studying for PACU certification

Specialties PACU

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I have worked in PACU for 3 years and love it. It is a rural hospital and I realize we do not get a lot of surgeries the "larger" hospitals see. I am planning to test for the CPAN in November. I will be the first in our PACU to do this, and I realize the test is only about 4 and 1/2 months away. Currently I am reading/studying the Core Curriculum by Litwack (editor) and Perianesthesia Nursing by Drain. I am considering Certification review for Perianesthesia Nursing by Saunders.

Does anyone who has certified have any comments/suggestions/recomendations?

Thanks.

You have brains in your head and feet in your shoes,

You can steer yourself any direction you choose.

You're on your own, and you know what you know,

Amd YOU are the one who'll decide wher you go.

.....Dr. Suess

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congrats on taking the exam!

sounds like you have all the books covered. i also used "pass ccrn" to get a different perspective on certain disease processes.

the only other thing i would suggest, is to ask questions of your anesthesiologists. that really helped to understand the anesthestic agents.

finally, after having taken the test, and written some of the questions, i would advise you to keep studing, relax, and go with your first mind when you test.

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Good ideas Fries with that. I took mine 3 years ago after 1.5 years in PACU and am not sorry. I used the Core Curriculum book and review questions book.

I also used alot of videos for critical care concepts. It was a fair exam, and the more you study and learn and ask the easier. Good luck with the studies!

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Specializes in PACU, PICU, ICU, Peds, Education.

My suggestions:

  • A book with test questions and rationales is a big help.

  • Don't forget that the CPAN exam covers ALL types of perianesthesia care: OB, peds, day surgery (discharge teaching? discharge teaching) and complex cases.

  • Its not just "nursing care" but legal and management issues covered.

  • Relax, pass the test, and join fellow CPANs for the ASPAN conference in San Diego next Spring!:yeah:

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congrats on taking the exam!

sounds like you have all the books covered. i also used "pass ccrn" to get a different perspective on certain disease processes.

the only other thing i would suggest, is to ask questions of your anesthesiologists. that really helped to understand the anesthestic agents.

finally, after having taken the test, and written some of the questions, i would advise you to keep studing, relax, and go with your first mind when you test.

How much dose the test cost?

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How much is certification cost even though I might have my CNA Certificate can you see if I can renew my cna the IHC

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check www.cpancapa.org website

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