Passed ANCC/FNP Boards TODAY, how I did it.

Published Jul 16, 2021

1 Article; 132 Posts

Specializes in APRN / Critical Care Neuro.

Okay, so ya'll are probably like why did you hop on here, you should be celebrating.

Seriously, I have to tell you though that after reading all the posts about how I passed the boards I needed to help save ya'll some money.

1) Keep some of your books from school and re-read them. I kept a physical examination, Essentials of primary care and Essentials of pediatrics because I figured I would need these for reference in practice anyway, maybe. Some people say they don't look at their books ever again. But, I like books. I like the pages and touching, I don't learn everything from listening or on-line. That is me. But don't buy a bunch of new books that are basically condensed versions of these. A good review course will help you narrow content.

2) All I did was the Fitzgerald review, just that one. I figured out pretty quick that almost ALL the companies that market for reviews tell you to take this freebie or cheap test that isn't anything like the board, poorly worded and extremely difficult so that when you fail it you will be convinced that you NEED their review. It's a marketing ploy that we all fall into because we have to pass. Find one good review that your friends have used or you think uses an approach that fits your learning and stick with that.

3) Take the test quickly after graduating, just like the NCLEX. If you decide to take your time, then take it but study a little every day to really get info into your long-term memory. This Board is way too much info to cram. Slow and steady. I do not think you will do well just taking test after test unless you really read the rationale and then open up those books you should have kept to dive deep into the pathophysiology or pharmacology/pharmacokinetics of WHY. if you understand the basis of why, you will be able to answer any question that manipulates around the topic. Study drug classes and know some of the most common, but don't memorize all the drugs, you want to focus on pharmacology/pharmacokinetics and understanding the class will help you do that.

4) Just like NCLEX, know safety first. Know what the current national initiatives are around mortality and high healthcare costs. This will be what you need to know because as soon as you are in practice you will be evaluated on your ability drive practice outcomes that will meet with these initiatives and it will always be this way, so plan on your continuing education to be centered around them too.

Good luck and don't break the bank buying multiple reviews and especially books....you should have some you already dropped dime on in school!