Best CEN review material

Specialties Emergency

Published

I am looking for suggestions on the most helpful review material for the CEN. There are a lot of books out there! I have about $150 to spend on review material/books. How can I get the most bang for my buck?

Open to any advice on how to prepare for/pass this exam :yes:

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Specializes in Emergency, Trauma, Critical Care.

I haven't taken the test yet, but what I bought was Boswell's CEN review book, he has free youtube videos that go along with it and it only cost 25 bucks. It's helpful for "targeting information" I also invested in a test book to "test myself" and practice lots of questions

Definitely ask coworkers or nurses you know if they have supplies, I ended up with two extra books and an online review to help. I've also got Sheehy's which is good info, but wordy and I regret buying the Emergency Nurse core curriculum, it's a very detailed book, but more of a reference guide than anything. It's just too much info to really be useful unless you like what feels as though a nursing textbook

Hope that helps, good luck to you! :)

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Specializes in ER, PACU, ICU.

I bought the ENA CEN review book and went through the questions taking the time to read the rationals. I went through it over a 2-3 month period and then took the test and passed. CEN Review Manual, 4th Edition

Not sure of the different cost but Jeff Solheim has some pretty good stuff too but not sure of the price CEN - Certified Emergency Nurse | Jeff Solheim

Good luck!

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Specializes in ER.

If there is anyway you can make it to a Jeff Solheim review course in person, DO IT. It is a great fun time and learned tons of great information. As far as material, I found Sheey's Manual of Emergency Care was a good review, recommended by the ENA as well. Doesn't read like a textbook, read cover to cover in a couple of days pretty cheap on amazon as well (gotta love that free prime shipping). I will also recommend staying away from MOMETRIX's practice exam though cheap, I found many questions and blantant incorrect answers, in a way I knew that I was ready when I found those inconsistancies.

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Thank you for the suggestions. I have Sheehy's and I'm watching some of Jeff Solheims videos - If he did a review in my area I would do it!

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Bumping this thread, as I am looking at some review stuff.

Gotta say, it is clearly not all created equal.

This comes up easily in a google search:

1. An elderly female client presents to the ED with complaints of chest pain and a history of angina. After the initial triage, what would be the next appropriate interventions?

  1. cardiac monitor, oxygen, and sublingual nitroglycerin
  2. cardiac monitor, sublingual nitroglycerin, and Foley catheter
  3. cardiac monitor, IV, oxygen, and sublingual nitroglycerin
  4. oxygen, sublingual nitroglycerin, and Foley catheter

2. A 7-year-old child is brought to the emergency department after multiple bee stings about 30 minutes previously. He complains of itching, swollen lips, and difficulty breathing. Wheezing and stridor are heard. What is the most immediate treatment required?

  1. epinephrine 0.1 mg intramuscularly
  2. intravenous corticosteroid
  3. intravenous antihistamine
  4. broad-spectrum antibiotic

3. After an auto accident, x-rays of the patient's leg show a transverse fracture of the midfemur with several bone fragments surrounding the fracture site. The skin of the leg is intact. This type fracture is called:

  1. compression fracture
  2. comminuted fracture
  3. avulsion fracture
  4. open fracture

4. A cancer patient is seen in the emergency department with high fevers and malaise for 2 days. She received chemotherapy about 10 days ago. Her physical exam is not revealing but her temperature is 103°F. A CBC shows a hemoglobin of 10 g/dL, WBC 4000 with 10% polys, 5% bands, 70% lymphs, 10% monos, and 5% other white or unidentified cells. Platelets are 60,000/mm3. Which of the following is NOT immediately appropriate?

  1. blood cultures from different sites
  2. electrolytes, liver and renal function tests
  3. eask if she has been receiving granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF)
  4. white blood cell transfusion

5. Which statement best describes acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)?

  1. ARDS is caused by trauma only.
  2. ARDS is sudden, progressive, and severe.
  3. ARDS is caused by an illness only.
  4. ARDS never results in lung scarring.

Wow- 3 ridiculously easy questions, and 2 with no correct answer.

Clearly this company would be an awful waste of money.

I am about to order the ENA stuff.

Would also consider a good review book with questions and rationales- that is usually my best study process.

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Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.

Mosby's has a CEN review app. I don't think it was too expensive and the questions seem legit/at CEN level or flavor. I bought it to quiz my coworkers during shifts, I am trying to encourage more people to get on the certification bus!

I am a big fan of Jeff Solheim, I saw him at an ENA leadership conference and got all goofy/fangirl. Lol.

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Just installed the Mosby app- other than a bt mall for my aging eyes, seems decent.

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I bought the Meded CEN Review to do online and it is EXCELLENT! I would highly recommend it. I am a new ER nurse that wanted to go through this and eventually take the CEN exam. They have notes that you print and fill out while Jeff Solheim does lectures. He is very good at tying concepts into everyday ER scenarios. I really feel like it will help me with my everyday nursing tremendously, and also with the CEN down the road!

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