[LadyBugLass]

Has anyone here taken the HPNA exam?
Was it REALLY REALLY REALLY hard?
Did you get a raise or promotion for passing?
How much hospice experience did you have before you took it (HPNA recommends 2 years, but I don't think it is required.)

All in all, was it worth it? Just curious, I need a new goal.

[aimeee]

Yes, I have. It was challenging because there were some questions where I didn't like any of their answers! Yes, there was a slight raise for certification. I think I had 3 years experience. Yes, its worth it to be able to say you are certified in your specialty area and to wear those initials with pride.

[Marty1]

Could you tell me is there a Core Curriculum book for studying for the exam?
I am early in my goal to get certified and was wondering what study material -books or CDs are good to have

[fasolagrrl]

Ok, I'd like to restart this topic. If anyone has taken this certification exam, how did you prepare? I looked around the HPNA website and didn't see any recommendations for preparation. I am considering taking the exam without the recommended experience, so I can use as much advice as I can get!

It looks to me like experience + the core curriculum is what prepares you for the exam. Is that right?

SP

[RnRatchet]

I had 4 years of experience when I took the exam. I studied the core curriculum and used the quiz book alone and with a study partner. The exam was more challenging then the RN boards for me.. just because many of the questions seemed to have more than one right answer. The new exam is computerized and you find out immediately if you have passed or not - that lifts a HUGE weight - the waiting many weeks was the worst!
I definitely recommend any hospice nurse that has a couple of years of experience to go for the CHPN. I feel that I learned a lot from the study time and it refreshed me on things that we don't deal with real often.
Good Luck and let us know when you pass!

[curiousauntie]

I just bought the Core Curriculum and another study book on the HPNA website. I first joined as all of the books they have available are much cheaper as a member...plus if I am going to get certified, it makes sense to join the association! Here is a link to the NBCHPN website. There is a lot of info, including the candidate handbook which gives a sample test and lists of recommended reading to study for the exam.
http://www.nbchpn.org/DisplayPage.aspx?Title=Welcome! I am starting now, hoping to be able to take the exam in the fall, which will give me just 2 or 3 months shy of 2 years. I am a good "test taker" and hope that that stays with me for this one. It has been many years since I have had to take this type of test, and I have never taken one on the computer. I asked my administrator about the test and she did tell me that there is a "bit of a raise" if and when I pass. Good luck to you!

[dosamigos76]

It was a difficult test, as it should be. I took it with just over a year of experience, but like you, I am usually a "good tester". One agency here offers you a 5% raise when you pass.

Good luck!!!!!

Cheryl