Anyone currently studying for the CEN exam??

Specialties Emergency

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Specializes in Travel Nursing, ICU, tele, etc.

Hi!!

Is there anyone else out there who is currently studying or is planning to take the CEN certification exam sometime in the next 6 months or so who would like to start a thread as a study and support group?

Personally, I have just started this process and would really like to have a support system through Allnurses.

Thanks very much!! Hope to hear from you soon!!

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I just got the CEN review manual and the text Emergency Nursing Core Curricullim to use as study guides. I too hope to take the test in the next 6 to 9 months but am not sure I will be ready by then. I have seen some flyers for review classes in my State and have heard that they are helpful. How long have you been working in the ED? I've been a RN for 30+ years but only in the ED since March......Looking forward to other's advise on preparing.

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Specializes in Travel Nursing, ICU, tele, etc.

Hello!!! I am SO glad you are out there! I have only worked in the ED for a few months, but have been an ICU nurse for a couple of years. I used my CCRN certification to solidify my knowledge and to build confidence and competence and that is what I hope to use the CEN process for as well. I know it may be to soon, but am wanting to start the process. This forum is so wonderful in finding out the best possible resources available. Also, to be in communication with others around the country doing the same thing is so empowering...

The only resource I have so far is Dr Laura Gasparis Vonfrolio's DVD course on preparation on the CEN exam. The reason I got it is that her CCRN course is awesome. I haven't started viewing it as of yet.

Do you like the materials you have? Do you know anything about the test itself?

Hey, thanks so much for replying...we will get through this together!!!

;););)

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Specializes in Emergency.

:yeah:I plan on taking the exam within the next 3 months. I ordered the review book and also have the dvd's some of the info on the dvd's is outdated but overall good. I'm taking a review class in march. I'm def interested in starting this thread

Thanks

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Specializes in Travel Nursing, ICU, tele, etc.

YAAAAYYYYY!!!!!!

Great to have three of us (so far) in this process!! You are well on your way... What kind of review course are you taking? Is it through a local organization? Did you start out in the ER as a new grad?

I need to start watching my DVD course and order some kind of review book. Do you like the one you have? Is there any, that you know of, that comes with questions? (preferably on a CD?)

Thanks so much for responding!! Let's see who else is out there!

:lol2::lol2::lol2: the 3 of us after we get our CEN!

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I have been in the ED for 11 months, but a RN for over 30. Most of my experience has been in Urgent Care settings where we saw everything from sore throats to MI's and strokes (denial is a powerful thing when people seek medical help). What DVD are you refering to? Is it the one by Dr Laura Gasparis Vonfrolio? I have heard that some of the information on it is outdated but let me know if you find it helpful.

I have bought the CEN review manual and the Emergency Nursing Core Curricullium text put out by ENA. My ED education person told me about the review classes but I think you can find them by going to the ENA web site or contact you local ENA chapter. I haven't really started studing yet - am overwhelmed with a couple things at home and with the thought of where to begin! I need a jump start for sure!!!

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Specializes in Plastic Surgery, ER.

Thanks to the OP for starting this thread!

I have been considering studying for/taking the CEN exam and need a little push!

I have been in the ED for almost 6 years. We are not a trauma ED and I have never worked in one, and I worry about not knowing enough on that end to pass the test. That and there are a few other topics that make me nervous in regards to testing.

In addition, I am starting my FNP classes in May (only 1 class in the first semester) and wonder if 4-6 months is enough time to prepare and take the test before the fall semester starts. Is primarily studying the book enough or do most find personal experience is more helpful???

There is a CEN review course coming in April in my area. Has anyone done that? Are they "interactive" or more lecture based? Any practice tests?

Thanks for reading!

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Specializes in Emergency & Trauma/Adult ICU.

Just wanted to wish the best to all of you!

MLOS, RN, CEN :specs:

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Hi, Glad to see others planning on the CEN. I have test issues so have never taken it (and have been in ED for many, many years). I made it my goal to take the exam at the ENA Convention in September, so have started reviewing. Will check in here from time to time to see how this group is doing.

UP Nurse

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Specializes in Travel Nursing, ICU, tele, etc.
I have been in the ED for 11 months, but a RN for over 30. Most of my experience has been in Urgent Care settings where we saw everything from sore throats to MI's and strokes (denial is a powerful thing when people seek medical help). What DVD are you refering to? Is it the one by Dr Laura Gasparis Vonfrolio? I have heard that some of the information on it is outdated but let me know if you find it helpful.

I have bought the CEN review manual and the Emergency Nursing Core Curricullium text put out by ENA. My ED education person told me about the review classes but I think you can find them by going to the ENA web site or contact you local ENA chapter. I haven't really started studing yet - am overwhelmed with a couple things at home and with the thought of where to begin! I need a jump start for sure!!!

Hi!! Yea the DVD course I have is Dr Laura's. I have only just started watching the first of three DvD's and so far I haven't recognized anything as outdated. I was amazed that it is 250 questions with 50 of them not graded!! That seems pretty intense. It is not for the faint-hearted!! The thing about Dr Laura is that she has to be my nursing hero. She is such a nurse's nurse. She doesn't care for administrators, thinks nursing diagnosis are dumb and is all around a typical "New Yorker". I find her refreshing in the nursing world. It is because of her that I became really interested in emergency nursing. Someday I hope to get to hear her in person.

Thanks for the tip on the local ENA. They certainly will be a good resource. Since I work 2 jobs, I will most likely opt to do my studying on my own, during all my spare time!!! hehe

Wow, after 30 years, much in Urgent Care settings, you should be well set-up for all possible scenarios presented in the exam. That is so awesome. I envy you all of your experience. I am honored that you and I will be going though this process together! :bow:

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Specializes in Travel Nursing, ICU, tele, etc.
Thanks to the OP for starting this thread!

I have been considering studying for/taking the CEN exam and need a little push!

I have been in the ED for almost 6 years. We are not a trauma ED and I have never worked in one, and I worry about not knowing enough on that end to pass the test. That and there are a few other topics that make me nervous in regards to testing.

In addition, I am starting my FNP classes in May (only 1 class in the first semester) and wonder if 4-6 months is enough time to prepare and take the test before the fall semester starts. Is primarily studying the book enough or do most find personal experience is more helpful???

There is a CEN review course coming in April in my area. Has anyone done that? Are they "interactive" or more lecture based? Any practice tests?

Thanks for reading!

Hello!! Thank you sooo much for responding to this thread!! I am amazed at the caliber of nurses looking at doing the CEN at this time!! Very cool. Hey, if you have 6 years of experience whether or not it is trauma, there is no doubt that you have an incredible foundation to begin this process. I'm certain you could learn specifics about trauma to easily pass. As I recall, there is not one area of the exam that is overly emphasized. All of your experience will certainly compensate for those areas where you have less experience and even then if you know the right stuff to study, you will have no problem.

That is so cool that you are starting studying for your FNP!! It is my goal to do this test this summer and there is no reason that we couldn't support each other to get it done by fall! That sounds like a very doable goal to me.

I don't know anything about the CEN review courses offered out there, perhaps someone in the know will respond.

Thanks for getting on board!! We can all do it together. :yeah::yeah::yeah:

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Specializes in Travel Nursing, ICU, tele, etc.
Just wanted to wish the best to all of you!

MLOS, RN, CEN :specs:

Thank you soooo much for the encouragement!!

When did you get your CEN?? Do you have any recommendations on great study material? Do you get some kind of monetary reward for having your CEN? Did you find the process empowering? Hey, keep posting, your support would be very welcome!!!

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