CMC Exam HELP!

tammyg652 · Mar 10, 2007

if u can find someone please give me a call gonna take this in april

EandE · Apr 16, 2007

Don't know if this will help or not...I took the CMC test last month and missed it by 3points! I am scheduled to retake it this thursday. I have been studying "PASS CCRN" by Dennison and "Cardiac Nursing" by Woods for the retake. The CMC Review DVD put out by the AACN was not helpful to me the first time. I found it very disappointing that there were no materials available specific to this test. I currently work in a cardiac cath lab and previous to that I was in ICU. I feel this credential will benefit me in the future and so I forge ahead!!! I will let you know how it goes!

EandE · Apr 23, 2007

Just wanted to share the good news...I passed the CMC test!!! Whew! It was the hardest test I have ever taken in my life and I'm glad it is over with! I am anxious to start reading and researching cardiology topics to increase my knowledge base and make me a better nurse and not with so much pressure hanging over my head. Being a member of this forum has helped TREMENDOUSLY. THANK-YOU SO MUCH for all the valuable information and the interesting stories. I find that I remember things better if I can relate them to practice in real life situations.

EandE :monkeydance:

tammyg652 · Apr 24, 2007

Congrads!!!! i took that test and well it was harder than then the ccrn that for sure. I took the paper test wont find out the results until six weeks. I work in icu and i wished i had more cardiac experience like you have now. What did you think really help pass? I agree the CD from AACN could have been better to prep for the exam. Im crossing my finger that my guessing help lol and congrad again

fufu11 · Dec 15, 2009

Missed the passing score by 4 pts. Feeling bumbed out. Honestly, I should Have know better. Studying 2-3 days before the exam doesn't help either. I know my weak areas now and I'm scheduling myself to re-take it before the end of the year. I Need to have that addition to my credentials before 2010 sneaks in. The CMC is a fair test and 1 week of serious studying is enough to pass this test. Wish me Luck.. :cry: :cry:

allnurses Guide · Dec 15, 2009

What areas did you find hard? Any study tips for others who haven't taken it yet?

fufu11 · Dec 15, 2009

Oddly enough, some questions about C-pap threw me off alittle bit. The difficult areas included dilated cardiomyopathy, papillary muscle rupture, ventricular septal defects, and their various hemodynamic presentation. Know your shocks, and the treatment for your various heart rhythms. know difference between oxygen consumption (SvO2) and oxygen demand. (Do2). I used Pass CCRN book by Dennison and I saw a few questions from there. The reason I didn't succeed was because I studied for 2 days instead of 5-7 days. I believe that book is all you need. Good Luck !! :yeah:

CC-RN-EMTP · Dec 16, 2009

Okay, well I just home from taking the CMC exam and thought I would pass on a few things while they are still fresh in my mind. The exam is broken up into 4 areas. Cardiology patient problems, other pt. problems, nursing interventions, and monitoring. It has been mentioned before but know about your beta-blockers, ACE/ARB's and how they relate to the treatment of heart failure. I was surprised at the number of questions involving PA caths. KNOW your numbers and how they relate to treatment!! Pulmonary hypertension and ABG's were also biggies.

I used the Med-Ed DVD's as a study guide. I have to give kudo's to their staff and customer service dept as they were very helpful. Obviously they did help as I passed the exam but in retrospect I would probably go with the study materials from AACN esp. now that they have practice questions to review.

Hope this helps those of you studying for the exam. Good Luck!

CC

fufu11 · Jan 31, 2010

Took the CMC exam today and passed it. Whew !! It was a hard ass test. excuse my french. The CSC is next on the menu probably March or April. For now, I'm going clubbing. Where's the booze, it's saturday night !!