Cen

[sgavette]

I am preparing to take the CEN exam. I have gotten books from ENA along with test questions. Is there anything else that I need to do in order to better prepare myself? I feel as if I am preparing to take my nursing boards again.

[LerRN95]

I just took my CEN in January (and passed) It was the hardest test I ever took. Made my boards looked like a piece of cake. What helped me the most was doing questions. I bought several test books . I took all the test. What I didn't get right, I studied the rationale. That makes a different.

You can also get books, video and cassettes from Greatnurses.com.

[Vicky Morris]

I agree that it is a hard exam but I found it very beneficial... I found that TNCC was an excellent thing to have done first, since the trauma piece is identical....pace yourself with the studying, and try and do a chapter a week (or so).......I really dont think it's necessary to shell out money for a review, but they are out there if you want to do that (ENA should be able to tell you where and when). Good luck !Vicky

[NurseyK]

I found the best prep to be the review books put out by ENA and Laura Gasparo (sp?). Her book was very difficult, but a good review. Make sure you have TNCC and ENPC under your belt - it makes life easier also.

In the end, I found the best "resource" was my own experience. If you have an adequate amount of time put in on the job, you'll do fine.

GL!

Kat :)

[teeituptom, BSN, RN]

Howdy yall

From deep in the heart of texas

I agree with nursey k. Tncc is a help. But your own experiences is what gets you through it with a lot less stress.

Keep it in the short grass yalll

Teeituptom

[tomrnff]

I agree that the CEN exam seemed to be harder than boards. What I didn't prepare for were all of the questions regarding discharge teaching, etc. I guess I expected more trauma and cardiac.

I found that when I was preparing, it was better to stick with one review manual. When I tried others, I felt there was conflicting info which could be confusing.

Good Luck! It will be a relief when it's over!

[traumaRUs, MSN, APRN]

I took CEN two years ago and found experience was the best indicator of passing. Working level one trauma center made it pretty easy.