Billikin

For years the hospital where I work wanted everyone to be certified in their specialty. They would reward you $500.00 a year. Not much, but every little helps. I studied hard, spent $400.00 and passed. Now I learned they are no longer giving this bonus. Not to mention it costs money to remain certified once you have passed. I used to advocate taking this test. Now I tell everyone learn all the facts before you make a go of it.

Go the ANCC web site and you'll be able to purchase your book there. It's a bit pricey,but it's worth it. Good Luck.

I bought the ANCC book like you have and studied from that for months. It's alot of information to remember. Yes, the test was very hard, just like the nursing stateboard. It's a 3 hour computer test with 175 questions. They ask you about nursing theories,medications and everything else that's in the book. Many questions are things you can't study for and have to use your gut instinct. If this is something you really want, I say go for it. Just do it. I was so nervous sitting there and managed to pass. If I can do it, so can you. Good Luck and let me know how it's going.

For you to pass the test with only out patient experience just shows how intelligent you are and the place you work now is so lucky to have you as an employee. Sure the test was difficult, but you felt the fear and did it anyway. Good for you and job well done!

All I did to prepare for the test was to buy the review manual from ANCC. That's the best way to do it because they are the one's that offer the test. The book was a little pricey, I think I paid around eighty dollars but it provided enough information for me to pass. Of course there are many questions asked that you just can't study for, but you just wing it and rely on your gut instinct and experiences.

I recently passed the ANCC Psychiatric & Mental Health Nurse certification test. I bought the review book that they recommended and studied hard for months. It was worth the effort because I passed the first time around. If anyone is thinking about doing it, I say go for it. If I can do it, anyone can.

You're right. The psych unit is certainly a safe haven.....for the people who have blown out their money(and brain cells) on drugs and alcohol. It's also a safe place to hide from the police. Many of the drug users we see are not mentally ill, they are skilled malingerers. They would rather get high than get jobs. I love psych and helping the truly mentally ill, but it's a bit daunting when you a have several addicts screaming, yelling and demanding . It makes it hard for the patients who really want to get better and unnecessarily challenging for the nurses who just want to do their jobs.

Suzepsychnurse rocks! You go girl!

Expect the "unexpected" because you never know what's going to happen and you have to be prepared for anything. Any patient can go off at any time and you have to be up for the job. Expect numerous admissions and discharges. Expect noise and chaos along with lenghty paperwork. There are many meds to pass and many patients to talk to. Plus several calls to the doctors. I think psych is the more difficult than the Med/Surg but I do like it better despite the challenges.

Take your phone off the hook or check your caller Id before you answer the phone. You are never going to be any help to your patients or family if you are burned out. And if your hospital is anything like mine, they will burn you to a crisp! If you do feel quilty, allow yourself to stay there for about 10 seconds and then get on with it! Go enjoy your day. Don't you think you deserve it? Come on now.

If you are new to psych, I think it would be smart to start off with 8hrs to see if you like it and can handle it. Psych can be so mentally taxing and exhausting. Doing 16 hours shifts may be more than you can bear.

Has any noticed that their psych unit in turning into meals and housing for the homeless drug addicts? Or could it just mine?

What is your input about the test? How much preparation do you need and is it worth the money? I sent away for the review book from the company. Do you think will be enough to pass the test?

If you think Psych nursing is calling your name-go for it. It fascinating and rewarding, but you must have patience and a thick skin or you will never last. As far as your nursing skills are concerned you will always have them and will be able to shake them loose when you need them.

Hello everyone! I'm new on this site and I was wondering if anyone has taken the Psych and Mental Health nurse certification exam?