Failed ANCC, now taking AANP (Adult-Gerontology Specialty)

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Specializes in Internal Medicine.

Hello fellow nurses,

I am somewhat discouraged right now. I took the ANCC (A/G) exam and failed. I was so close. I literally missed my opportunity by only 2-3 questions! From my personal experience, the ANCC focused primarily on theories and history of nursing, instead of clinical questions. I lost my focus so quickly and was discouraged in between questions 30-50. Ugh!

Now, I am in the midst of studying for the AANP boards. I literally have 1 month and 2 days for this next adventure. I was hoping to connect with those who experienced the same situation as me... in hopes that you all kindly share your success stories on how you passed the AANP (adult/gero primary care) exam.

I have always been a BAD test taker. But the funny thing is, I graduated top of my class (GPA: 4.0), and I excelled in clinical. I have 3 years of RN experience... and yet I still failed myself. Any suggestions is GREATLY APPRECIATED! Thanks, Friends!

ARNP2B (hopefully) :(

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Specializes in Pain, critical care, administration, med.

I decided initially to take the AANP over the ANCC for the reason that AANP is strictly clinically based. I didn't want to bother withe the no clinical stuff. I liked the AANP and passed first time. I used Leik and Fitzgerald and took a review course. The questions are more basic and don't require that you dissect the answers. I also studied mnemonics for stuff I had a hard time remembering. Good luck I am sure you will do fine.

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Specializes in family nurse practitioner.

The AANP and ANCC are vastly different. Day and night. You should do two things, one, tell your classmates not to take the ANCC. Its too theory and research based!! And two, be encouraged and go on and passed the AANP. I have heard this story over and over again it seems. I took AANP and passed the first time. I told my friends, dont take the ANCC as no one I asked could tell me how to study for it, and I mean days after taking it because it was just that vague and non clinical. My friend insisted on taking it, just like you, she is a BAD test taker :). She missed by 3 points. Took the AANP, passed with flying colors. Said she should have listened the first time. Hope this encourages you sweetie! Read Leik from front to back and take that test.

You got it!

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Specializes in Internal Medicine.

Thank you ladies. My personal experience with the ANCC is this:

I took the darn test after 1-2 months of studying. I personally feel like I could have studied for one year longer and still would have gotten the same results. More than half of the test questions were irrelevant to anything I learned in my program (non-clinical, whatsoever). I was disheartened, and I felt as though I wasted my years of education, because despite my attempts in becoming an ARNP; it was simply not going to pan out for me. I genuinely appreciate your words of wisdom fellow nurses.

TINABEANRN: Since you took your boards through AANP, would you mind sharing with me your tactics on how you passed it? I purchased the Fitzegerald CDs and her workbook, I also LOVE LOVE LOVE Leik (just started it and making handwritten flashcards, which I will later convert to quizlet), I am also working part time, so I don't lose my clinical judgment, finally I purchased 10 prior AANP exams through AdultNPprep.com... thus far I am not doing so hot. It keeps saying that my score is below 500 (Scores ranging 468-490). I am so frightened. Sorry for the pity party, friends. At this point, I am DESPERATE and praying my hardest to pass the boards. I have been blessed to have landed my first ARNP job. The position awaits for me and all I need to do is pass. TINA - mind sharing what you did, Friend?

ARNP2B.... hopefully :-(

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Specializes in Internal Medicine.

TINA - BTW. I too, failed the ANCC by ONLY 3 points. WHAT A JOKE :(

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Specializes in family nurse practitioner.

I literally did all the stuff your doing plus

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Specializes in family nurse practitioner.

Don't do too much! AANP is very different than that other test. Fitzgerald and Leik are enough. Get a study partner.

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Specializes in Internal Medicine.

Thanks Tina. Did you take any tests to see how you were doing, if so, would you mind sharing how you did on those practice tests?

Also, with the midst of my anxiety I almost forgot... CONGRATULATIONS! I am so thrilled for you. It truly is an accomplishment :)

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Specializes in Internal Medicine.

Praise God! I passed the AANP!!!!!!! God is good!!!!!!

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Ladies;

It appears you all have just finished your programs. Good luck on the boards you are preparing to take.

Any ideas on how to prepare a presentation for the oral examination for the non-thesis student? I am in an Adult/Gero program and we have to do our oral board presentation this semester. Just having a hard time getting organized for it. Any advice is welcome.

MM

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Congrats ! I am getting ready to take mine in one week, any advice. Huge test anxiety here. Any help would be greatly appreciated .

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Congratulations!!!!! I'm so happy for you! Good job I am taking mine tomorrow, ay last minute tips for me? Thanks

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