Another CEN question

Specialties Emergency

Published

I had planned to take the CEN a number of times, but just could not get started. Now I have a chance to do so, and get it paid for. My director wants every nurse in our dept to be CEN certified. I looked on the ENA website, and saw that after July 2011 the test would be changed, and study guides would be revised. I do not have any study material, have not even started to prepare. My question...Do you think I will have enough time to prepare? I want to be sure I pass the first time! Also what study material have you all used, and thought was helpful?

A couple of the nurses along with our director are attending a two day prep course....then they are planning to teach the rest of us..... I am not so sure about that plan.:eek:

I don't think there will be enough books for all of us either...so I plan on getting my own. The two study guides I have looked at are the one from ENA (published 2009) and CEN review book & flashcards Mometrix Media, (published 2010, 2011). I am open to any, and all suggestions! Thanks ;)

Specializes in ER, Trauma, ICU/CCU/NICU, EMS, Transport.
Great tips above mwboswell. What are some ways you recommend studying for the revised CEN exam? Will you be providing an update on your experience on the new July exam? I just registered to take my exam. My goal is to obtain my CEN before I start my new job at a trauma center in August. Thanks!

I recommend a person use multiple modalities. In other words, I would NOT rely just on one method alone. A mixture of review books, sample tests, audio/video etc. Different people will have different methods that are effective learning for each of them, they all may vary. The best way to encourage retention of knowledge is to experience it different ways so the brain "imprints" it more effectively. There are different methods/domains to learning: hearing, seeing, reciting, writing (psychomotor) and affective (means your emotional aspect). When you stimulate ALL of those you have the most effective method.

Now to the specifics - I think anyone starting this review process should begin with some type of self assessment. Some type of self test, or practice test to see where your strengths and weaknesses are already. Then, depending on how you do, I'd try to focus the majority of the time actually studying on those weaker areas.

As far as studying for the "new" exam - Idon't recommend changing the method of studying, just make sure that you are using up to date materials. Remember the "new" exam isn't really "new" content, it's just been re-organized and shifted some to give more weight to certain clinical areas and less to others. There has also been a shift to more of a "medical" model than a "nursing" model. Which means more focus on pathophysiology of conditions as well as signs/symptoms and treatments. This really isn't any different than previous ways to look at the information, but it should help ease some test anxiety in some people.

I haven't seen the new test yet, I have scheduled myself to take it just for that purpose (to see it) the first week of July. I want to see if I can tell a difference or not versus the last time I took it (last summer). If I can tell certain things are emphasized more than others or recur more than others, I'll try to incorporate that into my teaching and presenting.

I hope this helps answer your question.

Please feel free to contacat me if I can help any other way.

-MB

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Hello,

Have you had the opportunity to take the revised exam yet? I am interested in registering for it soon.

Thanks,

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I have created a thread regarding the new test. I believe mwboswell is taking the test today and am curious of his experience.

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Specializes in Med Surg/Tele/ER.

I just wanted to let everyone know I have not taken the CEN yet....my director decided it would be better fro us to wait, and take the updated verson.....I did not want to do this, but since they are paying.....:uhoh3: Oh, and the plan that they were going teach us.....only one of them passed! So as soon as I get the ok I will be doing it my way, and following the advice from y'all. Mike can't wait to hear what you think of the updated test. Thanks again to everyone! :)

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Specializes in ER.

@mwboswell........Could I send you my practice test results for you to look over?

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Have you taken the new 2011 test? If so, how does it differ from the older one? Also, I just studied the ena 4th edition and took the 2 free online tests. Will that suffice? I don't want to get overwhelmed and overstudy buying a lot of prep books.

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Specializes in CCU/ER.

I have recently passed my CEN and found that making my own color coded flash cards from test questions worked well. I purchased a test book (included 5 tests) and took the tests - found that my weakness was in ob/gyn and toxicology - test was tough, but with adequate preparation, it's do-able. I do believe that one needs to work in the ED for at least 2 years before attempting the exam, though.

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