[SupeRNursERatchet]

Hi,

I have been working in rural healthcare the past few years. Mostly ER and MedSurg. I desire so much to take my CEN. I am ready to take on a new accomplishment in my career. I also am feeling the need for some validation in my skills and training. Unfortunately, I have'nt the slightest idea of how to proficiently and systematically attack this. The thought is a little overwhelming since I can't seem to find some friendly guidance. I just don't know anyone who has taken the CEN nor have the desire to take it. PLEASE HELP.

Thanks
SupeRNursERatchet

[5yrsdissapointed]

The AACN is a great plcae to start! I took my CCRN and pretty much used the AACN resources and website exclusively. Dont let working in a rural hospital discourage you-however you should know that there is alot of situations you may not encounter working in a rural setting, it is not disqualifying though. Good Luck!!

[Wendy_RN]

There are 2 books on the ENA website that are "supposed" to be good references / study guides. I just ordered them today from Barnes and Noble. I am new to the ER and thought they would be great to have as a reference and study for CEN. Although I am new, I still want to study for the CEN exam and I will take it when I feel I am ready. I am sure that will be a while, but everyone has to start somewhere.

[LilgirlRN]

CEN is great for personal achievement, here it doesn't increase the hourly wage one cent so I've never attempted to take it. I have ACLS, PALS, TNCC because I have to, my job requires it, and again, doesn't increasse my pay at all. There used to be a website that had practice questions, sorry I don't recall the addy. The answers were so similar I think you could argue the point on each question. Try googling for practice quesions, I bet you'll find some.

[northshore08]

I first took the CEN in 1988 after my first two years as an RN--I had gone directly into the ED at a 300-bed community hospital in NJ. I kept it current until 2000, and went AACN for a Cardiac-Vascular certification with a job change to cardiac rehab. I returned to the ED in 2004 and recently got the CEN again. The test has changed considerably, and I must say for the better. I do best with study books that give questions and answers with rationale. I liked the CEN Review Manual-- see link below

http://www.ena.org/store/item.asp?IT...PARTMENT_ID=26

and would definitely recommend it. Get the book, it is worth the money for your professional development, even if you do not take the test for a while. It will function as a guide to show you what you do not know.

Join the ENA; that is an absolute must. The monthly journals are full of great articles, and the cost savings on ENA books and testing make the fee worth it. If I was starting again, I would opt for the lifelong membership (if you intend to remain an ED nurse.)

If your employer will not reimburse you for ENA membership or testing, do it anyway. It is nice to be paid for your certification, but it is better to know your job and stay current. Your patients count on you, and your co-workers do notice your commitment and will use you as a resource. Very few of the hospitals I have worked at will pay you a differential for your certification; they say it is part of your yearly evaluation and increases the percentages for your raise. But most will reimburse you the ENA rate if you pass the CEN.