bad news

Specialties CRNA

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Just got THE LETTER from the CCNA. After a few days of all the emotions that the guys at VAlley said folks go through, I am now attempting to start studying again. Had a decent score out of the 450, however just not enough to make the grade. Anyone out there that has gone through this ordeal, please tell me what you did to prepare to retake the exam. I have already talked to the guys at valley and am doing what they suggest. I feel like I have forgotten so much in just the few short weeks that I sat for the exam. Any advice or other comments will be appreciated.

Ted

Hard to believe that I am the only person on this forum that has ever failed boards. I see that over 100 people have read this post and not a single comment has been made (good or bad).

Ted

Hard to believe that I am the only person on this forum that has ever failed boards. I see that over 100 people have read this post and not a single comment has been made (good or bad).

Ted

Ted,

Im new to the site today. Just seeing where people are in the process of the whole crna thing. I just received my bsn after 13 years of nursing in order to finally attempt getting an interview. Im sorry you did not pass, but you will, I mean you just dont go this far for no reason at all. Hold your head up. Did you not know of nurses in your regular adn/bsn nursing classes that failed their boards? Truely great caregivers and even managers. It just happens. Best wishes, happy studying.

Specializes in Developmental Disabilities, LTC.

I logged on yesterday & saw your post & was unable to open it, let alone comment on it. It said the thread I was clicking on was invalid. Then when I came back after a couple hours & logged on again, your thread was no where to be found. I even tried doing a search ("bad news") & nothing turned up.

So, sorry, I can't help you with your problem, but thought it might make you feel a little better to know that I'm pretty sure the reason no one's posted so far is because they couldn't.

Thanks for the update.

Ted

Specializes in CVICU.
Just got THE LETTER from the CCNA. After a few days of all the emotions that the guys at VAlley said folks go through, I am now attempting to start studying again. Had a decent score out of the 450, however just not enough to make the grade. Anyone out there that has gone through this ordeal, please tell me what you did to prepare to retake the exam. I have already talked to the guys at valley and am doing what they suggest. I feel like I have forgotten so much in just the few short weeks that I sat for the exam. Any advice or other comments will be appreciated.

Ted

hi ted, don't feel bad.you have come a long way. some people are very smart but just not good test takers. not passing exam first time wouldnot make you a bad CRNA.believe it or not, once you pass it you will forget all the pain.you were able to get through such tough prog.if you could do that then you can pass the exam next time in flying colors.have faith, focus and get it done. good luck!

Thanks, I sent an e-mail to Vinny, hope he writes be back.

Ted

Hang in there, Ted! Good luck on the next round.

The good news is that YOU WILL PASS!

My advice is this:

Go Thru each section in the sweat book one-at-a-time, not only to memorize, but be sure to understand the concepts inside AND out, up AND down, AND sideways. Of course, you need to memorize names of drugs, dosages, etc. but it's paramount to have a good understanding of the concepts. Also, go thru the latest mixed reviews a couple of times and at least once more thru the memory master - again, to master concepts as well as memorization...

I recommend 8 hours per day, with 2 fifteen min breaks and 45 min for lunch (seriously, just like a job) for at least three weeks, more if you think you need it...and remember, no shortcuts - just do it!

When you take the test again, read the question and form your own answer first, then look at the choices to see what fits. This is how a friend and I did it (on the advice of several other CRNAs).

Good luck to you bro, and keep you head up...

-Gump

Specializes in Anesthesia.

Ted,

Stick with it. I had a friend who had to take the boards five times before he passed. He had other problems going on at the time though. Study the sweat books, espically Howards, and remember that you WILL pass.

Thanks for the words of encouragement. I have been hitting the books hard. I will take all the advice that I can get. It is a bummer to have to study again, however, I will not give up. I will pass this test. This is just another hurdle to jump through to reach my goal. Can't wait to get back to doing anesthesia, seems like it has been forever since I was in the OR. Keep the advice coming. I will let everyone know when I pass.

Ted

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