CEN Exam Review/Preparation

[mwboswell]

For those who have already taken their CEN exam, I'd like to know a couple of things....

1) What were things that kept you from taking it before you did (IE: time, money, test anxiety etc)

2) What type of preparation/study did you do before taking your test (IE: attend a class, buy books, CD/DVD's etc)

3) If you used MORE THAN ONE study/resource type - which was the most effective for you?

4) Did you get a discounted price when you registered for your exam?

5) What kinds of questions gave you the most trouble on the exam?

6) What kinds of questions were the easiest for you on the exam?

I'm trying to work on an article to discuss and explore possible research avenues on how/why some ED nurses wait so long to take their CEN exams. Any information will be greatly appreciated.

thanks!

[emtb2rn, BSN, RN, EMT-B]

1. Wanted at least 2 years experience before taking the test.

2. Used books (lippicott & your review guide) and the ena 150 question practice.

3. ena practice test which gave me the feel of the gui.

4. Yes, ena member

5. ob/gyn

6. Trauma, cardiac, respiratory

[murphyle, BSN, RN]

1) Newness to the profession. (I took my CEN at just less than a year's experience, chronologically; however, I pick up enough OT that my actual hours-worked number was closer to 1.25 years at full-time equivalent. Either way, it's still early according to BCEN's experience rubric.)

2) Primarily ENA's practice test book and Sheehy's (for reference), and miscellaneous other handouts and stuff our department educator had handy.

3) The practice test book, hands down. Every question comes with a rationale, which is a huge help.

4) Yes - ENA member.

5) Orthopedics. (RNs don't do a lot of ortho in my department, splinting and casting is overwhelmingly a tech job.)

6) Trauma, respiratory and GI.