Best way to study for OCN exam?

jovigirlrn · Oct 10, 2011

NYCRN6,

I am in the OCN review online review class that ends on November 15th, and taking the exam a week later, so I'm just about right where you are. I have the Core Curriculum and it's SO difficult to read and stay focused - the outline format is :down: . Also have the Core Curriculum Study Guide with all the questions and I have to agree that doing the questions with the rationals is probably the best way to go, at least for me. When I took NCLEX 2 years ago, doing questions helped me tremendously.

I found another book on amazon that is all question and answer. It also has a website that you register with using the access code in the book, and it is all question and answer with rational. Now that's my kind thing - computer. Here's the link for it:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1449631789

It was published in April 2011 and is "supposed" to be more up to date on the exam than the ONS books which were published in like 2005.

If anyone has any other ideas on how to study for this exam, or any clue's about what to focus on for the exam, please let us know if you can. Someone recently told me that they talk alot about cancer meds, both oral and IV. I wonder if this exam is like NCLEX where everyone gets different questions, or does everyone get the same questions and the same number of questions....

j

OCNRN63, RN · Oct 10, 2011

I'm using the ONS Core Curriculum book as well, and I also bought the accompanying study guide with practice questions. I'm taking the test in November, so hopefully plenty of time to prepare. Good luck to everyone!

I found the study guide with questions was the most helpful.

jovigirlrn · Oct 10, 2011

OCNRN63,

Thanks for the feedback. I've been suspecting that the question and answer route would be the best. If you have 26 years experience and that is your opinion, I'm going with that! I've got about 45 days til test day - wish me luck - I will probably need it.... :eek:

Thanks much,

j

NYCRN6 · Oct 10, 2011

JovigirlRN

THanks for your response. I decided to take the test in early 2012 instead of late 2011 due to change in priorities! The link to the amazon site did not work, do you happen to have another link for this so I can see what you recommended?

Thank you!

NYCRN6

jovigirlrn · Oct 10, 2011

NYCRN6,

Sorry, not sure why it didn't work but here it is again:

http://www.amazon.com/Oncology-Nursing-Review-Online-Access/dp/1449631789/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1318215370&sr=1-1

If that doesn't work, here is the ISBN and you can search by that:

978-1449631789

Now I am thinking I should take the test later also, but I have to take it in November. I just changed it to 2 weeks later...I'm getting chicken....

The above info should be ok. If not, let me know and I'll think of some other way to get you the info for the book. It costs the same for the book with the online access code as it does for just the access code alone. I got the book with code so I can take it with me and do it if I'm not at home with no computer access.

j

shortsuzy87 · Oct 10, 2011

Just a bit of advice for everyone. I took the OCN review course that was scheduled to end in Sept, but took my OCN 08/27/11. I PASSED! I highly recommend going through that course as your primary method of studying. Make sure to read as many assignments as possible from the Core Curriculum book. (I did this as well as take notes from the chapters.) I DID NOT read any of the bonus readings. I did all quizzes/tests available to me. I actually didn't pass the course exit exam the first time, but WHOOPED booty on my OCN, so don't panic if this happens to you too!

Good luck all!

OCNRN63, RN · Oct 10, 2011

OCNRN63,
Thanks for the feedback. I've been suspecting that the question and answer route would be the best. If you have 26 years experience and that is your opinion, I'm going with that! I've got about 45 days til test day - wish me luck - I will probably need it....
Thanks much,
j

Not 26y in oncology, but I have been certified in 4 other specialties. I found going over Q&A to be the best for me; never failed a certification.

Good luck.

dreavt, BSN, RN · Oct 10, 2011

NYCRN6,
I wonder if this exam is like NCLEX where everyone gets different questions, or does everyone get the same questions and the same number of questions....
j

Everyone gets the same number of questions, but not the same questions. However all the tests follow the "blueprint" -- i.e. x % of questions are about oncologic emergencies, x % are about supportive care, etc. Remember that unlike the NCLEX, you can go back after you've answered a question -- you can even flag the ones you want to re-check if you have time at the end. I passed on my 1st try with about 1.75 yrs of experience as a nurse, all of it in inpatient hem/onc, and studying for about 1 month. I was ALL ABOUT the questions! It gives you a good sense of where your weaknesses and strengths are, and the type of questions you are likely to get. I took it around the same time with 2 co-workers -- one relied on her 12-yr experience and failed, the other, with about 5 yrs experience, studied for longer than I did (at least 3 months, and consistently, every day), passed easily. I really think if you prepare, most people will pass. Don't freak out! Good luck!

jovigirlrn · Oct 10, 2011

Just a bit of advice for everyone. I took the OCN review course that was scheduled to end in Sept, but took my OCN 08/27/11. I PASSED! I highly recommend going through that course as your primary method of studying. Make sure to read as many assignments as possible from the Core Curriculum book. (I did this as well as take notes from the chapters.) I DID NOT read any of the bonus readings. I did all quizzes/tests available to me. I actually didn't pass the course exit exam the first time, but WHOOPED booty on my OCN, so don't panic if this happens to you too!
Good luck all!

Suzy,

How long did it take for you to find out that you passed the test?

jovigirlrn · Oct 10, 2011

deavt,

Thanks for the info. I'm sticking with Q & A mode and reading the Core Curriculum that goes with the questions. I've been dabbling with it for the last 2 or 3 weeks now, so I got about 1 month & 2 weeks left before test day.

dreavt, BSN, RN · Oct 11, 2011

Suzy,
How long did it take for you to find out that you passed the test?

You find out if you passed the OCN exam immediately -- right after you submit your final answer!

jovigirlrn · Oct 11, 2011

Nice!

Thanks,

j