AANP exam--prep for adult NP?

Hi,
I just took and passed the ANCC ANP exam yesterday, and I wanted to give some feedback since I always read this forum for advice. For anyone studying out there, I would like to offer some tips...
This is how I studied for 6 weeks-
1. I used Fitzgerald's review book, which I though was very solid and a great way to review. This is probably your best bet, because the questions were really good. Although nothing on ethical/legal issues (which is a good chunk of the exam).
2. Leik's book was a great book to use as a quick memory jogger, since her layout is more like "quick tips and important points." Good little section on ethical/legal issues. The 500 questions at the end are just review- they are not like the ones on the boards.
3. I listened to the Barkley CDs, which were also great ( I enjoyed him b/c he was pretty funny). He also had a section on ethical/legal issues, which was helpful.
4. DO NOT BUY THE APEA online questions or test. I bought the question bank for $50. Not worth it. The questions were dumb and confusing, the rationales didn't make sense. I wasted more time figuring out why I missed something, and ended up just confusing myself and questioning my knowledge.

Here's how the exam went:
1. I was pretty angry that there were not many clinical questions. Lots of ethics, legal stuff, herbal medicines. And when I had a clinical questions, it ended up like: you have and end-stage renal, end stage heart failure guy, c/o SOB x 2 weeks. you need to admit him to the hospital, but he wants to go home to die. what would the astute NP say/do? There were a hundred questions like this.

are you kidding me? I memorized every single national guideline, every single treatment for every single disorder. And ethics and legal stuff are my weakest. So I guess I'm lucky I passed, but the exam surprised me- I dont feel like it tested the important concepts. I did not have a single question on COPD, asthma, pneumonia, MI, meningitis, otitis media, etc.

Hope this helps! It was easier than the NCLEX and will be very easy if you're good at ethical dilemmas.

Thanks tj, I love feedback.

I agree w/you on the ANCC. Felt like the exam was not typical of what we learned in grad school. I was glad to take the AANP exam, totally different, clinically based. I passed both and I'm glad I took both, gave me a boost of confidence, not to mention a resume filler. Even my boss noticed that I took both exams, giving him more confidence in hiring me. "You must have been very motivated to take TWO exams!"

I just reminded him that MDs take several exams, why not NPs? NCLEX, other certs as an RN (CEN) and I chose a little insurance, $300 is nothing compared to the $30K I spent on grad school.

I think the ANCC needs to revamp their testing framework. BTW, the Leik book questions are just like the AANP exam. Very straightforward, esp on national standards, women's health and endo. You CANNOT go wrong with Fitz and Leik in your hands!!!

Congrats! jimbo

Thanks jimbo!

About the AANP exam- I really wish I took that instead. I would rather take 175 questions regarding clinical practice, if u know what I mean. My grad school TOLD us to take the ANCC, like there was no option! I'm a little puzzled as to why, the only thing i can think of is because I graduated in August and would have missed the AANP deadline (although I could have paid the late fee). Oh well, at least I passed ANCC.

Question- What do I need to do now that I have passed? Do I only apply for "registration and approval to practice" with the board of nursing to get my license? do I need to contact ANCC about anything?

Also, how long did it take you to find a job? I have been looking...and it's not looking good.

TJ

Hi folks,

I just registered to take the ANCC ANP exam for a December date which gives me about 6 weeks to prepare. I took the Fitgerald live review and I also have her review book. I also just ordered the Leik book as well. I was wondering if there was any other review book that might be helpful? I have seen mixed reviews on the Hollier book and pretty good reviews on the Zerwekh book. Do you think the Fitzgerald and Leik book are enough or should I order the Zerwekh book as well?

Thanks!

I was also wondering if anyone out there used their class notes to study for the ANCC ANP exam?

I heard the AANP has lots of derm questions. As far as pass percentage. I believe it's about 75-80%

I used several reference books. The Fitzgerald was very helpful for me. I took the ANCC FNP exam, and I actually came across questions that were almost identical to the ones Fitzgerald uses in her review books.

Thanks Bmore for your post! That is very helpful to know that especially about the Fitzgerald book. I am using that book for review and I took her online course so hopefully I will pass.

I just got the Leik book and the Zerweck book so I think I'm done getting review books. I have just over 5 weeks before my exam.

I took the Kellerman review as well. I thought it was very good. I wish I had took it in my second semester of NP school.