Board Certification for Med/Surg

Specialties Med-Surg

Published

I recently found out about the Board Certification for Med/Surg through the ANCC(through the ANA). I am interested in studying for this and acquiring this certification.

Anyone have this or other certification? If so, how did you study for this? Have you used the tapes or would you know of an inexpensive source for acquiring tapes? Any information is greatly appreciated.

NCLEX books are vailable at my local library. The tapes appeal to me because I travel a lot and listen to tapes regularly.

Thank you in advance....

B.:)

I recently sat for the med/surg certification exam given by the Academy of Medical Surgical Nurses. I bought the Springhouse review book and studied with that even though that book was prepared for the ANA exam. AMSN provides exam study material as well; however, I waited too long to order the materials and ended up at Barnes and Noble *grin*.

I decided NOT to take the ANA exam due to the 'separate tests' for BSN/ASN prepared nurses. As an RN for over 20 years, I am frankly offended by the ANA. BSN prepared nurses take the same NCLEX, and do NOT get a new/better/smarter license when they become BSN prepared. The Academy of Medical Surgical Nurses treat all med surg nurses equally. I am proud to sign my name with the "CMSRN" credentials ... 'Certified Med Surg RN' .....

Whichever you choose ... take the exam .... you have nothing to lose and everything to gain ...... I'm sorry I waited so long.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I Was Wondering About Books Used To Study For Med/surg Certification. I Only Bought 2 Med/surg Certification Review And I Was Hoping That Was Enough But Reading The Forum I See That I Shoud Probably Get A Patho Review Book. If Anyone Thinks This Is Correct Or If You Think 2 Vs. The 3 Books Are Enough Let Me Know

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Dear Nightingale-

I just passed my med-surg certification exam thru ANCC today- (YAY!) but I can't find anywhere what initials go after my name. Can you help?

Thanks!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Hello! Please scroll down and see #27 post- thanks!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in m-s, onco.

I just had my Certification last October at MSNCB paper and pen. I didn't go for any review class or bought any review materials. I just used my old NCLEX-CDs and go through the concept -MED-SURG from Lippincott, Mosby, Saunders (old reviewers). Just study everynight after work if not tired and answered Q and A's at least 10 to 20 items because I find it so draining after work answering more than 20. If I'm off and in the mood, I would answer 50 to 100 Q and As. It's really worth, I was little cramming a night before the exam, I still studied a little, I slept late and got up early. Well, I was sleeply and so I did take energy drink to keep me awake and prayed. Just used some test taking strategies - elimination when I ddn't really know the answer. During the exam, I was very calm though. I reviewed those answers I was doubtful by placing a mark in the questionnaire that I have to go back. 4 hour-exam. Whew! I'm not a paper and pen test-taker because I lose patience easily but I made it. Just believe in yourself and pray of course.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

:typingJust took the ANCC MedSurg certificate exam on Feb, 2nd. It's not hard at all. I was surprised.

This is a computer based exam. 175 questions totally and the first 25 doesn't count for the score. You have 3 and half hours to finish all of them and you will know your score as soon as you finish the exam. The passing score is 350.

I believe that if you've been working in MedSurg for at least 2years, you won't have problem to pass the exam even though you don't have time to review.

I used a book for med-surg certificate which one of my colleagues used 10years ago when she took the exam. I didn't finish the whole book though since it's so boring to read. I was also using the CD for NCLEX from Saunder's. But after the exam, I found that what they asked is much different from what I prepared. Instead of testing your knowledge about disease, they asked a lot of questions about foundations of nursing, Legal and ethical aspects,Therapeutic communications.

Anyway, don't be afraid of it. They want us to pass otherwise, nobody will willing to take it anymore. :p

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in PACU.

Thanks for the info --- I am taking this test on June 4th and am getting nervous not sure what to study etc. I have a review book, but sometimes, after working all day, and overtime, it is so difficult to bring myself to study. I am trying to have faith that i know more than I think I do, but . . .

thanks again!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med/Surg, ICU, educator.

On another note, I've decided that I'm not willing to get the 150 CEU credits needed every five years to maintain my certification. My hospital will only pay for one conference/year and I'm not willing to shell out the money needed to pay for all those CEU's. If I have to, I'll retake the exam. (Our hospital will reimburse the cost of the exam if you pass.) We don't get any extra benefits for being certified, but I wanted to prove to myself I could do it and I'm glad I did.

If you are certified through AMSN, then all you have to do is go online if you're a member and get the free CE's. I got my CMSRN in May '08 and already have my 150 credits :specs:

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment