[L&D.RN]

Anyone and OB RNC? Did you take a prep course? Was it as difficult as I'm hearing? I'm thinking of taking a prep course in May, and then taking the exam after that (and after lots of studying!). I'd like to hear from others that have gone through this or are considering it. Thanks.

[SmilingBluEyes]

I am considering it. I am studying the Core Cirriculum is all. Have not planned a prep course as yet. I wish you luck in your pursuit of this!

[littlemack]

I have been certified in Inpatient OB for close to 15 years. It was a good decision and I was supported by the university after I achieved the certification. Each year I was alloted a large sum of money to use for either education, CEU's or conferences. With budget cuts it was eventually dropped. And since I work PT at another area hospital, they are very respectful of all nurses that work to maintain certification and are rewarded with pay increases.
As far as studying for the exam, I started studying 6 months before taking the exam and studied for about 2 hours each day except for Saturdays. My favorite book was my OB text from school and also the guidelines for perinatal care. It helps with those issues related to patient management.
Good Luck!!!

[L&D.RN]

Deb - There's a 2 day prep course in Seattle May 1&2 that we're going to attend, you should think about it!

I'm just curious how much the class will help, that's why I brought the topic up here. One of the nurses I work with studied from the materials from a prep class and Williams Obstetrics to get her RNC. She said the exam was tough too. It's a whoppin' 80 cents extra per hour here if you're certified.

Wow, Littlemack, sounds like lots of study time! Good for you for working that hard and staying that dedicated.

[webbiedebbie]

I was once certified before I took a sabitical from nursing. I went to the prep class and I also studied from two books, which I think really helped. (OB/GYN SECRETS by Frederickson and Wilkins-Haug--Mosby-Yearbook and Zuspan & Quilligans's MANUAL OF OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY by Iams and Zuspan--Mosby). The first one is my favorite and I will never part with it. I am planning to return to OB nursing and am using these to study from again. I am hoping to do traveling nursing.

[OBNurseShelley]

anybody else know of any other prep courses in what areas? How long is suitable for working in OB before becoming certified?? I've worked almost 2 years in high-risk, and currently on my first travel assignment in a lower-risk setting. any advice tips would be appreciated! Shelley

[unikuelady]

I just took the maternal/newborn RNC test and passed with a score of 900. I graduated nursing school in 1998. I have worked maternal/newborn the entire time. To prepare for the test I re-read my nursing school textbooks. I must let you know that studying was only a small part of my success. Experience is what will make the difference between passing and failing. My advice for anyone taking the test, is to get as much high risk experience as possible. Every area will be covered in the test. When you register-the NCC will send you an outline of all the information you will need to know-which is everything! The questions were asked in such a way as if you are the triage/resource nurse. Critical thinking, organizational and leadership skills are a must. Think of it this way: Reading about NRP and practicing on a dummy are completely different from working with a real baby. There is no substitute for experience. Good luck to everyone who is willing to take this test. Yes it was a very difficult test to take.

[moz]

Can anyone recommend a specific study program/book and where to order?
Thanks

[SmilingBluEyes]

The Core Curriculum for Inpatient Obstetric Nursing Published by Saunders is the one I hear of and see everyone use as their Study Guide. Also Perinatal Nursing by AWHONN is another. The ones I knew who studied these all passed!

[janetrnc]

We have 11 RNC's on staff, 3 of of us have dual certifications. Buddy up with someone to help you study, we had a 100% passing rate