CNRN Certification...need some advice!

[mzgodinski]

hello. I'm an RN, BSN and I've worked on a Neuroscience unit for 3 years. I've really grown to love and have a deep interest in Neuro and I really want to take the CNRN exam. I just want to hear from some people who've taken it, what they thought of the test, how they prepared, etc.

For instance:

1. How long did you give yourself to prepare?

2. Did you buy that insanely expensive AANN book ("Core Curriculum..") that is said to be essential to pass? (5th (latest) edition is like 189.99, 4th ed. is like $69...do you think the new one is that much better?) What else did you study from?

3. What sort of stuff is on the test? Other nurses on my unit at work turn to me with neuro questions because I read a lot on my own time, and I've taken some small, free 10-question practice tests online and I do not seem to perform well on them, which is discouraging.

Any input would be hugely appreciated!

[all4neuro]

I did not buy the core curriculum.

I was a member of the AANN for 2 yrs. before taking the test.

4-6 months before the exam I bought study material. I also started looking for CNRN review weekends.

I bought Hickey, and all of Linda LittleJohn's DVD's.

Hickey was 25% cheaper by ordering it from our hospital medical library.

The DVD's are cheaper if you are a AANN member.

Actually, if you are not a member, I strongly recommend joining. The benefits are well worth the $100/yr. Members get unlimited CE's, I think in MAY, not sure, but there is a month of free unlimited CE's.

I was a rehab RN for 8 yrs., and then a Spine Unit RN for 2 yrs. before taking the test. This helped a lot, b/c those 2 areas I concentrated on very little.

The questions covered everything from pediatric neuro thru the lifespan.

I bought a brain coloring book. I utilized this a lot! You cannot pass unless you have the brain anatomy down, all the Cranial Nerves, the motor cortex, visual cortex, CSF formulation/balance/flow .... all of it.

Second is spine anatomy. Sympathetic and Parasympathetic division/pathways, cervical, thoracic, lumbar regions, spinal nerves, LMN and upper motor neuron, ipsilateral/contralateral.

Once you've got anatomy down, then you can study the neuro diseases, strokes, tumors, meningitis, HIV/AIDS, pituitary tumors, Horners syndrome, lumbar drains, ICP monitoring, traumatic brain injury, meds, labs, etc. etc.

Know rehab/PT/OT/ST for each different stroke, tumor, disease process.

The #1 study tip I have is to pay for and go to a weekend CNRN review. You get tons of CE's, and a study guide that you can start from the first page and build from it. The professionals that teach it are excellent.

The RN's that bought the curriculum DID NOT use it as much as the study guide. Once you go to one you will feel less overwhelmed. They wrap everything into a nice relatable package, so to speak.

Good Luck!!! I love neuro!! I love teaching it, practicing it and encouraging neuro RN's to keep at it!!