Passed AANP- AGPCNP First Attempt

[Bumex, DNP, NP]

I wanted to share my adventure to taking boards- even though it will likely be a reiteration of many posts here. First off I want to make something clear, I am NOT trying to put down any of the resources out there, I'm merely stating what helped me. I've already had someone in my graduating class be offended that I didn't agree with her opinion that a certain person's review course and test bank wasn't the "absolute best". Everyone learns differently, so here is what I did:

1. In nursing school, I made the mistake of waiting until graduation to sit down and study for boards. I figured, "I need to get through this program first." I felt overwhelmed and it took me a LONG time to wrap my head around the information. I didn't have a problem with the NCLEX at all, but I feel it was a mistake to wait. So, this time I started off with Liek's and Fitzgerald's books/phone apps. I worked with these on my down time for 2-3 months. After that, I purchased the APEA Q Bank and Barkley's CD's for his review and worked with both for the remaining 9 months of this year. I did at least 5 questions a day for at least 5 days a week at the very least to keep myself thinking. I was using the random function and wasn't studying anything specific.

2. Liek's book/phone application- I actually loved this originally when I started studying and it is a great tool to start with. She gives good rationales and has good questions. However, the issue with her material is that it was easier than the actual board exam. So, my recommendation is use her to start, then move on to APEA and Barkley's review. I couldn't go to her review, since she didn't come near Chicago anytime I could go.

3. Fitzgerald's book/phone application/review- I strongly dislike her material. This is what offended my classmate- since she LOVED her. No doubt, Fitzgerald is REALLY smart and is good at what she does, she comes off arrogant and condescending- which is hard to listen to for hours. I found her questions informative, but seemed to focus SO MUCH on small details and lacked a good review of concepts, which I would rather have. Overall, her questions where nothing like my exam, and I am glad I stopped using her materials. Don't get me wrong, I respect her and what she's done for our field, but I didn't benefit from her material.

4. Barkley's review- AMAZING. This man is hilarious and is VERY efficient in explaining the information that you need to know. I got the CD's and listened to them throughout the summer during traveling to and from clinical (I think the review is 18 hours-ish?). After I listened to his review three times over, I started with the APEA Q Bank and did 150 question random tests for several days. Why did I do this? APEA keeps track of your weaknesses and analyzes areas of improvement. When these were identified, I went back the using the Barkley's review CD's in those areas. I actually was hearing his voice during my exam with his pointers, and I can honestly say that his 'side note pointers' helped me answer 10-15 questions on my boards when I was stuck between two answers.

5. APEA Q Bank- another great investment. I paid for either 3 or 6 months, I can't remember now, but it was the most I could get. Expensive (600$-ish for Barkley's and APEA Q Bank for 3 or 6 months), but totally worth it. I can honestly say that I think the people who write the APEA Q Bank questions must contribute to AANP, because many of my questions were strikingly similar to APEA Q Bank questions that I've seen.

I hope this is of help, good luck, and study hard- but remember that you've made it this far and you know A LOT more than you think.

Msufan3710, NP-C

[JL1982]

I saw an older post where you stated you went to University of Cincinnati. I am starting the AGPCNP program tomorrow! Can you tell me how you liked the program and how you feel it prepared you for the boards? Would you recommend this university still , after attending it yourself? Thanks