CEN Challenge

loricatus · Dec 6, 2008

Honestly, I didn't find it that hard. Think it has to do with attitude. I went into the exam with very little preparation, just shy of one year ER experience, with the mindset that I was taking it as a dry run to familarize myself with the content for my next try. Had absolutely no stress on the day of the test and was shocked to find out I passed it.

So, try to relax and not listen to what others say abut the difficulty. Don't go into it with the attitude that it is hard or you will overanalyze the question or burn yourself out studying. The practice questions sound like a good idea because it will get you in the right frame of mind for test taking.

Another thing to do could be to brush up on where you think you have weaknesses (eg: ped diseases, trauma...) based upon the content guide which you can find on the ENA website.

Good Luck and don't drive yourself crazy. It will only be as hard as you make it to be.

Larry77, RN · Dec 6, 2008

There are definitely very difficult questions on the test but there is also quite easy ones too. If you have that much experience you should be fine. I think the biggest problem people have is on topics they may not work with day in and day out (like peds, trauma if not trauma center etc). So if there are topics you don't have experience with study those and I'm sure you'll do fine.

Studying did not help me, my experience did...:)

stunner127 · Dec 7, 2008

i just passed cen about a month ago. less experienced than you - icu as a new grad, 2 years er nursing. i found the actual test much easier than the review books.

they throw you some bizarre questions on the test but the vast majority on my test were what i would consider common er nursing knowledge. you only need a 75 to pass so don't sweat the weirdo questions.

the ena review book and especially their online tests (you get a code for those with the book) were most helpful to me. some of the questions on my test were very similar to the online test.

mwboswell · Dec 7, 2008

i just passed cen about a month ago. less experienced than you - icu as a new grad, 2 years er nursing. i found the actual test much easier than the review books.
they throw you some bizarre questions on the test but the vast majority on my test were what i would consider common er nursing knowledge. you only need a 75 to pass so don't sweat the weirdo questions.
the ena review book and especially their online tests (you get a code for those with the book) were most helpful to me. some of the questions on my test were very similar to the online test.

i waited until i had about 7 years of experience, but had i only known i only needed a 75% to pass, i would have done it much sooner!!!!

a good review class will "refresh" what you already know, but don't use that often, "reinforce" that which you know and use and "remind" you of those areas that you need to spend outside time studying for!!! that third area is the one where most people need to spend their time studying to be successful.....

ps: there's a review class forming now for greenville sc jan 31, 2009