ANCC Study Tips

gingerpixie3 · Aug 7, 2018

Hello everyone! I am new to allnurses.com but, I have been to the site before when reading topics regarding ANCC boards and how to study for the FNP exam. I told myself that when I passed the exam, I would pay it forward and do my best to help another student out or recent graduate to help them be successful with thier boards. I failed the ANCC exam the first time and was able to pass it with my second attempt. Below is my advise and tips:

1. Make sure you have at least two sources of review books. The ones I used were Barkley with the CD's and Leik 3rd Edition. I strongly recommend using both. I used only Barkley for my first attempt and failed. It was a great informational tool but, Leik expanded on the topics and has a wonderful free app that goes along with the book. The Barkley CD's are great to review when in the car.

2. Do the practice questions in Leik's book and app! No they will obviously not be exactly like what is on the exam, however, it does help you break down the question and it gives the rationale to help you understand why you were right or wrong on the question.

3. Make sure you are sleeping enough and eating well. We all know what lack of sleep does to us. Staying up late to study is not ideal, it will not stick well in your mind. Find time during the day to dedicate 3-4 hours for at least 3-4 weeks to prep.

4. Use google and youtube if you need a more visual way to learn certain topics. For me, I had a hard time at first with hypertension medications. This one helped me to remember the classes upon finishing the video! : Cardiac Meds Made Easy -- Josiah Shoon

5. If you are studying for the FNP exam for the ANCC be sure to understand legal issues and ethical principals and how to apply them. Also, remember they are testing on Primary Care topics that present the most commonly.

6. When you are testing, remember to take a deep breath, and do your best to relax. I know it is easier said than done, but, if you fail, you can take it again, it will be okay. TIP: Use the highlight and strikeout options when breaking down a question, it will help you focus. Just take each question as it comes and do your best to think rationally on what a Nurse Practitioner would do. If you made it through NP school, you can make it through the boards, you earned it!

Feel free to send me a private message with any questions you may have and I will be more than happy to help!