I just received a grant from my employer to take the CHPN exam (they are also going to cover my HPNA membership). All of the other costs I am going to have to pay for which include travel 2 hours to take the test, and any course related materials.
I figure at least purchasing the core content book is a no-brainer, but I am wondering what everyone's opinion is about the Study Guide and the Online Course Review.
I am worried about studying from just the book, as I am not a leaner who is successful with just reading, but at $150 for the course, I just don't know if it is worth it.
Also anyone know where I could find a copy of the book used, I have struck out on ebay, Amazon and all the textbook rental sites.
Specializes in LTC,Hospice/palliative care,acute care.
No, the ABCs behind your name mean nothing when it comes to doing a job well. They just mean you paid for a lot of certifications and feel really, really important.
As a patient or family member, I would be much more impressed with you if you jumped on symptoms quickly to maximize comfort and held my hand when I needed it.
You don't need a can of alphabet soup slapped behind your name to know that.[/quote
Sadly in today's health care that is really no longer true....I agree with you whole heartedly.A local hospice went all BSN,lost many valuable ,experienced nurses and you won't believe some of the crap the current crew does....
How awesome that you got a grant! Can i ask you, DisneyNurseGal, about what steps you've taken so far?
The grant was offered through my employer. We write a proposal, and talk about how what we have chosen will benefit the work on. My unit is the unit where people who are eminently dying go to pass. I take the test 12/17 and just studying right now.
I used the online study guide but didn't like it. There is a time window and my test fell about 3 weeks after my online study guide window closed, leaving me to finish up my studying without the online practice (plus it was expensive!). I recommend the book and the workbook study guide. Be sure to have a strong grasp of cancer end of life processes and disease trajectories. I primarily work with demented patients so I struggled with some of the oncology questions. Also, make sure you are comfortable with medication conversions and EOL symptom care.
As long as you have worked hospice for a few years, and you study 2-3 months (10-15 hours per week) you should be fine.
I'm still not sure why everyone freaks out about it. I just passed the test today and started studying yesterday. lol I got the chpn secret guide and read maybe 30 pages of it but did all the test questions on the back. A lot
ktwlpn, LPN
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