Published Jul 24, 2021
likenursing234
7 Posts
I have my AANP family nurse practitioner boards scheduled for 08/05/21. I have taken both APEA exams and scored a 69% on both. I also took the PSI exams about 1.5 weeks ago and scored a 77% and 73%. I don't know how I feel about these scores...should I reschedule or just go for it? Any suggestions?
anyone with any suggestions at all??
LadyT618, MSN, APRN, NP
659 Posts
How long ago did you graduate? Did you study at all while you were in school? Have you studied since graduating? Do you fully understand the WHY behind the material you have studied?
I graduate august 8th- so not yet. I have been studying since late June and I do understand the "why". just a lot of "facts" to remember but I always understand the "why"
Just my opinion, but if you truly understand the rationale behind both right and wrong answers of questions you have gone through, then the "facts" will fall into place naturally. If you're talking about lab values and things of that nature, just keep working on mnemonics and memory if you're that concerned over those kind of things. I'm not from this school of thought of basing passing potential on these diagnostic exam scores, so sorry I can't help you there (I didn't take any of them prior to talking ny exam). My opinion is you need to understand the WHY of it all and THAT will help you pass the exam. Good luck!
I agree. I suppose I meant like remembering which antibiotics to use for each infectious disease, what each acute abdominal diagnostic test is used for, things like that.
That'll take pure memorization. Try to find mnemonics if you can or make up your own Remember the major players (don't bother with rare diseases). Try to remember classes of antibiotics instead of individual names if possible. And once you walk into the exam room and sit down in front of the computer, write down any and everything you remember and want to remember throughout the exam (they will give you scrap paper and pencil to do this).
Don't base your level of readiness to take the exam on scores on diagnostic exams. If you know that you know the material, then go for it. Now, if you don't, then yes, by all means reschedule. Another thing is test anxiety....do you suffer from that?
I do suffer from bad test anxiety...I was actually always granted extra time (even though I never used it) in school b/c of my anxiety. I know this is not the NCLEX but I did pass that with flying colors and just overly prepared myself. I'm thinking if I just make some mnemonics and remember classes of medications as you suggested I should be okay. I don't like the idea of basing my readiness on a diagnostic exam either. I'm leaning towards just keeping the August date and going hardcore the next couple days...especially since I'm finally done with clinicals now.
I think that sounds like a GREAT plan! And yes, while it isn't the NCLEX, it is still a standardized exam. I have a feeling you're probably ready and just overthinking everything!
Make your mnemonics, remember classes (of meds) and relax. Concentrate on what you need to concentrate on over the next few days and go in there on the 11th and knock it out the park! Oh and remember....DO NOT STUDY A THING THE DAY BEFORE!! Relax that day!
Good luck and God bless! ☺️
Definitely sitting here overthinking haha. Can't wait to pass this exam and be done! Thank you for the advice and encouragement! ?
Vladg
2 Posts
How did it go?!?
I passed!! ? super duper happy and RELIEVED!!
I ended up taking a couple more PSI exams and scoring in the high 80's a couple days before so that made me feel more prepared