Failed the CEN by one question. Literally.

Specialties Emergency

Published

Specializes in Emergency, Administration.

Hey all! Long time no talk!

Well, I went into the CEN today with zero preparation. I signed up for the exam back in December, completely forgot about it, then got a reminder e-mail yesterday while at work and went "o crap!" I literally studied nothing. Needless to say, I didn't pass, but I only missed it by ONE QUESTION! 104 correct! Ugh.

I totally bombed the section on environmental hazards and poisonings. Cyanide overdose treatment? Mass casualty field triaging? (I was easily able to eliminate the already dead 40 year old, but the other 3 options all seemed pretty urgent, and the ABCs were no help) Does anyone have some good review sites/books that focus on this area of the test? The other sections were fine - 13/15, 18/20, so on and so forth, but environmental hazards and poisoning was something like 1/9. FAIL.

Thanks for your help y'all! xo

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I took mine yesterday and passed.....barely...got 109 correct...needed 105. The only prep I did do was take the review course offered by Paragon...it was AWSOME. You can look it up online. I also took the 2 practice test that are offered on the BCEN website. Once I passed both of those I just went in and took it. My mode of thinking was that I just was going to get it done and then if I failed it I would have a better idea of what was on the test and areas to focus on. Best of luck!

ALicia

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What are the advantages of being CEN certified. Do hospitals tend to pay you more?

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Specializes in Emergency.

Northbay, sounds like you're pretty much there already. You should probably just review Sheehy's Emergency Nursing manual. It's "the book" for the CEN. Good luck.

obgoddess, the CEN is worth $2 an hour at my hospital. And they paid for the exam.

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How many total questions are on the CEN? Anyone know what the pass rate is for first time takers?

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Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.

There are 175 questions, 150 of which are scored (the other 25 are "experimental"). There is more info here: Welcome to BCEN

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Hijack kind of... I'm graduating from an ADN program in May. My goal is to work in the ED, but I know that it is tough to get there directly. So I'm thinking that regardless of where my first employment is, I want to start studying for the CEN test. The logic being that in an interview, having the CEN already will show my commitment. Can you give any insight into how difficult the material will be if, say, I am working in med-surg and not directly applying the material in an ED setting? Thanks...

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Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.

In my opinion, the point of obtaining the CEN credential is kind of like validating what we do as ED nurses every day. I think that in the context of taking the CEN and not working in an ED, you've shown that you can take a test, not that you've achieved professional or clinical expertise. Does that make sense? However, I applaud your determination -- and yes, I'm sure some hiring folks would look on such an achievement as exceptional motivation and a passion for the ED. :) Good luck with the rest of your program!

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Lunah, thanks for your opinion - that's the input I needed. :)

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Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.

Remember, it's just my opinion -- do what you want to do! ;) Heck, people might even criticize me for taking the CEN with less than 10 months of RN time under my belt (two years of experience is generally recommended, but not required). Good luck, whatever you decide!

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Thanks Lunah, I'm just poking around trying to get some info to make a plan for my next few steps after school finishes. Your input was helpful. I do think that whatever happens, I'll pickup the CEN book and start studying. Have a good weekend!

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Specializes in ER.

oh no! So sorry.

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