New CEN Exam

Specialties Emergency

Published

Supposedly the new test has rolled out today (being 7/5/11).

1. Anybody take and passed the test?

2. How was the test different?

3. How did you study?

4. What resources did you use to study and date of publications?

5. Any recommendations?

Specializes in ER, Trauma, ICU/CCU/NICU, EMS, Transport.

In casual "off the record" conversation with some of the BCEN staff, I've heard that they are having a hard time filling those web review classes due to scheduling issues trying to get RNs to work around their busy/rotating schedules.

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Specializes in eeeEErrrr.

Can I get a pin too? :yeah:Yup, that's right I passed my CEN. Not by much, put passing is passing. I also used the CEN 4th edition review manual and the ENA's Core Curriculum book. I felt prepared for the exam until I started taking it. I didn't think that any more studying could have dramatically improved my score. I think I needed techniques on how to stay focused throughout all 175 questions! I practiced at home by taking 150 questions test in one sitting and 'no' distractions but then I found myself answering too slowly when I took the actual test. It made me panic a bit when I had 1.5 hr left and I was still on question #80. I also made sure my breathing has subsided a bit before I started the exam. I was too nervous! I played around with the camera, took different angle shots before I calmed down and got down to business. I was so happy that I hugged the H&R employees!

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Specializes in ER, Trauma, ICU/CCU/NICU, EMS, Transport.
Can I get a pin too? :yeah:Yup, that's right I passed my CEN. Not by much, put passing is passing. I also used the CEN 4th edition review manual and the ENA's Core Curriculum book. I felt prepared for the exam until I started taking it. I didn't think that any more studying could have dramatically improved my score. I think I needed techniques on how to stay focused throughout all 175 questions! I practiced at home by taking 150 questions test in one sitting and 'no' distractions but then I found myself answering too slowly when I took the actual test. It made me panic a bit when I had 1.5 hr left and I was still on question #80. I also made sure my breathing has subsided a bit before I started the exam. I was too nervous! I played around with the camera, took different angle shots before I calmed down and got down to business. I was so happy that I hugged the H&R employees!

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!

Sounds like you had a pretty good study plan...specifically doing the practice exams!

70 questions in 1.5 hours is pretty much right on par.

Sound exam writing allows approximately 1 minute per question.

There will be those questions that you answer in 2 second because they are low level knowledge or fact based type questions and you know the answer right off (IE: Someone in VFib what do you shock at -Immediate answer 200 J)...then there are those that you have to take time to read, re-read and consider answer choices. Those take a bit longer. But in the end, the "average" time per question is about 1 minute. So you were doing just fine.

One of the test strategies I tell my students is that if you find you are spending 3, 4, or 5 minutes on a question, you need to skip it and move on to the next one. You don't want that 5 minutes spent to hold you back from answering 3 or 4 "quickie" questions later on.

But anyways, looks like you had a pretty good plan and made it work! Treat yourself!

YES, you can get one of the CEN emblems - just email me off list with your mailing address and I'll be happy to set you up!

Again, CONGRATULATIONS!

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Specializes in Emergency.

MR. BOSWELL,

I am hoping to take the CEN exam this Friday. I am only getting an average of 66-68% on my BCEN practice tests (they say you need a 70% to pass). I di pretty good, but the last 10 Q's seemed heavy on tox, which is a weak point of mine. Do you think I should postpone the test or go ahead and give it a shot?

Thanks for taking the time to read this!

David

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Specializes in CCRN.

I unfortunately failed my first attempt last September; now I have rescheduled my test for January 24; im feeling a bit overwhelmed now.

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Specializes in Emergency.

YEAH!!!! I passed!!!!!!

:yeah:

MR. BOSWELL,

I am hoping to take the CEN exam this Friday. I am only getting an average of 66-68% on my BCEN practice tests (they say you need a 70% to pass). I di pretty good, but the last 10 Q's seemed heavy on tox, which is a weak point of mine. Do you think I should postpone the test or go ahead and give it a shot?

Thanks for taking the time to read this!

David

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Specializes in LTC,SNF,acute,HH,cty health ,clinic,ER..

I passed!!!! All I have to say is I DO NOT recommend the book CEN Examination Review by Ann J. Brorsen. Spent many many hours on the website studying and barely passed. Could have just been me but it seemed like the way it was teaching me was way off from the way the test was. Do I get a pin?? :)

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oh crap...that is pretty much all I have been using as it was the newest edition since the revamp in July.

I take the test tomorrow. Too late to do anything about it now.

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I really don't know what to do. I failed the CEN twice already. The first time was in 2010 - I used the CEN review newest edition and also attended a local review one day course. The second time was a week ago and I took an online review course, bought flashcards, used Sheehy's Manual, and Mosby's Emergency and Transport Nursing. I did actually did worse the second time than the first time. Everyone I know who has taken it has passed the first time with no problems and said it was pretty easy. I have always been a good student and have worked in the ER for 6 years so I can't figure out what my problem is. It's actually embarrassing to me to fail at something when I put the work into it. Any suggestions would be welcome.

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

If you feel like you know your stuff but are having a difficult time with the actual test, it sounds like a test-taking-strategy issue. Have you tried the CEN practice tests to get into the mindset of how they word things?

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Specializes in Trauma.

I have been a trauma/ER nurse for almost 4 yrs, and right now I AM FREAKING OUT! I have my test in 6 days. I have used the ENA CEN book, and have done all the tests twice, getting high 80s the second times on the test. I have also watched all the med ed videos and just took a test which was the compilation of all the questions in the back of the handout-221 questions and I got a 60!!!! I am planning to take the MED ED test online tomorrow morning, and also the test off the ENA website for 70.00, I hope I do well on those so that I can gain more confidence. Any advice will help...thank you.

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Congratulations, Mark!! What a great score..I am scheduled to take my exam next week..do you have any pointers..I've taken all the tests in the CEN review manual and took the BCEN online test. I passed but not with a great comfort cushion..Anything you can give, would be appreciated.

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