CEN

Specialties Emergency

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I am studying for the CEN and went to an excellent review for the exam. The instructor said that there are no longer any questions about signs (ex. Kernigs sign) nor nursing diagnoses. Has anyone else heard the same or can confirm?

Thank you!

mwboswell

561 Posts

Specializes in ER, Trauma, ICU/CCU/NICU, EMS, Transport.
I am studying for the CEN and went to an excellent review for the exam. The instructor said that there are no longer any questions about signs (ex. Kernigs sign) nor nursing diagnoses. Has anyone else heard the same or can confirm?

Thank you!

Hi!

Good luck with your studying - I wish you the best!

To your question: "yes" and "no"

I too teach a CEN review course in a 2 day lecture format and have researched all the leading review guides and study materials as well as the latest exam blueprints.

There ARE questions that involve you recognizing some of the common "signs"...not that the question necessarily tests your knowledge of the sign but more so you might find the "sign" described in the stem of the question as part of the pt examination findings.

The Nsg Dx are still there, but the focus has moved far away from them, more to focus on ED Nursing "processes". You could very possibly still see something like "altered tissue perfusion" as a condition of hypovolemic shock -- but you're not going to be tested on the formal Nsg Dx per se'.

Hope this helps!

For more information you can see my blogsite where I post articles on CEN review topics, methods and other interesting ED or EMS stuff: http://www.BEMETweb.blogspot.com/

You can also check my website for information on courses as well as my personal commentary/reviews on other study materials: www.BEMETweb.com

Good luck!

-MB

Specializes in ED, Clinical Documentation.

Thank you MB! I really appreciate it. Great website you have!

Specializes in ED, Clinical Documentation.

I passed!

SMY2367

12 Posts

Specializes in Emergency Room.
I passed!

Congrats! Do you have to be an ER nurse for a certain amount of time before taking the CEN? Thanks@

Specializes in ED, Clinical Documentation.

They recommend 2 years experience in the ED and I think that makes sense. It was good to do. I learned from it and it reinforced what I knew.

Editorial Team / Moderator

Lunah, MSN, RN

14 Articles; 13,766 Posts

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

Congrats, GleeGum!! :) That's awesome!!

SMY2367, two years of practice as an ED RN is recommended, but not required. I passed my CEN after a little less than 10 months as an ED RN.

star77, MSN, RN

219 Posts

Specializes in Emergency, Critical Care Transport.
Congrats, GleeGlum!! :) That's awesome!!

SMY2367, two years of practice as an ED RN is recommended, but not required. I passed my CEN after a little less than 10 months as an ED RN.

That was going to be my exact question. I see you're also an NREMT-P, and I worked 10 years as an EMT (not paramedic), and am just starting my ED career. Getting my CEN is a goal in the next year. Thanks for the info!

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