I know of the CEN support thread in the Emergency Nursing forum. It is a thread where people can talk about how they study, give general support, words of wisdom, and pearls.

I thought a similar topic could be helpful for RN's getting ready for the CFRN and CTRN. There are multiple study guides out for CEN review; however, transport review materials are somewhat limited.

So, please share your stories. What helped? How did you or are you planning to study? Should specific areas be emphasized? Please, share your tips and tricks.

I would ask that people refrain from giving out actual exam material if they have it as this pratice is generally considered non-professional.

Well all I just wanted to say thank you for the ideas and support.

Jack CTRN

Job well done. It is a tough exam. RN, CTRN...looks good on ya!

Hi,

I passed the CEN two weeks ago, the CFRN 3 days ago, and am doing the FP-C next Thursday. I had let the certifications expire about a year ago, because I didn't think I was going to fly again. I was wrong, and won't make that mistake again of not renewing.

I certainly wouldn't say the tests are easy, but if you have a fair amount of experience, they aren't that bad. The thing that helps the most in my opinion is to answer a lot of questions in the study guids before you take the test. it helps you get used to how questions are worded, what they really want to know, and how to make the most of the info you are given in order to come up the the MOST APPROPRIATE answer. And don't be in a hurry. Read ALL of the answers carefully before picking one.

Good Luck

RJ Bailey RN CEN CFRN EMT-P

Flight Nurse

Monroe County TraumaStar

I dont have as much experience as bailey does so I find it difficult to decide between those two answers that looked good. I think the interesting part about these types of certs is they cover the full range of pt.

I would suggest that folks look at the similar threads to this one on FlightWeb. Some of us probably frequent both sites.

Ok people..are we just not getting certified or does everyone go and do it w/o a few encouraging words? Good luck and do it!

I am considering the CTRN now that I may be doing some ground CCT. I am in the middle of teaching a CCT class through one of the local colleges; however, something I am thinking about later.

Isn't CTRN somewhat redundant after you've got CFRN?

Medic,

I suppose it might be as it is a very similar test as I understand it. I only do ground transport so I wouldn't take CFRN. Glad they started the CTRN!!

Very similar exams from what I hear. The material comes from the same sources. What I have herd is, CTRN is CFRN without the aviation.

I am a fairly new Flight nurse (less than a year). I am studying to take the CEN, CCRN, and the CFRN. The review material I have is dated, so I am planning on purchasing newer material. I have heard many good reviews about material by Laura Gasparis VonFrolio, but she does not have any new editions out. I would like a review book, as well a question/answer type book. I have the most recent TNCC book, which has been helpful. There is a vast amount of material out there, and some I have found is not very useful, and some is down right innacurate. Suggestions will be much appreciated!!!

Thanks!!

Welcome SusieJ - congrats on the job.

Those are VERY different exams - not sure why you would try all 3, but whatever works for you. Actually, the CEN and CFRN are more alike than different - but, IMO the CCRN is a completely different exam.

Not sure of your clinical background or the service you fly with as what you are "walking around with" clinically can matter loads in prep for these exams. Example - if you have 10 years strong ED, but no CC experience & work for a community service that rarely transfers the "sickest" patients you are gonna need a lot more review in CC areas than in core emergency nurse knowledge. The CCRN is a near impossible exam for RN's that have only limited variety of ER experiences and no CC experience - there are critical thinking and clinical application questions thatt you will test your mastery of management of the critical patient. Also, for the CFRN any experience in prehospital stuff (since you have gotten since you started flying within the last year) or have from before really will determine if you can review or if you have no foundation and need to start from the very beginning. Even the best nurses rarely know about flight safety/survival, scene safety, field triage, hazmat - you may be with a strong program and have gotten an amazing education or not? It will matter in prep vs. review.

My advice if you are in review - carry on. If you are in a spot of having to learn gobs of "new" things for these exams - spend another year (or two) and re-visit the exam quest. If you have limited experience and were hired to fly and have few senior nurses to guide you - spend the time to get better at what you do - there will be plenty of time to test your knowledge after you have gotten more experience. PHTLS/TNATC/NRP/Basic EMT are all valuable courses.

You are looking at spending almost $1000 on the exams - it pays to be as prepared as possible. Take the one you are most prepared to take - ER background = CEN, CC = CCRN and strong flight orientation/resources = CFRN.

What resources do you have to draw from at your flight service? Do you have other flight nurses that have experience and can guide you?

I find that the Core Curriculum in Emergency Nursing (from ENA) and the Critical Care (from AACN) are excellent resources. The Principles Transport (Blue Book) is an essential transport reference.

Good Luck.

Fly SAFE!