[kona2]

I am planning to take the CHPN RN certification exam, but not sure if I should go for the Aug. 1 deadline (quickly approaching) for the Sept. exam or wait till early next year. Anyone out there have experience with test prep for this? How much study time would you suggest? I just ordered the 250+ page study guide, and am on the fence as to whether I should go for it soon or wait. Since the exam is so costly, I want to make sure I have enough time! F.Y.I., I have worked in Palliative Care for 4 years. Either way, I am excited to get the study guide book just for the info. If anyone has experience & advice with this, I thank you in advance.

[EricJRN]

Take it with me in September!

[aimeee]

Go for it in September! It is a general knowledge exam so you likely know what you need to about the symptom management things. Be sure to review the requirements for HOSPICE care versus palliative care if you are not working for a hospice though. And be sure to review the GENERIC names for the drugs you are used to using because usually the questions will not give you any trade names.

[kona2]

Thanks Eric & Aimeee. I appreciate the tips, Aimeee. The only catch is I hope the book comes soon! I just ordered the study guide from HPNA yesterday (I was procrastinating). Eric, have you already been studying? The sample test on the website didn't look too bad, but I still wish I had a little more time...I am thinking of taking the plunge! ;-0

[EricJRN]

Originally Posted by kona2

Eric, have you already been studying? The sample test on the website didn't look too bad, but I still wish I had a little more time...I am thinking of taking the plunge! ;-0

I, too, thought that the questions on the website were pretty straightforward, but I've got a couple of palliative care nursing books that I'm reading through.

The thing that concerns me is that I'm a new nurse and it's rare that we have palliative care patients in my setting. I did get a lot of death and dying stuff in my past life as a psych major.

[RnRatchet]

When I took it last year, I felt like a large chunk of it came from my past experiences and relating it to the questions. There were several case scenarios that asked "what would you do next?" So, the studying that I did helped mesh my experiences with what the test was asking. I'm sure you're do great.. good luck!

[kona2]

After all that, I'm not going to be able to take the September test. I just joined HPNA online, but it take 10 days to process the membership, and they charge an extra $100. to non members to take the test. I just can't throw money away like that and pay an extra $100. for the exam! So, unfortunately, I will wait until next March.But I did order the study guide, and the treatment algorithms book. I know just studying will help me at work. Good luck Eric!

Thanks for the positive vibes, RN Rachet. I wish they offered the exam more than twice a year.