Getting Ready For Boards

Advanced Practice Columnist / Guide · Jun 11, 2007

I hear ya! I was majorly stressed weeks before my actual test and I don't recall ever being that nervous when I took the NCLEX-RN. Most NP's (including myself) received tremendous help in terms of exam preparation from the review programs offered by Fitzgerald Health Education Associates. I bought their ACNP review tapes, played it on a walkman day and night and by the time I was sitting in front of the computer taking the test, I realized I was more than prepared for the type of questions in the actual exam. By the way, I also bought a book of sample questions written by Barbara Todd, ACNP. Her questions are very tough and nowhere near the level of dificulty I encountered in the actual ACNP test. However, her book made me prepare for the worst scenario so she was a big help too. What exam are you about to take?

twalker · Jun 11, 2007

Thanks for the info. I am taking the ANCC exam. Which one did you take?

twalker · Jun 11, 2007

I am taking the FNP exam..........I must be nervous.

np2b · Jun 14, 2007

I'm thinking about springing for the FNP Fitzgerald CDs, since they're so highly regarded (and because I have so little time to run through test questions right now). But I was wondering...what's the teaching style? Does it use a lot of mneumonics and other tools to help folks remember things, or is it more of a straightforward lecture of the most important things to remember?

I took a test-prep course for the NCLEX that used a lot of gimmicks for remembering things, and I found that it didn't suit my learning style at all. I felt much better reviewing important content, and then following it up with lots and lots of test questions. I think I'd like to review the content via an audio format now, and then start taking practice tests closer to when I take the boards (at the end of this year).

Thanks for the guidance...