How did you pass the ANCC certification exam?

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I've heard Margaret Fitzgeralds stuff is the best but seems like ANCC's stuff would focus more on the test content. I just graduated with my MSN FNP and want to get certified on the first try. Any suggestions?

Re: AnxiousMSN's reply:

Your emotions are evidentally on the surface now & rightly so.

Its possible that you may be loosing some perspective on the intent of the exam from ANCC.

Look at my earlier posts (one where I provided fairly extensive feedback on exam prep & mindset).

Remember, only 37 or so questions are on direct medical systems (as published on the website's exam reference guide blueprint). A dozen or so on health promo (primary/ secondary; what to screen for & when etc).

The vast majority are broad NP regulatory issues; decsion making (not necessarily medical based; ie given a scenario- when it would be prudent to consult an MD/specialist & why/ why not etc); steculture; ethics; research; HC system trends/issues/policy; communication & teaching.

Most of the questions will draw upon your assimilated knowledge from nursing/ grad school and ask you to look at 4 answers- 2 are usually correct. The trick is deciding which one is MOST correct/THE BEST option based on the factors posed in the question. THe majority of these I felt you could not completely study for.

Additional advice for 2 days before (in addition to my earlier post):

1. Relax, self-empower yourself.

2.Approach each question rationally and know that you have the ability otherwise you wouldn't be where you are now.

3. The mark you got on AANP's exam may be good enought for ANCC - who knows b/c the grading scales are different - the AANP score may be a higher one on the ANCC; psyching yourself out will be self-defeating.

4. I would review the major principles of the systems tomorrow (that you are rusty on)- the major common d/o (ie HTN, Diabetes, Anemia etc)

5. The day before I would focus on all the non-medical ones (ie if it is relevant for you- review all the ethical principles & be able to frame them in a scenario in order to be able to apply them on the exam. For ex- if I was given the principle "veracity" in a question stem - can I think of an example that would apply etc). For ex- If I was informed that a marginalized patient who didn't speak english needs to be referred to a neurologist- what would be THE FIRST priority of care etc?

Hope this helps- & that you ace your exam on Wed!

Cameron 46

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Cameron46...I truly appreciate you taking the time to support a complete stranger with such compassion. I will indeed take your advice and do all I can to stop being so anxious. I am currently attempting to cover some areas you mentioned since I cant sleep at the moment. I will keep you posted. Thanks again for the support!

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UPDATE...I passed the ANCC today!!!!!! Thanks one and all for the prayers and support!!!!!!

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Congrats anxiousMSN. I am preparing to take the AANP who's review material did you use and in hindsite what do you think you needed to do differenty to pass? Thanks!!

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CONGRATS!! That is so awesome....Do you have a job lined up?

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Jleahfell

I would like to email you but cannot find your email. I used fitz book, attended live review, did 1,000's of questions from fitz and hollier and apea. I can't believe that I failed. I am having a terrible time in regaining my confidence. How do I graduate with honors, pass the hesi without a problem and fail boards? Have been studying my butt off again and everyone around me is passing..... My trust was hard, it's all a blur now....should be able to schedule retake in 1-2 weeks but am very scared.

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Verysadmsn,

You WILL pass this exam. It make take time but thats okay. You did not get this far without being knowledgeable!I am terrified of taking it. I am doing everything you did and will only pray for the best. I am signing up for both just in case the AANP is not the test for me and I think it will decrease my anxiety as well. Let me know when you take it so I can pray for you. What state are you in?

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Jleahfell, I'm very sorry to that you did not pass. I'm pretty sure that you're gonna make it this time around. Did you take the ANCC or AANP exam?

Hi All,

How long does it take the AANP to process application for certification? I mean from the time it receives the application until the applicant is issued an authorization to test number?

Thanks,

MRNURSE2010

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Jleahfell,

Thanks so much for your words of encouragement. I received my letter approved to retake and am just waiting for letter with ID to schedule. Should be this week.....I live in Florida, how about you?.

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Oh yeah, I too signed up to take the ANCC also.

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@MRNURSE2010,

I have not taken the exam yet, but I will be taking the AANP soon. It takes about 4 weeks turnaround time.

Verysadmsn,

I am in Ky. I probably will schedule the AANP next month. I feel exactly like you do. Please try to relax, knowing you can take the ANCC if need be will help you relax as well. I will pray for you. You all ready know what you need to pass its just how the answers are worded. Hang tough and keep me posted :)

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Jleahfell,

Thank you. You are right I should relax knowing that I have ancc as a backup I just don't want it to come to that. I will pass aanp and be done with it!!!! Keep on touch.

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