I passed the CEN! :) Here's my study tips:

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Specializes in ER.

Yay, I passed the CEN today! I have about a year of ER experience, and I started out as a new grad. I know they recommend 2 years of experience, but I was eager to have it under my belt. I studied for about 3 months.

My biggest studying tool was the practice exams in the "CEN Review Manual" by the ENA. I was getting 75-80% on each of those tests, and I ended up with a 91% on the actual exam. They were pretty similar to the actual test, but I think the actual test was more straightforward. I also took the 50-question practice exam on the CEN website, and got an 80%. It was also very similar to the actual test.

If you're a member of the ENA, then you can go to http://www.ena.org/Pages/default.aspx and access all the old Journals of Emergency Nursing under "Publications." Each journal has 5 CEN practice questions. I ended up making another practice exam by compiling them all. I'm pretty sure they choose the hardest questions to put in the journal, because that exam ended up being pretty tough. Good review though.

I used the "Emergency Nursing Core Curriculum" by the ENA for review. It's not super comprehensive, but it covers all the main topics.

I also found the Jeff Solheim CEN review modules here: https://www2170.ssldomain.com/mededseminars/store/index.php?prodid=316. I found these pretty late, so I only had time to watch the topics that I needed the most help on, but they were GREAT. I wish I had come across them sooner. He's a great teacher, makes things really easy to understand and remember. I would've liked to watch the whole course.

So good luck to everyone who's studying!! It feels great to have it done and over with. :D

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

Congrats!! :) I thought the Jeff Solheim material was fabulous, too. I'm a big fan! :D

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Specializes in ccu cardiovascular.

:yeah:Congrats

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Specializes in Emergency Medicine.

+1 Great Job

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Specializes in ED.

Congratulations to you and thank you for the tips! I'm really excited about beginning to study for the CEN and I definitely appreciate you sharing your experience!

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Specializes in ED, ICU, MS/MT, PCU, CM, House Sup, Frontline mgr.

congrats!!! i am new to the er and still a new grad (post 9 months med surg) and plan to take my cen next year. i was looking for studying tools. thus, thank you for also sharing your experience with us! i am very happy for you!!! :yeah:

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CONGRATS and thanx for the study tips. I just finished TNCC and have started on CEN. I agree about Jeff's modules;

I am using Sheehy's newest edition, the TNCC manual, the ACLS and PALS manuals too.

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Specializes in Emergency/Pediatrics.

WTG!!! Congrats!! I am new to the EC and will be taking CEN, TNCC and a few others, so thanks for the tips!!

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