Boards

allnurses Guide · Sep 1, 2015

I failed ANCC last night. Overwhelmed but not surprised based on the questions I saw and the panic setting in. Tips? Thoughts? Suggestions? How were you successful?
I don't know where to begin.

Sorry to hear that, it's a stressful situation to fail the boards. The good news is that you can try again with ANCC and/or AANP.

What areas were you deficient in? What types of questions? Do you feel that you were well-prepared? Did you take a review course?

PG2018 · Sep 1, 2015

What's your specialty?

I bought some cheap, mostly irrelevant practice tests from anccprep.com as well as some kind of testing strategies course for cheap. I can't remember if it was from ANCC ANCC prep.

I bought a Barkley review book and audio (CDs) from a live review course off of Amazon for cheap. My wife is supposed to post mine back on Amazon and some juncture for sell. They've sat around the house for a good while now.

Additionally, I bought two practice test from ANCC that were ridiculously difficult and had nothing that a clinician would likely know on them. They were more well suited for a philosophy major turned healthcare admin student. Nonetheless, I passed the actual ANCC exam and found it substantially easier than the practice tests. Frankly, if I retook it today I'd probably fail it because I crammed so much nonclinical stuff to pass it.

You'll get there. Give it another stab.

Msn2015 · Sep 1, 2015

I took the Fitzgerald course and stuck primarily to her guide. I think this was my first mistake. I should have used other resources. I don't think I gave myself enough time. I went through all

the material doing huge portions of studying at a time. I think I need to go to the 3-4 hours 5 days a week and really understand the concepts. Some things on the exam were things I had never seen or heard of. I went into it calm. When that started happening and things were completely unfamiliar I panicked and couldn't focus.

Tell me not to give up. Overwhelmed to say the lease.

allnurses Guide · Sep 1, 2015

I took the Fitzgerald course and stuck primarily to her guide. I think this was my first mistake. I should have used other resources. I don't think I gave myself enough time. I went through all
the material doing huge portions of studying at a time. I think I need to go to the 3-4 hours 5 days a week and really understand the concepts. Some things on the exam were things I had never seen or heard of. I went into it calm. When that started happening and things were completely unfamiliar I panicked and couldn't focus.
Tell me not to give up. Overwhelmed to say the lease.

Absolutely don't give up.

Can you give an example of someone you were completely unfamiliar with?

How was you program, do you feel it did a good job preparing you and you just missed some things or were there things you were totally unprepared for? If your program didn't prepare you, then you should both dedicate a lot of time to review and report the program to the credentialing body.

Fitzgerald will give you a free repeat course I think. Also may consider the AANP exam as the pass rates are slightly higher and its more clinical based.

Msn2015 · Sep 1, 2015

I am FNP. I know where some of my mistakes in preparing lie. I am trying to develop a new plan of attack. But my heart is very heavy today as you can imagine.

I have all my Fitzgerald course materials, a Leik book, as well as an additional Fitzgerald book. I have CDs to now listen to from a friend.

Test taking strategies. This is needed due to my severe anxiety with tests.

Msn2015 · Sep 1, 2015

I had a ton of culture questions as well as leadership and billing questions. I studied all of the given material but feel the questions where beyond what I studied.

Msn2015 · Sep 1, 2015

I feel my program well

prepared me to practice. I'm just stunned at the questions on the exam and how foreign things were to me.

TakeTwoAspirin, MSN, RN, APRN · Sep 2, 2015

I believe the ANCC will send you an analysis of what you did well, and where you need to work harder. You should use this as a framework for your studies moving forwards. Sorry you failed. I can't even imagine. Give yourself time to recover, and then get back on the horse. Good luck!

Msn2015 · Sep 2, 2015

Thank you so much. The positive feedback is very encouraging.

RNBSN11 · Sep 4, 2015

So sorry this happened to you. I would definitely try to take a deep breath, get up and dust off your clothing as it was a little stumble. It was also an experience that you can use as ammunition for the next round.

I would certainly consider registering for the AANP exam. I certified through AANP and found their exam focused more on clinical knowledge, which was the reason I chose to test with them. But it's a personal preference, unless job required to have ANCC.

I would recommend additional sources, and study based on weaknesses and knowledge deficits. I used Barkley CDs during my long commutes to classes, but even just when in the car around town. I found that course to be helpful! I also purchased Fitzgerald's online course review, and found that a few of her questions were on my exam. However, I found her review only focused on a select few topics that didn't give me a new grad review. Perhaps more for a practicing NP refresher course.

Not it sure if this is going to be helpful to you, but do not let this discourage you. You have worked hard and YOU WILL SUCCEED!!

One little side note: When I sat at my testing desk, with my blank paper and pen, I wrote down an important phrase that was relayed to me a few years prior. It looked back at this phrase during my exam, and it kept me motivated. When you return to re-test for your certification........CONQUER IT!!!!!!!!!!!!

Msn2015 · Sep 4, 2015

I have purchased Barkley's review book, reapplied to ANCC, and have developed a new study strategy that is mapped out and ready to go. I am so appreciative for all of the support. Thank you, thank you, thank you!