Passed ANCC AGACNP

Published Nov 3, 2017

3 Posts

Hello, everyone!

Just wanted to lend some helpful tips as to how I passed the ANCC. I took it the first time and made a 305 (passing is 350) and I took the AACN with a 97 (passing is 107). I was very disappointed and felt that I studied a lot.

I used Barkley back in March 2017 and reread the material up until August when I took the ANCC. I felt that it gave me a background knowledge and foundation, but I did not truly understand the pathophys and why everything was as is. That was what I was lacking. You definitely need more resources!

I brought the AACN Essential for Critical Care Nursing by Suzaane Burn and the Pass CCRN book on Amazon and utilize both. The Burn's book was helpful with with understanding the pathy and phys of each disease process in each system. It is not a big book and it is a great resource! (I read this book 3x front to back). I used the Pass CCRN book mostly for the question bank, which was great for retesting your knowledge. I definitely recommend doing the questions for cardio, pulm, neuro, multisys, renal, and gi.

I also used a study guide I found on an AANP/AANC study group on FB that was helpful in reviewing. It has similar questions to the ANCC and other VERY helpful tips on each system. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND going over this and if anyone needs it, please, MESSAGE ME on this site. It is great if you are taking the test in 2017, as in 2018, there is a new guides for the ANCC. You can also find the guide (Boards study guide) under the file section of this group.

I studied 4-5 days, for 6-8 hours, with breaks. Know the materials and understand it. Think about what the patient would look like, their s/s, and electrolytes.

The ANCC also tests a lot about referrals to SW, CM, D/C planning, and therapeutic communication.

Know your endocrine diseases.

Basic research (Evidence based, managed care, QI, QA, CPI, etc..).

Know major rhythm ( 1st degree, 2nd degree 1/2, and 3rd degree mainly) and whether to pace/defib for the rhythm.

Know your anemias (Barkley has a great section on this that is sufficient).

Know when to use CRRT and what critieria the patient needs (again Barkley).

Lastly, Pray! Hope this helps and please mssg me for questions!