, we believe that focusing on this Chapter by itself this week will give you all space to review and get used to the pacing of the online study group. We will not be repeating other chapters; it only happens this week to ease you into setting your study time.

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. 3^rd ed. School Nursing: A Comprehensive Text 3^rd Edition Chapters 1-4 and 11-13

This topic comprises 27% of the exam.

This week's contribution:
Please share what resources you chose to reinforce areas that needed more focused attention after reviewing the material and taking the chapter quiz.

This chapter of information is always the hardest for me. I have found that I learn and retain information related to stages of development and levels of prevention by creating charts and tables to organize the information.  My notes for this section involve color-coded printouts of Piaget and Erickson's stages of growth and development, as well as charts with definitions and examples of levels of prevention.

Test Taking Tips:
As promised, here are some test-taking tips specifically geared toward multiple-choice
Nursing exam questions! (11 Test-Taking Tips & Strategies For Nurses * Nurseslabs)

1.    Read Questions Carefully

a.    Scores on tests are greatly affected by reading ability.

b.    In answering a test item, you should begin by carefully reading the stem and then asking yourself the following questions:

                                               i.     What is the question really asking?

                                             ii.     Are there any keywords?

                                            iii.     What is information relevant to answering this question included in the stem?

                                            iv.     How would I ask this question in my own words?

                                             v.     How would I answer this question in my own words?

c.    After you have answered these questions, carefully read the options and then ask yourself the following questions:

                                               i.     Is there an option that is similar to my answer?

                                             ii.     Is this option the best, most complete answer to the question?

d.    Deal with the question as it is stated, without reading anything into it, or
making assumptions about it.

e.    Answer the question asked, not the one you would like to answer. For simple recall items, the self-questioning process usually will be completed quickly. For more complex items the self-questioning process may take longer, but it should assist you in clarifying the item and selecting the best response.

2.    Identify Keywords

a.    Certain keywords in the stem, the options, or both should alert you to the need for caution in choosing your answer.

b.    Because few things are absolute without exception, avoid selecting answers that include words such as always, never, all, every, only, must, no, except, and none.

c.    Answers containing these keywords are rarely correct because they place special limitations and qualifications on potentially correct answers.

d.    Example: All of the following are services of the National Kidney Foundation except:

                                               i.     Public education programs

                                             ii.     Research about kidney disease

                                            iii.     Fund-raising affairs for research activities

                                            iv.     Identification of potential transplant recipients

                                             v.     This stem contains two keywords: all and except. They limit the correct answer choice to the one option that does not represent a service of the National Kidney Foundation.

                                            vi.     When except, not, or a phrase such as all but one of the following appears in the stem, the inappropriate option is the correct answer in this instance, option 4.

e.    If the options in an item do not seem to make sense because more than one option is correct, reread the question; you may have missed one of the keywords in the stem.

f.      Be on guard when you see one of the keywords in an option; it may limit
the context in which such an option would be correct.

Here is the link to a free "Test Taking Strategies" course from NurseBuilders: 
Test Taking Techniques - A Guide For Nursing Certification

Additionally, check out the Exam Prep Materials on www.nbcsn.org, located under the exam tab.

Happy learning! Keep us posted on your progress!​​

------------------------------
Sarah T. Portle M.Ed., BSN RN, NCSN
Lead Nurse - Arizona State University Preparatory Academy
PhD Student - Arizona State University, Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation
------------------------------

Verywellmind.com has reviews of the different development theories with mini quizzes at the end that are kind of fun.

Welcome to Week #2 of our online NCSN Study Group! We are moving full-steam ahead in preparation for the upcoming Spring 2025 Exam Window.  It is exciting to see how many school nurses have joined the group and are contributing to the ongoing conversation. Thank you to those who have shared your experiences and posted questions. We are off to a great start!

The application window for Spring 2025 testing is open now – Early Bird Registration is until January 18, 2025, and the window closes on February 1, 2025. The Spring 2025 testing window is from March 1-31, 2025.

Suggested Reading for Week #2:

We are digging deeper into Chapter 2 of the Review book. We introduced it last week, but with so much to absorb, we believe that focusing on this Chapter by itself this week will give you all space to review and get used to the pacing of the online study group. We will not be repeating other chapters; it only happens this week to ease you into setting your study time.

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. 3^rd ed. School Nursing: A Comprehensive Text 3^rd Edition Chapters 1-4 and 11-13

This topic comprises 27% of the exam.

This week's contribution:
Please share what resources you chose to reinforce areas that needed more focused attention after reviewing the material and taking the chapter quiz.

This chapter of information is always the hardest for me. I have found that I learn and retain information related to stages of development and levels of prevention by creating charts and tables to organize the information.  My notes for this section involve color-coded printouts of Piaget and Erickson's stages of growth and development, as well as charts with definitions and examples of levels of prevention.

Test Taking Tips:
As promised, here are some test-taking tips specifically geared toward multiple-choice
Nursing exam questions! (11 Test-Taking Tips & Strategies For Nurses * Nurseslabs)

1.    Read Questions Carefully

a.    Scores on tests are greatly affected by reading ability.

b.    In answering a test item, you should begin by carefully reading the stem and then asking yourself the following questions:

                                               i.     What is the question really asking?

                                             ii.     Are there any keywords?

                                            iii.     What is information relevant to answering this question included in the stem?

                                            iv.     How would I ask this question in my own words?

                                             v.     How would I answer this question in my own words?

c.    After you have answered these questions, carefully read the options and then ask yourself the following questions:

                                               i.     Is there an option that is similar to my answer?

                                             ii.     Is this option the best, most complete answer to the question?

d.    Deal with the question as it is stated, without reading anything into it, or
making assumptions about it.

e.    Answer the question asked, not the one you would like to answer. For simple recall items, the self-questioning process usually will be completed quickly. For more complex items the self-questioning process may take longer, but it should assist you in clarifying the item and selecting the best response.

2.    Identify Keywords

a.    Certain keywords in the stem, the options, or both should alert you to the need for caution in choosing your answer.

b.    Because few things are absolute without exception, avoid selecting answers that include words such as always, never, all, every, only, must, no, except, and none.

c.    Answers containing these keywords are rarely correct because they place special limitations and qualifications on potentially correct answers.

d.    Example: All of the following are services of the National Kidney Foundation except:

                                               i.     Public education programs

                                             ii.     Research about kidney disease

                                            iii.     Fund-raising affairs for research activities

                                            iv.     Identification of potential transplant recipients

                                             v.     This stem contains two keywords: all and except. They limit the correct answer choice to the one option that does not represent a service of the National Kidney Foundation.

                                            vi.     When except, not, or a phrase such as all but one of the following appears in the stem, the inappropriate option is the correct answer in this instance, option 4.

e.    If the options in an item do not seem to make sense because more than one option is correct, reread the question; you may have missed one of the keywords in the stem.

f.      Be on guard when you see one of the keywords in an option; it may limit
the context in which such an option would be correct.

Here is the link to a free "Test Taking Strategies" course from NurseBuilders: 
Test Taking Techniques - A Guide For Nursing Certification

Additionally, check out the Exam Prep Materials on www.nbcsn.org, located under the exam tab.

Happy learning! Keep us posted on your progress!​​

------------------------------
Sarah T. Portle M.Ed., BSN RN, NCSN
Lead Nurse - Arizona State University Preparatory Academy
PhD Student - Arizona State University, Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation
------------------------------

Welcome to Week #2 of our online NCSN Study Group! We are moving full-steam ahead in preparation for the upcoming Spring 2025 Exam Window.  It is exciting to see how many school nurses have joined the group and are contributing to the ongoing conversation. Thank you to those who have shared your experiences and posted questions. We are off to a great start!

The application window for Spring 2025 testing is open now – Early Bird Registration is until January 18, 2025, and the window closes on February 1, 2025. The Spring 2025 testing window is from March 1-31, 2025.

Suggested Reading for Week #2:

We are digging deeper into Chapter 2 of the Review book. We introduced it last week, but with so much to absorb, we believe that focusing on this Chapter by itself this week will give you all space to review and get used to the pacing of the online study group. We will not be repeating other chapters; it only happens this week to ease you into setting your study time.

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. 3^rd ed. School Nursing: A Comprehensive Text 3^rd Edition Chapters 1-4 and 11-13

This topic comprises 27% of the exam.

This week's contribution:
Please share what resources you chose to reinforce areas that needed more focused attention after reviewing the material and taking the chapter quiz.

This chapter of information is always the hardest for me. I have found that I learn and retain information related to stages of development and levels of prevention by creating charts and tables to organize the information.  My notes for this section involve color-coded printouts of Piaget and Erickson's stages of growth and development, as well as charts with definitions and examples of levels of prevention.

Test Taking Tips:
As promised, here are some test-taking tips specifically geared toward multiple-choice
Nursing exam questions! (11 Test-Taking Tips & Strategies For Nurses * Nurseslabs)

1.    Read Questions Carefully

a.    Scores on tests are greatly affected by reading ability.

b.    In answering a test item, you should begin by carefully reading the stem and then asking yourself the following questions:

                                               i.     What is the question really asking?

                                             ii.     Are there any keywords?

                                            iii.     What is information relevant to answering this question included in the stem?

                                            iv.     How would I ask this question in my own words?

                                             v.     How would I answer this question in my own words?

c.    After you have answered these questions, carefully read the options and then ask yourself the following questions:

                                               i.     Is there an option that is similar to my answer?

                                             ii.     Is this option the best, most complete answer to the question?

d.    Deal with the question as it is stated, without reading anything into it, or
making assumptions about it.

e.    Answer the question asked, not the one you would like to answer. For simple recall items, the self-questioning process usually will be completed quickly. For more complex items the self-questioning process may take longer, but it should assist you in clarifying the item and selecting the best response.

2.    Identify Keywords

a.    Certain keywords in the stem, the options, or both should alert you to the need for caution in choosing your answer.

b.    Because few things are absolute without exception, avoid selecting answers that include words such as always, never, all, every, only, must, no, except, and none.

c.    Answers containing these keywords are rarely correct because they place special limitations and qualifications on potentially correct answers.

d.    Example: All of the following are services of the National Kidney Foundation except:

                                               i.     Public education programs

                                             ii.     Research about kidney disease

                                            iii.     Fund-raising affairs for research activities

                                            iv.     Identification of potential transplant recipients

                                             v.     This stem contains two keywords: all and except. They limit the correct answer choice to the one option that does not represent a service of the National Kidney Foundation.

                                            vi.     When except, not, or a phrase such as all but one of the following appears in the stem, the inappropriate option is the correct answer in this instance, option 4.

e.    If the options in an item do not seem to make sense because more than one option is correct, reread the question; you may have missed one of the keywords in the stem.

f.      Be on guard when you see one of the keywords in an option; it may limit
the context in which such an option would be correct.

Here is the link to a free "Test Taking Strategies" course from NurseBuilders: 
Test Taking Techniques - A Guide For Nursing Certification

Additionally, check out the Exam Prep Materials on www.nbcsn.org, located under the exam tab.

Happy learning! Keep us posted on your progress!​​

------------------------------
Sarah T. Portle M.Ed., BSN RN, NCSN
Lead Nurse - Arizona State University Preparatory Academy
PhD Student - Arizona State University, Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation
------------------------------

Welcome to Week #2 of our online NCSN Study Group! We are moving full-steam ahead in preparation for the upcoming Spring 2025 Exam Window.  It is exciting to see how many school nurses have joined the group and are contributing to the ongoing conversation. Thank you to those who have shared your experiences and posted questions. We are off to a great start!

The application window for Spring 2025 testing is open now – Early Bird Registration is until January 18, 2025, and the window closes on February 1, 2025. The Spring 2025 testing window is from March 1-31, 2025.

Suggested Reading for Week #2:

We are digging deeper into Chapter 2 of the Review book. We introduced it last week, but with so much to absorb, we believe that focusing on this Chapter by itself this week will give you all space to review and get used to the pacing of the online study group. We will not be repeating other chapters; it only happens this week to ease you into setting your study time.

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. 3^rd ed. School Nursing: A Comprehensive Text 3^rd Edition Chapters 1-4 and 11-13

This topic comprises 27% of the exam.

This week's contribution:
Please share what resources you chose to reinforce areas that needed more focused attention after reviewing the material and taking the chapter quiz.

This chapter of information is always the hardest for me. I have found that I learn and retain information related to stages of development and levels of prevention by creating charts and tables to organize the information.  My notes for this section involve color-coded printouts of Piaget and Erickson's stages of growth and development, as well as charts with definitions and examples of levels of prevention.

Test Taking Tips:
As promised, here are some test-taking tips specifically geared toward multiple-choice
Nursing exam questions! (11 Test-Taking Tips & Strategies For Nurses * Nurseslabs)

1.    Read Questions Carefully

a.    Scores on tests are greatly affected by reading ability.

b.    In answering a test item, you should begin by carefully reading the stem and then asking yourself the following questions:

                                               i.     What is the question really asking?

                                             ii.     Are there any keywords?

                                            iii.     What is information relevant to answering this question included in the stem?

                                            iv.     How would I ask this question in my own words?

                                             v.     How would I answer this question in my own words?

c.    After you have answered these questions, carefully read the options and then ask yourself the following questions:

                                               i.     Is there an option that is similar to my answer?

                                             ii.     Is this option the best, most complete answer to the question?

d.    Deal with the question as it is stated, without reading anything into it, or
making assumptions about it.

e.    Answer the question asked, not the one you would like to answer. For simple recall items, the self-questioning process usually will be completed quickly. For more complex items the self-questioning process may take longer, but it should assist you in clarifying the item and selecting the best response.

2.    Identify Keywords

a.    Certain keywords in the stem, the options, or both should alert you to the need for caution in choosing your answer.

b.    Because few things are absolute without exception, avoid selecting answers that include words such as always, never, all, every, only, must, no, except, and none.

c.    Answers containing these keywords are rarely correct because they place special limitations and qualifications on potentially correct answers.

d.    Example: All of the following are services of the National Kidney Foundation except:

                                               i.     Public education programs

                                             ii.     Research about kidney disease

                                            iii.     Fund-raising affairs for research activities

                                            iv.     Identification of potential transplant recipients

                                             v.     This stem contains two keywords: all and except. They limit the correct answer choice to the one option that does not represent a service of the National Kidney Foundation.

                                            vi.     When except, not, or a phrase such as all but one of the following appears in the stem, the inappropriate option is the correct answer in this instance, option 4.

e.    If the options in an item do not seem to make sense because more than one option is correct, reread the question; you may have missed one of the keywords in the stem.

f.      Be on guard when you see one of the keywords in an option; it may limit
the context in which such an option would be correct.

Here is the link to a free "Test Taking Strategies" course from NurseBuilders: 
Test Taking Techniques - A Guide For Nursing Certification

Additionally, check out the Exam Prep Materials on www.nbcsn.org, located under the exam tab.

Happy learning! Keep us posted on your progress!​​

------------------------------
Sarah T. Portle M.Ed., BSN RN, NCSN
Lead Nurse - Arizona State University Preparatory Academy
PhD Student - Arizona State University, Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation
------------------------------

Does anyone have an opinion on the Mometrix study guide or flash card system?

Welcome to Week #2 of our online NCSN Study Group! We are moving full-steam ahead in preparation for the upcoming Spring 2025 Exam Window.  It is exciting to see how many school nurses have joined the group and are contributing to the ongoing conversation. Thank you to those who have shared your experiences and posted questions. We are off to a great start!

The application window for Spring 2025 testing is open now – Early Bird Registration is until January 18, 2025, and the window closes on February 1, 2025. The Spring 2025 testing window is from March 1-31, 2025.

Suggested Reading for Week #2:

We are digging deeper into Chapter 2 of the Review book. We introduced it last week, but with so much to absorb, we believe that focusing on this Chapter by itself this week will give you all space to review and get used to the pacing of the online study group. We will not be repeating other chapters; it only happens this week to ease you into setting your study time.

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. 3^rd ed. School Nursing: A Comprehensive Text 3^rd Edition Chapters 1-4 and 11-13

This topic comprises 27% of the exam.

This week's contribution:
Please share what resources you chose to reinforce areas that needed more focused attention after reviewing the material and taking the chapter quiz.

This chapter of information is always the hardest for me. I have found that I learn and retain information related to stages of development and levels of prevention by creating charts and tables to organize the information.  My notes for this section involve color-coded printouts of Piaget and Erickson's stages of growth and development, as well as charts with definitions and examples of levels of prevention.

Test Taking Tips:
As promised, here are some test-taking tips specifically geared toward multiple-choice
Nursing exam questions! (11 Test-Taking Tips & Strategies For Nurses * Nurseslabs)

1.    Read Questions Carefully

a.    Scores on tests are greatly affected by reading ability.

b.    In answering a test item, you should begin by carefully reading the stem and then asking yourself the following questions:

                                               i.     What is the question really asking?

                                             ii.     Are there any keywords?

                                            iii.     What is information relevant to answering this question included in the stem?

                                            iv.     How would I ask this question in my own words?

                                             v.     How would I answer this question in my own words?

c.    After you have answered these questions, carefully read the options and then ask yourself the following questions:

                                               i.     Is there an option that is similar to my answer?

                                             ii.     Is this option the best, most complete answer to the question?

d.    Deal with the question as it is stated, without reading anything into it, or
making assumptions about it.

e.    Answer the question asked, not the one you would like to answer. For simple recall items, the self-questioning process usually will be completed quickly. For more complex items the self-questioning process may take longer, but it should assist you in clarifying the item and selecting the best response.

2.    Identify Keywords

a.    Certain keywords in the stem, the options, or both should alert you to the need for caution in choosing your answer.

b.    Because few things are absolute without exception, avoid selecting answers that include words such as always, never, all, every, only, must, no, except, and none.

c.    Answers containing these keywords are rarely correct because they place special limitations and qualifications on potentially correct answers.

d.    Example: All of the following are services of the National Kidney Foundation except:

                                               i.     Public education programs

                                             ii.     Research about kidney disease

                                            iii.     Fund-raising affairs for research activities

                                            iv.     Identification of potential transplant recipients

                                             v.     This stem contains two keywords: all and except. They limit the correct answer choice to the one option that does not represent a service of the National Kidney Foundation.

                                            vi.     When except, not, or a phrase such as all but one of the following appears in the stem, the inappropriate option is the correct answer in this instance, option 4.

e.    If the options in an item do not seem to make sense because more than one option is correct, reread the question; you may have missed one of the keywords in the stem.

f.      Be on guard when you see one of the keywords in an option; it may limit
the context in which such an option would be correct.

Here is the link to a free "Test Taking Strategies" course from NurseBuilders: 
Test Taking Techniques - A Guide For Nursing Certification

Additionally, check out the Exam Prep Materials on www.nbcsn.org, located under the exam tab.

Happy learning! Keep us posted on your progress!​​

------------------------------
Sarah T. Portle M.Ed., BSN RN, NCSN
Lead Nurse - Arizona State University Preparatory Academy
PhD Student - Arizona State University, Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation
------------------------------

Does anyone have an opinion on the Mometrix study guide or flash card system?

Welcome to Week #2 of our online NCSN Study Group! We are moving full-steam ahead in preparation for the upcoming Spring 2025 Exam Window.  It is exciting to see how many school nurses have joined the group and are contributing to the ongoing conversation. Thank you to those who have shared your experiences and posted questions. We are off to a great start!

The application window for Spring 2025 testing is open now – Early Bird Registration is until January 18, 2025, and the window closes on February 1, 2025. The Spring 2025 testing window is from March 1-31, 2025.

Suggested Reading for Week #2:

We are digging deeper into Chapter 2 of the Review book. We introduced it last week, but with so much to absorb, we believe that focusing on this Chapter by itself this week will give you all space to review and get used to the pacing of the online study group. We will not be repeating other chapters; it only happens this week to ease you into setting your study time.

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. 3^rd ed. School Nursing: A Comprehensive Text 3^rd Edition Chapters 1-4 and 11-13

This topic comprises 27% of the exam.

This week's contribution:
Please share what resources you chose to reinforce areas that needed more focused attention after reviewing the material and taking the chapter quiz.

This chapter of information is always the hardest for me. I have found that I learn and retain information related to stages of development and levels of prevention by creating charts and tables to organize the information.  My notes for this section involve color-coded printouts of Piaget and Erickson's stages of growth and development, as well as charts with definitions and examples of levels of prevention.

Test Taking Tips:
As promised, here are some test-taking tips specifically geared toward multiple-choice
Nursing exam questions! (11 Test-Taking Tips & Strategies For Nurses * Nurseslabs)

1.    Read Questions Carefully

a.    Scores on tests are greatly affected by reading ability.

b.    In answering a test item, you should begin by carefully reading the stem and then asking yourself the following questions:

                                               i.     What is the question really asking?

                                             ii.     Are there any keywords?

                                            iii.     What is information relevant to answering this question included in the stem?

                                            iv.     How would I ask this question in my own words?

                                             v.     How would I answer this question in my own words?

c.    After you have answered these questions, carefully read the options and then ask yourself the following questions:

                                               i.     Is there an option that is similar to my answer?

                                             ii.     Is this option the best, most complete answer to the question?

d.    Deal with the question as it is stated, without reading anything into it, or
making assumptions about it.

e.    Answer the question asked, not the one you would like to answer. For simple recall items, the self-questioning process usually will be completed quickly. For more complex items the self-questioning process may take longer, but it should assist you in clarifying the item and selecting the best response.

2.    Identify Keywords

a.    Certain keywords in the stem, the options, or both should alert you to the need for caution in choosing your answer.

b.    Because few things are absolute without exception, avoid selecting answers that include words such as always, never, all, every, only, must, no, except, and none.

c.    Answers containing these keywords are rarely correct because they place special limitations and qualifications on potentially correct answers.

d.    Example: All of the following are services of the National Kidney Foundation except:

                                               i.     Public education programs

                                             ii.     Research about kidney disease

                                            iii.     Fund-raising affairs for research activities

                                            iv.     Identification of potential transplant recipients

                                             v.     This stem contains two keywords: all and except. They limit the correct answer choice to the one option that does not represent a service of the National Kidney Foundation.

                                            vi.     When except, not, or a phrase such as all but one of the following appears in the stem, the inappropriate option is the correct answer in this instance, option 4.

e.    If the options in an item do not seem to make sense because more than one option is correct, reread the question; you may have missed one of the keywords in the stem.

f.      Be on guard when you see one of the keywords in an option; it may limit
the context in which such an option would be correct.

Here is the link to a free "Test Taking Strategies" course from NurseBuilders: 
Test Taking Techniques - A Guide For Nursing Certification

Additionally, check out the Exam Prep Materials on www.nbcsn.org, located under the exam tab.

Happy learning! Keep us posted on your progress!​​

------------------------------
Sarah T. Portle M.Ed., BSN RN, NCSN
Lead Nurse - Arizona State University Preparatory Academy
PhD Student - Arizona State University, Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation
------------------------------

Welcome to Week #2 of our online NCSN Study Group! We are moving full-steam ahead in preparation for the upcoming Spring 2025 Exam Window.  It is exciting to see how many school nurses have joined the group and are contributing to the ongoing conversation. Thank you to those who have shared your experiences and posted questions. We are off to a great start!

The application window for Spring 2025 testing is open now – Early Bird Registration is until January 18, 2025, and the window closes on February 1, 2025. The Spring 2025 testing window is from March 1-31, 2025.

Suggested Reading for Week #2:

We are digging deeper into Chapter 2 of the Review book. We introduced it last week, but with so much to absorb, we believe that focusing on this Chapter by itself this week will give you all space to review and get used to the pacing of the online study group. We will not be repeating other chapters; it only happens this week to ease you into setting your study time.

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. 3^rd ed. School Nursing: A Comprehensive Text 3^rd Edition Chapters 1-4 and 11-13

This topic comprises 27% of the exam.

This week's contribution:
Please share what resources you chose to reinforce areas that needed more focused attention after reviewing the material and taking the chapter quiz.

This chapter of information is always the hardest for me. I have found that I learn and retain information related to stages of development and levels of prevention by creating charts and tables to organize the information.  My notes for this section involve color-coded printouts of Piaget and Erickson's stages of growth and development, as well as charts with definitions and examples of levels of prevention.

Test Taking Tips:
As promised, here are some test-taking tips specifically geared toward multiple-choice
Nursing exam questions! (11 Test-Taking Tips & Strategies For Nurses * Nurseslabs)

1.    Read Questions Carefully

a.    Scores on tests are greatly affected by reading ability.

b.    In answering a test item, you should begin by carefully reading the stem and then asking yourself the following questions:

                                               i.     What is the question really asking?

                                             ii.     Are there any keywords?

                                            iii.     What is information relevant to answering this question included in the stem?

                                            iv.     How would I ask this question in my own words?

                                             v.     How would I answer this question in my own words?

c.    After you have answered these questions, carefully read the options and then ask yourself the following questions:

                                               i.     Is there an option that is similar to my answer?

                                             ii.     Is this option the best, most complete answer to the question?

d.    Deal with the question as it is stated, without reading anything into it, or
making assumptions about it.

e.    Answer the question asked, not the one you would like to answer. For simple recall items, the self-questioning process usually will be completed quickly. For more complex items the self-questioning process may take longer, but it should assist you in clarifying the item and selecting the best response.

2.    Identify Keywords

a.    Certain keywords in the stem, the options, or both should alert you to the need for caution in choosing your answer.

b.    Because few things are absolute without exception, avoid selecting answers that include words such as always, never, all, every, only, must, no, except, and none.

c.    Answers containing these keywords are rarely correct because they place special limitations and qualifications on potentially correct answers.

d.    Example: All of the following are services of the National Kidney Foundation except:

                                               i.     Public education programs

                                             ii.     Research about kidney disease

                                            iii.     Fund-raising affairs for research activities

                                            iv.     Identification of potential transplant recipients

                                             v.     This stem contains two keywords: all and except. They limit the correct answer choice to the one option that does not represent a service of the National Kidney Foundation.

                                            vi.     When except, not, or a phrase such as all but one of the following appears in the stem, the inappropriate option is the correct answer in this instance, option 4.

e.    If the options in an item do not seem to make sense because more than one option is correct, reread the question; you may have missed one of the keywords in the stem.

f.      Be on guard when you see one of the keywords in an option; it may limit
the context in which such an option would be correct.

Here is the link to a free "Test Taking Strategies" course from NurseBuilders: 
Test Taking Techniques - A Guide For Nursing Certification

Additionally, check out the Exam Prep Materials on www.nbcsn.org, located under the exam tab.

Happy learning! Keep us posted on your progress!​​

------------------------------
Sarah T. Portle M.Ed., BSN RN, NCSN
Lead Nurse - Arizona State University Preparatory Academy
PhD Student - Arizona State University, Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation
------------------------------