CEN testing and resources

Specialties Emergency

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Specializes in ER.

I have been a nurse for 15years and just started ER nursing 6 months ago. I've already got PALS TNCC ACLS and NALS, and was once certified in pediatrics but let it lapse when I left that specialty. Does anyone have recommendations on a good book to review before I go for the CEN test? Any other resources (especially online) that I could work on?

Thanks- I really appreciate input from the more seasoned ER crew!

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

Tina - I did the CEN when I had been an ER nurse (level one trauma center) for two years and passed with flying colors. I used the Mosby reference and did a couple of hundred questions but for the most part, I think you'll find it pretty easy. I have heard that the CCRN exam is much harder.

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Specializes in ER.

Mosby is a great resource..I took a CEN review course and seemed to be a waste of time..I had visions of being back in nursing school again...Doing questions seems to be the most effective way...

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Specializes in ICU.

Another question as I am going to start studying for the CEN.....How much Trauma and or Critical Care nursing is on the exam?

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There is a test blueprint with the test packet. I found that the ENA CEN review book was really helpful. The Emergency Nursing Core Curriculum is an excellent reference.

For me, the test was pretty difficult because I am not exposed to a lot of things that are seen in a bigger hospital I work in a small rural 4 bed ER and most of what we see is CHF, COPD and other chronic problems. We occasionally get trauma, but we stabilize and transfer.

Good Luck, you will be glad you did this

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