Adult CNS-EXAM - Page 6

I completed my MSN in May of this year and took the ANCC Adult Health CNS Exam on September 16 and passed. The process to me was sad because there were no review courses to "go" to other than an audio conference that you dialed into weekly. I did not do that because I can't sit there and learn well like that. Additionally, there were no true "review books" available as there are for the NP exams. Someone really should write some.

Starting about 2 weeks before the exam, I started reading and studying the Mo-Metrix book that has been mentioned here. I felt it was packed with a lot of unnecessary info and had many grammatical errors and misspelled words. I read it through once. The week before my exam, I took a week of PTO and reviewed the chapter summaries of my patho book, reviewed my pharm book, and my health assm book. I also reviewed guidelines for CAD, HTN, CHF, and DM on the National Guideline Clearinghouse website.

While I was very nervous and did not feel ready, I took the exam thinking that if I failed, it would be a learning experience. I believe the key to passing is making sure that you read the entire question carefully. I probably "marked" 75 questions to review later if I had time and I did. I think I changed 3 answers and was worried that I may have changed one that was correct. However, when I finished and was handed my letter, I almost fainted! It was one of the most stressful experiences of my life.

I did take some sample exams on the ANCC website and I think that helped me become accustomed to the format. Additionally, I found some practice tests online. I can't recall the web address though. If I find it I will post it.

Good luck!

Mentoring is a long term relationship. Precepting is short. Coaching could be coaching a patient on adherence, disease management, or a peer. It's teaching and cheering, put simply.

According to Hamric and Spross

Coaching is assisting with the safe passage of a person through life transitions (illness, childbearing, etc...).
The nurse integrates self reflection + technical competence ( APN education) + clinical competence ( clinical decision making, experience) + interpersonal competence ( patient centered position, empathy) in order to effectively coach patients through transitions.

Mentoring and Precepting- Mentoring is usually a longer relationship compared to precepting and can be either be formal ( has objectives, mentoring contract, supported by facility) or informal ( unstructured). On the other hand precepting is likely to be formal and for short pre-determind period of time. Both concepts aim to foster the growth of a new APN.

Hope this helps.
Hamric and Spross is a really great resource.

I took the ACNS exam Dec 31st and passed ! I felt the ANCC study Group was helpful. I also used several NP review books, as well as my pharmacolgy and A&P books.
I had a lot of questions related to leadership, learning theories, consultations, interpreting research articles and also on developing research projects. I felt comfortable with the clinical and disease related questions but the research and leadership ones were what made me really anxious. I was very grateful to read "congratulations" because I really thought it was tough.

What do you mean by ANCC study group, is that a study group in allnurses or on ANCC site?

Hello,

I just graduated from the MSN program at EMU, Michigan. Wondering if you still have the Mometrix Adult Health CNS guide. I would send it back to you after I am done with the exam.

Thanks,
Bhavana

Do you mean the Mometrix flash cards or the book called CNS exam secrets? I am preparing for the exam and need some resources

Hello,
I need any advice for taking and passing the CNS adult health exam through the ANCC. I did not pass the first time, the wording of the questions was difficult. Any words of wisdom would be appreciated.

I would strongly recommend you take the ANCC review class, it is a telephone conference class. They send you a book of Powerpoints, and it "meets" (via telephone) once a week for 8 weeks. I did that, and passed. Here is the information:

Adult Health Clinical Nurse Specialist Study Group
Event Type: Study Group
Start Date: 5/14/2012 - 8:00 PM
End Date: 6/11/2012 - 9:30 PM
Location: Telephone Conference Calls

Good luck,
Oldiebutgoodie

Hi Rose23,

We all fail at something. I once attended an interview after working in ICU for 3 years abd I was so tired from being up all night that I couldn't answer the questions she asked me about pacing and ventilators lol Needless to say I didn't get the job which was ok with me as she was really rude but never-the-less I was embarrassed as well.

There are no exams to be a CNS here in Australia, what is the exam called and who does them as we are moving to the USA next year.

Keep your chin up :kiss