Failed AANP

ENP1987, MSN, NP · Jun 8, 2013

Thanks! I will def do that in focusing on my weaknesses!!!!

graduateFNP · Jun 10, 2013

I took the exam on June 4th and failed too!!!! Maybe we had the same test LOL. It was very heavy on content in my weak areas, but I also know that there were some questions I had no clue and others I made stupid choices. Someone recommended on here to become a AANP member and you can get your 15 CEU credits for free. I did the APEA review course and have the Fitzgerald CDs (which I hear is identical to the review course) so I don't think paying for another review course will be worth the money. Plus being a member of AANP will give me a small discount on the next exam. I hope to re-test in 8 weeks. I don't want to wait too long, but I want to make sure I'm absolutely prepared this time!!! It was absolutely devastating and finally a week later, I'm at the point where I can't dwell on it, and I have to move forward. I too, scored fairly well on predictor tests. I did do the AANP predictor a week before testing and was right at passing. I feel like I'm starting over, but I really need to get back to the basics as someone had mentioned and really make sure I understand the patho and first line treatment, then build from there, in addition to focusing on my weak areas. It will be a tremendous amount of work and I was really looking forward the weight being lifted off my shoulder. This site has been really helpful and reassuring - it appears majority who fail the first time, go on to pass the second.Let me know how things go!! I also have a TON of test anxiety... I'm going to look into mediating as well. I need to find a way to release my stress....

Aussierules1985 · Jun 12, 2013

Don't forget that (if im not mistaken) they rotate randomly the amount of questions, you have 20% ortho, and next test it may be 3%... I forget if they give you results of areas, if so.. look at it!

Alexis33 · Jun 12, 2013

I noticed that too Aussierules.

Barbdnprn · Jun 21, 2013

Hello to All, This is my first time leaving a comment. I just sat for my adult NP exam today ( AANP) and didn't pass. I cannot begin to explain the horror, embarrassment and sadness that I feel. I used the APEA, Hollier study set and did well on the practice tests. I also did the AANP exam and scored a 74%. There were so many things on the test that I had no idea about. I am trying to regroup and figure out what I will do next. I am just so disappointed in myself. I was hoping to have this behind me, now I have to start over. If anyone has any suggestions for a more intensive study plan please let me know. :no:

AtomicWoman · Jun 23, 2013

Hello to All, This is my first time leaving a comment. I just sat for my adult NP exam today ( AANP) and didn't pass. I cannot begin to explain the horror, embarrassment and sadness that I feel. I used the APEA, Hollier study set and did well on the practice tests. I also did the AANP exam and scored a 74%. There were so many things on the test that I had no idea about. I am trying to regroup and figure out what I will do next. I am just so disappointed in myself. I was hoping to have this behind me, now I have to start over. If anyone has any suggestions for a more intensive study plan please let me know.

I can't tell from your post -- did you do an actual review course with Hollier? If not, I recommend a review course, such as Hollier's or Fitgerald's. While it is still fresh in your mind, make a list of the kinds of questions you had no clue about so you can start studying those areas more intensively. (Was it medication questions? Or dermatology? or Ortho? Or...?) Try not to beat yourself up too much. You've been through the test once so now you know what it is like. You did your best. Try to keep a positive attitude! I know, it's hard when you feel bad, but a positive attitude will be required no matter what. You might also try to become a "study buddy" with someone else who is studying. Good luck on the next exam!

jamonit · Jun 24, 2013

Fitz workbook and accompanying c.d.s is how I passed the ANCC. I also spent a lot of time on the ANA website and the free FHEA pages regarding test taking tips, study plans, cranial nerves, and signs. I feel like all of that prepared me as well as possible. Really, it isn't a test on what you know so much as can you find the best answer. It almost felt like opinions...like the communication questions. But, there apparently was a right answer, and I passed yesterday. I hear both tests are equally hard, that the differences in content are miniscule. Know JNC VII, GOLD, Asthma guidelines, Samford Guidelines for ARBS and CAP, peds developmental milestones and Tanner Scale, Diabetes basics and tooonnnns of secondary prevention/guidance. Read the different governing bodies info regarding cervical cancer screening and prostate cancer screening. Take 2-3 weeks of just going through the workbook with the c.d.s. Take her predictive tests before and after. I did all the above and I felt like I knew the info, but nerves got in the way for a while. Try test taking strategies like posted on the ANCC website. Read questions D-A instead of A-C and think is this choice true or false for each item. That is how I passed. Good luck.

jamonit · Jun 24, 2013

Everyone I know that passed, no exception from those I know--they ALL USED Fitzgerald. It's worth it. In the car, before bed, a section a day. Flash cards of the guidelines/drugs/medications/ethical terms/legal terms/governing bodies. YOU CAN DO IT

graduateFNP · Jun 27, 2013

I recommend Fitzgerald over Hollier for review course. Very different.. Hollier is more straight to the point, but Fitzgerald is more in depth and covers critical thinking needed for the exam.

dark10gable · Jul 2, 2013

I passed yesterday... And from the practice tests I realized it's a factual exam with some critical thinking. The exam was not that hard thanks to Hollier and her 1600 questions. If u do her questions and REALLY!!! Understand the rationales you will breeze through this ENTRY level exam.

Isabel-ANP-BC · Jul 3, 2013

I took the ANCC ANP exam 2 years ago. Didn't think it was bad, passed on the first go round. I used their online review lectures and powerpoints, did it the week before the exam. Didn't do anything else. Thought the review was good because the lecturer would say, "And this is a great exam question". About half of those types of questions were on my exam. I'm not sure if I did well because I tend to be a good multiple guess test taker or just was at the point where I was like, "I know this stuff..." and refusing to stress walking into the exam.

That said, the woman who came out at the same time I did failed the FNP exam. Maybe FNP is harder because it includes pediatrics?

Silverback236 · Jul 3, 2013

Took my exam today. Honestly I was sure only about 30 questions out of 150. Reviewed both Fitzgerald book and CDs twice + APEA cds. I felt that neither prepared me for exam questions I had. Bought 5 practice tests from aanp-fnp; they were somewhat helpful but tedious to do (failed 4/5):) .The whole test was mainly assessment/intervention type questions and there were no community/legal practice guidelines questions whatsoever. I think my school program/going through practice test questions, both improved my clinical reason reasoning skills, helped me to pass. I certainly would not be discouraged by failing AANP test; it is a HARD test. Another option might be taking AANC exam which I hear is more guideline oriented (if it is your strong point). Best of luck!!!!