I am planning to take the exam in Oct. I applied for membership with AMSN as you receive a discount on the price of the exam and study materials. I have just about 2 years med-surg experience and I am accustomed to "independant study". I am waiting for confirmation of my membership before I send in the application. I am starting with an outline I found on another website AACN ? using my trusty med-surg text, skipping the stuff I already know. They will reimburse me for exam WHEN I pass and I will get more $ per year for the cert.

Not too sure I need any other study stuff kinda feel that it would be a waste except for a few practice questions after all med-surg is med-surg RIGHT ??

deb

It is up to you on how to prep; this thread has a lot of great feedback regarding how to prep. It also reinforces how much you probably know already.

I liked walking in feeling ready. I did the ANCC tape series (I drive a lot and liked having the review info while in the car). I also bought the Springhouse REview for Med/Surg Nursing Certification.

Good luck and let us know how you did.

Originally Posted by nightngale1998

I recently found out about the Board Certification for Med/Surg through the ANCC(through the ANA). I am interested in studying for this and acquiring this certification.

Anyone have this or other certification? If so, how did you study for this? Have you used the tapes or would you know of an inexpensive source for acquiring tapes? Any information is greatly appreciated.

NCLEX books are vailable at my local library. The tapes appeal to me because I travel a lot and listen to tapes regularly.

Thank you in advance....

B.

I took the exam for the first time in 1996 and passed. Way back then it was still in paper and pencil . Every 5 years I have to renew my certification by collecting atleast 150 contact hrs or do any post grad course/ teaching. Bought the video and the book from ANCC but none of those helped, lol. Good thing I went to the very basic and most pratical... I studied Mosby/ Lippincot med surg books. Experience too counts. Way back then there's some basic rhythm strips asked on the test and what to do with it. I was thankful I was working in a med-surg tele floor then. The certification did not really increase my salary except my hospital gave me a 1000 /yr bonus for keeping my certification current ( with taxes and everything I got less than that.). My hosp did not reimburse me the first time i renewed my certification . For some people working in another hospital , they were not given any incentive. But for them ,they are content with the status symbol having that extra title by their name.

I am glad I did it. At the time, it seemed really important. I have never had hopes of earning more but it does show I am willing to go the extra mile.

Re: Board Certification for Med/Surg

I recently sat for the med/surg certification exam given by the Academy of Medical Surgical Nurses. I bought the Springhouse review book and studied with that even though that book was prepared for the ANA exam. AMSN provides exam study material as well; however, I waited too long to order the materials and ended up at Barnes and Noble *grin*.

I decided NOT to take the ANA exam due to the 'separate tests' for BSN/ASN prepared nurses. As an RN for over 20 years, I am frankly offended by the ANA. BSN prepared nurses take the same NCLEX, and do NOT get a new/better/smarter license when they become BSN prepared. The Academy of Medical Surgical Nurses treat all med surg nurses equally. I am proud to sign my name with the "CMSRN" credentials ... 'Certified Med Surg RN' .....

Whichever you choose ... take the exam .... you have nothing to lose and everything to gain ...... I'm sorry I waited so long.

Re: Board Certification for Med/Surg

I Was Wondering About Books Used To Study For Med/surg Certification. I Only Bought 2 Med/surg Certification Review And I Was Hoping That Was Enough But Reading The Forum I See That I Shoud Probably Get A Patho Review Book. If Anyone Thinks This Is Correct Or If You Think 2 Vs. The 3 Books Are Enough Let Me Know

Re: Board Certification for Med/Surg

Dear Nightingale-
I just passed my med-surg certification exam thru ANCC today- (YAY!) but I can't find anywhere what initials go after my name. Can you help?
Thanks!

Re: Board Certification for Med/Surg

Hello! Please scroll down and see #27 post- thanks!

Re: Board Certification for Med/Surg

I just had my Certification last October at MSNCB paper and pen. I didn't go for any review class or bought any review materials. I just used my old NCLEX-CDs and go through the concept -MED-SURG from Lippincott, Mosby, Saunders (old reviewers). Just study everynight after work if not tired and answered Q and A's at least 10 to 20 items because I find it so draining after work answering more than 20. If I'm off and in the mood, I would answer 50 to 100 Q and As. It's really worth, I was little cramming a night before the exam, I still studied a little, I slept late and got up early. Well, I was sleeply and so I did take energy drink to keep me awake and prayed. Just used some test taking strategies - elimination when I ddn't really know the answer. During the exam, I was very calm though. I reviewed those answers I was doubtful by placing a mark in the questionnaire that I have to go back. 4 hour-exam. Whew! I'm not a paper and pen test-taker because I lose patience easily but I made it. Just believe in yourself and pray of course.

Re: Board Certification for Med/Surg

Just took the ANCC MedSurg certificate exam on Feb, 2nd. It's not hard at all. I was surprised.

This is a computer based exam. 175 questions totally and the first 25 doesn't count for the score. You have 3 and half hours to finish all of them and you will know your score as soon as you finish the exam. The passing score is 350.

I believe that if you've been working in MedSurg for at least 2years, you won't have problem to pass the exam even though you don't have time to review.

I used a book for med-surg certificate which one of my colleagues used 10years ago when she took the exam. I didn't finish the whole book though since it's so boring to read. I was also using the CD for NCLEX from Saunder's. But after the exam, I found that what they asked is much different from what I prepared. Instead of testing your knowledge about disease, they asked a lot of questions about foundations of nursing, Legal and ethical aspects,Therapeutic communications.

Anyway, don't be afraid of it. They want us to pass otherwise, nobody will willing to take it anymore.