I am so THANKFUL to report that I PASSED the AANP exam! This board has been critical in my education and career since nursing school. I don't post often but I wanted to make sure I paid it forward and provided my experience with this exam. I graduated in May 2019, I have been mildly studying for the exam since January. I was unable to commit to any moderate studying due to family circumstances. I began intensely studying 1 week ago devoting 2-6 hours per day of studying during that time. I used the Leik book, APEA predictor, AANP Practice tests and the Hollier question text. I did a total of 1500+ questions and reviewed ALL of the rationales (I wrote them in a notebook).
-I did not pay for a review, but I was able to copy the 2018 Barkley Review CDs and text from a classmate. I listened to the adult chronic conditions portion of his audio back in March and I did not click with his review. I heard so many great things about this review and I am an audio/ visual learner so I was really hoping that it would work for me considering I only paid $30 for a $500 review. The program in its entirety did not meet my needs but there were some small sections that were very helpful.
- APEA predictor: My school gave me a pre test in January (65%), Post test in May (64%). I purchased 2 predictor exams on my own, Pretest I took 2 weeks ago (72%), Post test I took 5 days ago (71%). I used this to help me determine my weak content areas.
- AANP: I felt the retired questions were much harder than the actual test but the concept was the same. Test #1 (69%), Test #2 (64%). I am so glad they retired those questions!
- Hollier Text: I completed about 1/3rd of this book and I averaged 60's to low 70's. These questions were really hard but the rationales were so great!
- LEIK: NEED I SAY MORE........ READ IT COVER TO COVER, USE THE APP, KNOW THE EXAM TIPS. YOU CAN AND WILL PASS WITH THIS STUDY BOOK ALONE (THE END ?
- The AANP FNP Exam: The questions were similar to a mixture of Leik and Hollier. There were questions verbatim that I had seen while studying questions. The test is much easier than leik or hollier. The answers were VERY obvious. I didn't feel like I was being tricked. You can master ALL of the content in the world but you cannot skip the SOAPE and I found Leik to be the only study tool that emphasized this. Her study tips were gems that I missed half way thru my studying. PLEASE LOOK AT THE AANP DOMAINS! Know how the exam will be divided content wise. Like Leik emphasized, don't spend a week on pregnancy and there will only be 4 questions on this area on the exam. That is one area you can pretty much check off of you list.
- Almost Done: I did not share my test date with anyone other than my family. I believe in positive energy and avoiding unnecessary pressure. I did the same thing for my NCLEX and it worked well for me. I failed the NCLEX the first time, took Kaplan and passed with 75 questions the second time. I committed to the AANP, paid my money back in January and selected a test date in May. I moved my test date once, a week later. I did not engage in the great debate that many students had regarding the AANP vs the ANCC. I KNOW what my strengths and weaknesses are and which exam was more congruent with my strengths. Figure which test is most compatible with YOU and select that one. I am far from a good test taker and I am a proud and solid B average student (& worked very hard might I add). I felt my school prepared me VERY well for this exam so the materials above I felt were a supplement to what they had already taught or observed in clinical. I studied for this exam similar to the way I studied in school.
- Finally Done: There is a lot of information on the internet and through discussions with other people which can be a blessing and a curse. You have to filter the information and DO WHAT IS BEST FOR YOU. What worked for me doesn't work for everyone and it isn't the only way. You know your brain and study habits better than anyone, don't forget that. I kept telling my self I am walking into this building an RN and walking out an NP. Best of luck to everyone!
I am planning to take the test mid-July. This pandemic is not helping out my work-life balance schedule. I can't study in my house because of my kid and so manyy extra stressors, I cant go to a library because it's close. Starbucks and other coffee shops is not feasible at the moments. I am trying to set-up my study area at the park for prolly 3hrs. I hope I will pass this test.
I hope everyone doing well. I have not updated this post for so long. I passed my NP on September 2020. Started working as NP in a primary care clinic on April and I'm loving it. Good luck to those planning to take the Boards.
Meme
8 Posts
congratulation! what school did you attend?