FNP Hasn't Passed Certification Boards

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SO, I graduated in 2019 in July from the FNP program. 

IV'e taken the ANCC and AANP, no luck.

I rate in the 50%'s I need to be in the 70s%.

I'm so disappointed. I stopped pushing myself. IV'e done all the reviews:

Barkley

APEA

Leik

I want to do a live APEA review online. It's so expensive. I've tried to change my work hours to day shift. I'm trying to handle my business, to be a better person and nurse. Winter, failure, night shift, it's taking it's toll on me. 

I'm trying to afford all the reviews and test fees. 

The economy is not helping, I'm not able to save, every time I turn around; I have another expense preventing me from registering. Or the night shift doesn't align with review dates. My job requires me to pick up extra. Etc..

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Specializes in Surgery.

Give yourself a break. This past year has been extremely tough on everyone. How about step away from the test prep and get yourself into some guided meditations or yoga. Dealing with your stress will make it easier for your brain to retain. 

Also I'd ask how you did it in school? For me, I wrote things down over and over again. Get into the same habits of studying for the boards. 

I graduated years ago but I had the Fitzgerald DVDs (do cars have players anymore LOL) and I would constantly listen to those anywhere I went.

Be good to yourself, it will happen. 

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Specializes in New Critical care NP, Critical care, Med-surg, LTC.

Sorry that you've had a rough time of it. Have you ever had someone available to discuss your learning style? Review courses are all well and good, but if you're not the best at learning and retaining information in that format, every review course in the world isn't going to help. Many schools have academic counselors that are focused on helping students find success. 

Did you struggle with concepts during school? Do you feel like when you take the exam you lack the knowledge? Is the wording of the questions the problem? Are you an anxious test taker? There's much more to figuring out a way to pass the exam than just doing the same things again. You can figure it out. 

It's been a rough time lately. Working in a pandemic, the stress of a large exam hanging over your head, it's a lot. Give yourself a break, a failing grade on an exam doesn't make YOU a failure. You've been successful in your career to this point, you can find success in the exam. 

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Specializes in Primary Care.

So sorry to hear that you are struggling. It has been difficult for the last year. Check out Joanne Asia on facebook. I used her last year and I passed on first try. My friend too did the same and we both passed. I wish you well. You can reach out if you need more info. 

 

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Bummer.   this type of test is different than NCLEX in that they aren't trick question/CAT style questions and really just focus on content knowledge. I sometimes think having taken that type of test,  people can over analyze the questions and get in trouble.

  While I did Barkly, I don't think there is a magic formula or program to help with passing other than really knowing the content.   What areas does the feedback results tell you your struggling in ?  My strategy was do do practice questions and when I missed a question I would study the process/concept I missed until I had a better understanding. 

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I suggest the Hollier APEA online live review. I also did Rosh review questions and Med Challenger. Honestly probably didn’t need all of these. I would get the APEA online live review right before you plan on sitting for the exam , so the content is fresh.

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Specializes in Primary Care.
12 hours ago, Nyghts said:

So sorry to hear that you are struggling. It has been difficult for the last year. Check out Joanne Asia on facebook. I used her last year and I passed on first try. My friend too did the same and we both passed. I wish you well. I honestly felt like everything (at least 95%) was from her review. And it is cheap (very) I think $50 compared to others. And by the way am not here to market for anyone just sharing personal experience. 
You can reach out if you need more info. 

 

 

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