AANP Exam Study Tips

[jrcnp]

As many have previously mentioned, I also browsed this page constantly prior to taking my AANP exam. Others advice helped me, so I promised myself that I would try to help others!

First off, I have test anxiety. It took me two attempts to pass both my RN boards & my NP boards. I cried so hard, my teeth were chattering. I thought my life was over. The MONEY, time & EMOTION you put into all of this....! If you do not pass the first time, you're not alone so DO NOT BEAT YOURSELF UP. This does not define you as a person, a nurse, or a provider. You completed a post-graduate program! It is an obstacle in life.

My first attempt: (March 7, 2018)

I used the Margaret Fitzgerald program & the Leik book, and I studied for 1 month. (I would recommend studying for 1.5-2 months). Leik book is KEY. Although I think Margaret Fitzgerald is extremely intelligent, she goes way overboard on material not pertinent to the exam - she lost me. She was a boring presenter & I found her rude. I also purchased the APEA Q-Bank, PSI exam, and 5 Exam Edge Tests. (I hated APEA, I thought the questions were hard & not applicable to boards). I also do not think Exam Edge was similar to boards. PSI exam I do recommend as these are old test questions. The format is the same as the real test & the type of questions are obviously similar. This would be a good gauge of "where you are at."

What I did different my second attempt: (April 10, 2018)

I researched a lot & ready many posts on this site. Many agreed with my about Margaret Fitzgerald (some love her and swear by her program). Many also agreed with me about the Leik book. Here is what I did the second time and would do it all over again --

1. Ameile Hollier Review Course - STRAIGHT TO THE POINT, what you need to know for boards & she a GREAT presenter. She is funny, entertaining & keeps your interest!

2. FNP Cert 3rd Edition Iphone App - This is Leik's app that is full of content & questions.(I used this instead of the book because having apps on my phone was SO CONVENIENT. I could literally study whenever & wherever! I would do questions/practice quizzes whenever I even had 5 free minutes!) - The content is straight, to the point & pertinent to boards. The questions & rationales are also great. READ & UNDERSTAND the rationales!

3. FNP Mastery Iphone App - This app is full of helpful mnemonics, terminology & questions. Also, read & understand the questions & rationales.

I hope this helps! Most importantly, believe in yourself, be confident, but not over-confident & PRAY!

[TruvyNurse]

Thanks for the advice!! I do not test till Feb of next year but I'm already preparing. I had to take a short break from school and have decided to use it to my advantage. I purchased a pharm review of Fitzgerald and Holliers FNP review. My school provided us with the APEA quiz bank. Never too early to start right?