I keep failing the FNP boards, please help with advice

carachel2 · Sep 22, 2013

You mentioned you take the reviews..how are you studying ?

lynn1216 · Sep 22, 2013

I have used books from Hollier and Fitzgerald, used the online testing from Hollier, Np Prep, ANCC practice exams, and sample exams online from Fitzgerald. I am at a total loss

BostonRN13 · Sep 22, 2013

Sorry that stinks. I know how studying totally overtook my life. Do you have the Fitz audio CDs? I found those really helpful and listened to them non stop the last few weeks before my exam, even on short rides in the car. I really felt like I knew much of the material and could her her voice throughout the test because of them. You can find them used on Amazon. Also the AANP offers a practice exam for $49, I'd say if you aren't scoring passing or above you aren't ready for the real test..

carachel2 · Sep 22, 2013

Here is how I studied (repeat this for each section)

Monday-

Adult Respiratory: Fitzgerald--->notes from school-----> flip through the text----> do review questions (make flashcards along the way for each)

Adult Cardiology: repeat ad nauseum.

Tues - flip through the flash cards ONLY for Adult Cardiac and Respiratory

Move on to Pedi development

Pedi Respiratory--->Fitz--->etc. ---> keep making flashcards

Weds

do the flash cards from Monday and Tuesday

Begin new topic

REPEAT REPEAT REPEAT

Barinbass · Sep 22, 2013

This has me scared. I am to take it soon for the first time. I have Fitzgerald's CDs and listened to them in the car and then did them with the workbook and reviewed the material after each CD. Then listened to them in the car again for the third time. I also have taken the ANCC and AANP practice tests successfully. I have Leik's book and read all her exam tips in the book. I have the APEA book of all questions and have read all rationale of the questions I missed in that book. I also have Fitzgerald's 3rd Edition book and lke that a lot. I plan to review her material from the course again but am very afraid since I do not do well on standardized tests either and didn't do well on the standardized exit exam. I don't know what else to do, so if there are tips to use while taking the exam for getting through standardized tests I would appreciate it. I can't fail and time is an issue. If I fail after all of this preparation, I am going to email Dr Fitzgerald for her suggestions. This is supposed to be an entry level exam. There is also a free App called Quizlet that has good info on it but I do not know the reference of it. Good for using in waiting rooms and any free time. Sort of like flash cards, but it has matching on it too. Is this really an entry level exam?

lmccrn62, MSN, RN · Sep 23, 2013

I took and passed in March AANP. I was very nervous but I put my head in the books for 2 solid weeks. I used Leik and Fitzgerald. I liked Leik better. I did tons if questions and studied the areas I scored low in. I studied mnemonics for the stuff I had trouble remembering. The day if the test I wrote down the mnemonics l memorized. I read each question and answered only what they asked for. It's not indepth thought. I marked all questions I was unsure and went back once to answer them. I also made sure I took a break.

I really think we think to deep into the questions. Don't get caught up of thinking of other things. Only answer the question. Look for the rationale on study questions this will help. Good luck you will do it!

bsnanat2 · Sep 23, 2013

Sorry to hear about the troubles. It really sounds like a test taking issue and just plain overload. I had to finally stop with all the sources and just choose one. I chose Hollier over Fitzgerald, b/c Hollier seemed more direct and to the point. I originally used the NP Prep site but stopped b/c it just confused me more after a while.

Choose ONE review/question book, choose ONE review course (APEA in my opinion) and choose ONE test, ANCC OR AANP, not both. If you choose ANCC (I did) please get their test taking tips primer, great for testing issues.

Realize that it is OK to miss some squestions; you don't need the stress of seeking perfection. If you get the basics, you'll get enough questions right to pass. Don't tell anyone (if possible) when you're testing and choose a test site you haven't been to before. This may help eliminate extra stress and negative energy.

Try to summarize everything into no more than a page or so per subject, highlights only. JNC 7, ATP lipid guidelines, DASH, Tanner staging, ASTHMA & GOLD for COPD for example. If you can, do the Hollier review online, print the syllabus ahead of time (have Staples or somewhere bind it) and just do a section at a time, follow along, then summarize it. Then next section. Her ANCC tips has a page of theories and other info to know that you can make into a short study sheet.

If you simplify your sources, summarize the info and get plenty of rest, you'll be OK.

View each question as an island and resist the urge to rush through or try to connect questions. Once you answer, don't think about the question anymore.

Last thought; on test day, I scheduled a time comfortable for me, got a hotel and rested without kids, no last minute studying, called no one before I went in, took a mental/chair stretch break every 25 questions and a short bathroom break at 100 questions.

These tips helped me, hopefully they'll help you.

Barinbass · Sep 26, 2013

I took and Passed the Adult Gero AANP exam today! I thought it was a bear too, but I always think that. I think Fitzgerald taught me how to think like an NP. with the examining each answer and crossing off those that are just out of place etc. Her other material helped too, but I spent a lot of time on this as well as the other resources.