PASSED AANP Today

[modie29, ADN, BSN, MSN, APRN, NP]

Like others before me, I scoured the internet looking for study tips and insight that would help prepare me for the AANP.  I promised myself that I would give back, and share my system once I passed. The following resources are what I attribute to adding FNP-C to my title today:

1.          Leik.  I cannot stress this enough.  As others have said before, Leik is an amazing resource and breaks everything down to an understandable level.  The exam tips and clinical pearls have high potential of popping up on the exam in some way shape or form.  I read her book, cover to cover, 3 times.

The questions offered are on the easier side, when compared to other Q banks, but helpful in assessing whether or not you have really learned the material.  I took all questions twice, once prior to studying and once 2 weeks out.  The second run through, I have improved >20% in each subject. 

The book comes with an app so that you can read and take practice tests on your phone – download it.  Life will be easier.

2.          I purchased the Board Vitals 3-month plan.  These questions were difficult.  I had heard that anything over 60% was a good sign; however, when I reached out to BV, they said aim for consistent 70% on test mode.  These helped me understand how to break down a question and understand key points.

3.          I purchased the Kaplan review book.  I read a few chapters but never finished it.  I kept going between Leik and BV.  The Kaplan book is good, the questions are similar to Leik but I found myself overwhelmed by the need to memorize all of the information in the provided charts.

4.          This was the icing on the cake.  The Cohen Review (https://cohenreview.teachable.com/).  Shaira is a nurse educator, who recently obtained her FNP-C and only charges 60$ for her review videos.  She also offers 1:1 coaching for $56.  She is amazing.  I am so glad that I found her.  She enjoys teaching and she is great at bringing everything together.  Murmurs, Hep B Serology, Anemias and Pharm all made sense after I watched her videos.  I watched them 3 days in a row prior to testing and refreshed on my weaker areas the morning prior to taking the exam.

As for scores... I took both APEA predictors, 61 and 55.  PSI 69.3 and was ranging anywhere from 54 to 76 on BV.  Not the most promising scores.  The test I had was much easier than I had been anticipating and I honestly feel that the question banks were substantially more difficult than the exam itself.  That being said.  The exam will not try and trick you.  If you know and UNDERSTAND the information, you will pass.  Do not memorize, do the work to learn the basics and be confident. 

Good luck to everyone!  You know more than you think you do!

[NomadicNP, BSN, MSN, APRN]

I bought the Cohen Review and feel like I wasted my money. She has outdated and non-evidence based content that has made me question her credibility. In hindsight, I would’ve just stuck to the Leik book and Hollier videos. These are invaluable resources.