PNCB CPNP-PC exam failed. Need guidance!

Nursing Students NP Students

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Hi everyone, I just took my PNP-PC exam through PNCB today and failed. I did the Barkley audio home review along with questions from the Pediatric Nurse Praftitiner Certification Review guide by Joanne Silbert-Flagg and Elizabeth D. Sloand.

I also took both pncb practice exams and 1 DRT practice exam from Barkley.

I felt pretty good going into the exam but the questions I guess were more in depth than I thought they’d be.

If anyone who has failed then passed or passed has any advice it would be appreciated. I’m feeling very disappointed and discourage and that I’ve let my family down as I had a job lined up and everything.

Thanks in advance.

Hello,

You sound like you are on track. You read the book that everyone says is great and you are doing a review course soon. All that you have done should help. Please keep us posted.  Happy Studying!!!

What is nursing study prep?

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Specializes in ICU.

I posted a picture of what it looks like! Can you see it? 

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Is it the nursing or board vitals app?

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Specializes in Newborn ICU.
3 hours ago, SMS3 said:

Hi everyone! I posted a few months ago (July) that I did not pass my first attempt. I am approaching my second attempt date and just wondering if there were any last minute suggestions? I am taking the NAPNAP virtual course this weekend before the exam. I read the blue flagg book front to back and I have been doing practice questions from the flagg book, nursing study prep, and a little of board vitals.

Any resources, tips, or advice they give you in the review course will you share them. I tried to registered too late for the review course, so I am going to do the self paced one. Not sure if it is different than the live one. Thank you! Any help is appreciated! 

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Specializes in ICU.

It is the nursing one

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Specializes in pediatric, operating room.

Hi,

I took my exam back in July, and failed---and just like everyone, I was devastated.  And like everyone, I did Barkley's and felt like it was not nearly in-depth enough.  But I also felt like after all the COVID stress (trying to finish my clinicals with everything closed, and being separated with my family for several months because my husband is very high-risk) I also know that I was not as focused as I might have been otherwise.  But I've had my nose firmly at the grindstone since I failed.  I've used the Blue Book, and am doing the NAPNAP course tomorrow.  

But tbh, I'm panicking.  I'm taking my exam on 9/18, a week from today, and I am just so upset.  I keep studying, I keep taking practice exams, and my scores never get any better.  I have pretty much come to the conclusion that I just can't do this.  I can't think the way they want me to think, somehow.  I guess my 48 y.o. brain just can't do it.  I think if I don't pass this time, I'm going to just let it go---my poor little boy misses his mom so much, and I just can't ask my family to do this anymore.  

Is there some trick I am missing?  I feel like there are so many questions that I just can't get------like all the ones where they give symptoms, and ask you what it is, when in reality, it could be several things, and the way I would know is through doing labs, etc.  Nothing in my grad program, or any of the study materials seems to be getting me there.  Not index cards, or constant quizzing, or reading, or apps, or anything.

The only bright light I see is that I don't think I was too far off last time; I got 385, and I know passing is 400.  Of course, you can't tell because of the scaled questions, but jeez.

I've always been one of those people who can get a decent grade on a multiple choice test, even if I don't know the material completely.  Not this time.  This is awful.

Obviously, I'm scared and frustrated.  I appreciate all the resources folks posted here.  Any other suggestions would be greatly appreciated.  Thanks.

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Specializes in ICU.

I took the exam back in July and failed too. I am taking the NAPNAP course tomorrow as well and my exam is also scheduled for next week! I feel ya girl! I’m freaking out too! 

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Specializes in pediatric, operating room.

Good luck to both of us; still freaking out.  I feel like I can never know enough, or the right stuff.  Thanks for the support!

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Specializes in NICU.

I have failed the boards several time. I have been close but haven't had any luck. I have the Silbert-Flagg review book. Does anyone know if the seventh edition is any better than the other editions? Thanks in advance.

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Specializes in ICU.

Just wanted to update everyone! I passed my boards on my second attempt! Thanks for all the support! I think any edition of the Flagg book will be perfectly fine! Read it cover to cover! 

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Congratulations! Is that the only resource that you used?

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Specializes in NICU.

Oh no! I have taken the home version of Barkley and Fritzgerald (?) And I have the secrets book and note cards. I pretty much have tried and studied everything out there. I'm kinda fed up and I'm not completely sure if I even want to take it again. I'm sure what is going to help.

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