I created this thread to have an inclusive up to date CEN review thread for people planning to take the CEN in the next year. I have been in the ER for almost a year and I think that is enough time to start studying. I got some resources from my educator at work.
So far, the materials I have are the CEN review manual from the ENA which is basically practice tests and some stuff from Jeff Solheim's review which appears to be content in notes form. I also have a book called the Quick Reference to Critical Care which I have been using since I was a pretty new nurse. It has a lot of great information. I have also downloaded the most recent test blueprint.
Which materials did you use/are you using to study from? How important do you think it is to have the latest edition of study materials?
Yeah, there are plenty of naysayers out there. Some people can do somethings quicker, easier, etc. than others. I'm like that. I'm going to work on TNCC as soon as my hospital offers it (which they are talking about offering). And I'm not in the ED. I'll probably try CEN on my own, too.
Specializes in Emergency/Trauma Nursing (CEN/TCRN).
Hi!
As of Monday of last week I passed the CEN, the week prior that I passed the TCRN. I actually just graduated nursing school and decided to take the CEN/TCRN to help me get into the ER. The tests while challenging were not as bad as what everyone says it is!
Thanks for the post I've been in er for one year was told it was probably too soon to test so here's to sitting down and testing probably planning on taking it in the summer spring time
2. ENA Review Manual 4th edition - my advice, rent it on amazon. Cheaper. Just cover the answers when you're answering questions
Amount of time spent studying:
- Probably 2 weeks max is all you need. It took me 2 months from the time I registered to the day I took the exam because I had other commitments. I also went on vacation during that time so I procrastinated quite a bit. If you don't have any other obligations, 2 weeks of dedicated studying should be enough.
Years of experience:
-1.5 yrs ED Level 2 mixed adult/peds
-1.5 yrs Tele
Scores on ENA practice exams
1st practice - 68% (I've done 50% of my content review when I took this one and the score showed it)
2nd practice - 78% (Roughly 75% content review done)
3rd practice - 75%
4th practice - 76%
5th practice - 64% (Took on the day of the exam, probably not a good idea and I couldn't concentrate. This was after the cubs won the world series lol. Although I thought this practice test was considerably harder compare to the other ones)
Just got back from taking it and I passed. It was nice to have the print-out as you walk out instead of having to wait around for an email or checking the board.
I only studied by taking the 7 online ENA practice exams and listening to a few of Boswell's lectures while I was driving, started about 2-3 weeks ago, and averaged about 73-74% in practice, ended up getting an 86% on the CEN.
Certified is certified, and my methods are an n of 1, so do whatever it takes for YOU and leave the testing center happy.
Experience - 1.5 years ED, 6 years inpatient trauma.
Congrats!
Lev, MSN, RN, NP
4 Articles; 2,805 Posts
Hey everyone! Just wanted to share the great news that I PASSED the CEN exam today!!!!
If anyone has any specific questions, please post them here!