need info on JA Thomas test for CDS position

NurseDanaRN · Oct 30, 2012

To canchaser:

I just started the program, not in clinicals yet and am in school only part-time. I currently work 40+ hours a week and am enrolled in 7 hours at school. My current position is along the line of assistant manager, there are 2 of us on the unit, one day shift and one night shift. I've always had an interest in nursing informatics/chart review but I also want to be a nurse practitioner. Not sure how I'm going to tie this together, of it that's even feasible. How long were you a CDS? Did you do the job while in NP school?

canchaser, BSN, RN · Oct 30, 2012

Nursedana,I was a CDS for a year. I did the CDS full time and school part time. Do the CDS program, it will helpYou understand ICD9 codes. And when you have to learn them in NP school you will have a good grasp of it. And have a general understanding of billing too.

erssam · Dec 10, 2012

Exam is multiple choice, two answers that could be correct and two that you can cross off. There are 60 questions with 10 additional questons on demographics. To me the test was difficult. My suggestion is know ABG's--metabolic/resp acidosis/alkalosis. Study hard on sepsis as there are multiple question on this also.

SeaTracer75 · May 13, 2014

Good for you, but studying is not futile.... (or futal haha).

I passed it today... and yes, I had to study... simple things you may not remember from school or your previous practice or real quirky random things are involved.

It was hard, but definitely not as hard as @keelee made it sound. Your post keelee, was just discouraging.

All those who want or need proper information or encouragement, can contact me.

There's a reason they say don't believe everything you hear (or read).

~ST

SeaTracer75 · May 13, 2014

REPOST with quote:

Experience and knowledge base. Yes it was hard. I recieved one of highest scores to date at my facility. I am not bragging, but I have been a nurse for almost 25 years, with skills in ICU, CVICU, CCU, ER and the cath lab. Studing is futal. You have to have critical thinking to pass this test and a knowledge base. They covered MI, CHF, surgical procedures, ortho and renal. You have to know what you know and think.

****

Good for you, but studying is not futile.... (or futal haha).

I passed it today... and yes, I had to study... simple things you may not remember from school or your previous practice or real quirky random things are involved.

It was hard, but definitely not as hard as @keelee made it sound. Your post keelee, was just discouraging.

All those who want or need proper information or encouragement, can contact me.

There's a reason they say don't believe everything you hear (or read).

~ST

ldutton2 · Oct 3, 2014

Good for you, but studying is not futile.... (or futal haha).
I passed it today... and yes, I had to study... simple things you may not remember from school or your previous practice or real quirky random things are involved.
It was hard, but definitely not as hard as @keelee made it sound. Your post keelee, was just discouraging.
All those who want or need proper information or encouragement, can contact me.
There's a reason they say don't believe everything you hear (or read).
~ST

Hi,

I am supposed to take the JATA test next Friday and really would like any advice that you can give regarding this pre-hiring test. I have been a nurse for 3.5 years, all of my time spent in ICU.

Thanks for all your help in advance regarding this matter, it is greatly appreciated!

Voodoos · Jun 10, 2015

I just took the test yesterday. Found out today that I passed. You really just need a working knowledge of the diagnostic process and treatment of the conditions for which the diagnosis pertains to. I was a little nervous taking the test. You have nothing to lose for trying!

goodyuvm · Oct 2, 2015

SeaTracer75, Any tips on what to study would be greatly appreciated. I'm already in a CDS position but my hospital is brining in JATA and I'm very nervous. I am pregnant and due in Jan so I can't afford to lose my job.

Voodoos · Oct 3, 2015

The test evaluates your analytic abilities. I remember questions regarding interpreting diagnostic tests to get the best diagnosis. Also evaluating best treatments given a diagnosis. You evaluate patient scenerios. I score 82% without really any review. I think you just need to use your already acquired knowledge and experience.

Sramham · Dec 5, 2016

Hi, I'm taking the J.A. Thomas clinical test this Thursday. Any information that you could share would be great! I'm very nervous and feel like I'm studying the wrong material. I have been taking online CCRN review tests and looking over ABGs, Labs, and all major Systems.

Anything you remember would be great to point me in the right direction.

Thanks!

S :)

Voodoos · Dec 5, 2016

You can only review for these tests. You can't really learn judgement studying. Diagnostic scenerios might help. What treatment would be ordered for each scenerio and understanding looking at imaging and lab work to come up with specific diagnosis. Also what would you do to evaluate the treatment.

Carabella · Dec 7, 2016

I took the JATA test and passed (2013)... I was told by the recruiter it was a CDI test (it wasn't... Pretty much critical care, critical thinking). Which could have been bothersome as I flew across country for the interview and did not prepare at all for the test... Had I not passed, I wouldn't have even been interviewed! So my recruiter gave me info which did not indicate I needed to review.... It was a challenging exam, but doable. Fortunately I had critical care experience!

I got an offer and accepted it, but have since left the organization for another CDI job. JATA "owned" (sarcasm intended) hospitals can be challenging to work for, not because the work is hard, but because some of their consultants are exceedingly difficult and unpleasant to deal with... Every single CDI nurse I worked with has left that facility and move on due to this reason.

Other than that, I really enjoy CDI and the hospital where I currently work.