I passed my board exam yesterday. Prior to taking the exam, I searched this board for advice/tips and thought it was very helpful. I am posting now to pay it forward.
This is what I did to prepare (2 weeks: around 4 hours a day):
1. I took a DRT exam from Barkley to see how much I remembered (took the boards 7 months after I graduated) and what I need to focus on. Tip: take the test as soon as you can after you graduate. It's hard to get back into studying mode if you wait too long and you would've forgotten much of what you learned in school. If you get a 70 or above, you will very likely pass the boards.
2. Read the ANCC FNP exam outline.
3. Listened to all of the online FNP lectures from Barkley. (Very useful but very time consuming) I took notes so I can I quickly look it over before the exam.
4. Read the Leik book: read the tips. If you have time, do the questions in the back and read the rationales. I didn't. Download the app: read and do questions.
5. Google pictures of different skin conditions. There were a few pictorial questions for you to pick a skin condition.
6. Took another DRT exam from Barkley. Read the rationales at the end.
7. Had coffee, ate breakfast and went to the exam center. Go at least 30 minutes before the exam. Make sure you use the restroom right before you start your exam. There are no breaks once you start. You will lose exam time if you need to use the bathroom after.
You got this! Study hard and get it. Good luck!