kritlyn

That was a wonderful post. Thank you.

You might want to check the Facebook groups about cross country travel. Lots of RV groups with good tips about crossing the country and driving tips, suggested routes, stops, etc.

Saramarie,If I can do it...you can, too. I was out of practice for 10 years taking care of my young children, sick husband, elderly aunt,etc. I studied for a whole year .... Like a job, everyday from 8am to 2pm and then passed both the Ancc and Aanp exams. Study hard, use many different resources and get a review course on tape or go live. Some encourage me but many more people tried to discourage me... NPs and MDs, I'm glad I didn't listen to the downers... Just kept plugging along and scored very high on the Aanp test. Best of luck to you!

I did well on practice exams and also scored well on The AANP Test. d o not really know my ANCC score - just was relieved to know I passed. If you are having trouble with the practice tests I think you should study more before taking the certification tests. I found the practice test to be easier than The actual test - so study alot and take the exam when you are ready.

I did not take Leik's course but did use her review book. It was helpful to use with other resources. I would not rely on it or any one book alone. I took Fitzgerald's review course and it was very helpful. Good luck

Congrats Ojala! I took the ANCC test last spring and passed, as well. Funny, though. I found the clinical questions to be easier than the theory. I used the same books that you mentioned and the Fitzgerald review course cd's. I did not know of the website you mentioned - the one with practice tests - maybe that would have helped me. I have practiced as an NP for three years... for many reasons, illness, etc. let my certification laspse so had to retest. I found the theory questions, for the majority, so academic. Not at all helpful information for a practicing NP. Just information to memorize for the test and forget afterwards so one can focus on the more practical and clinical information necessary for practice.

Thanks, I took the exam and passed. I had three review books in addition to other resources and none helped me in preparation for the theory portion of the exam. I have practiced as a nurse practitioner for three years and felt many of the questions on the exam were so unrelated to anything I might actually use in practice. I also took the AANP exam... much more clinical, an appropriate test in preparation for practice. Hopefully will never have to take the ANCC exam again. Good luck to others - and if anyone else has found the ANCC book helpful please post to help others!

I felt the same way when I graduated NP school. After 6-12 months I felt much more confident and am glad I took the risk. You learned so much at school and perhaps have passed the certification exam at this point. Proof that you can do the work. I think you owe it to yourself to take a NP position. Find a job where you think there will be a lot of support. Where the other NPs or MDs will be available. Don't give up before trying.

bump.

How should I focus my study to cover the 50% theory content of the ANCC exam? I have three exam prep books but none address the theory portion of the test. I've reviewed and studied some research terminology, medicare /medicaid coverage, advanced directives and therapeutic communication. Any other ideas / suggestions on what / how to study for this portion of the test?

I'm in the same boat. I have no idea how to study for the theory portion of the exam! I've looked at most of the available certification exam prep resources and have not found any substantial information. The most helpful info. I have found thus far is from the ANCC website - an outline of the test content. The problem is the outline just lists the general content that you may be tested on but does not list any resources one might use to access appropriate study materials. Any suggestions (on how to study the 50% theory content) from those out there who have passed the ANCC exam?

I just passed the AANP exam! It was HARD!!! I am a FNP that worked in primary care for three years but then left work to raise my children so have not worked in many years. I needed to re-test in order to get my certification back. I have been taking CEUs and studying for a full year. The last three months I have focused my studies on the certification exam. I took Margaret Fitzgerald's live FNP certification exam prep course. It was nice to network with other NPs (mostly students); however, I would recommend buying the CDs over the live course as you can listen to the lectures over and over again until you fully comprehend the material. The handbook MF gives out at the live course is exceedingly helpful. I studied it cover to cover and now know all that helpful info to use in my practice. I bought Fitzgerald's Certification Exam and Practice Prep. book while at the review course and found it helpful, as well. Other resources I used... Maria Condina Leik's FNP Cert. Intensive Review book - concise and to the point. I carried this smallish -sized book around with me and studied whenever I found myself with a few extra minutes - waiting in a Dr. office, at a restaurant, etc. I also bought the A. Hollier book of practice tests for ANP/FNP. I found the questions in that book very stimulating and challenging, quite helpful -great review book. I hear she also has a good review course on CD. I spent a GREAT deal of time with my Barbara Bates Physical Assessment textbook and I cross-referenced with another advanced practiced PE book. I must say I was disappointed to find that all the exam - prep books I used were a bit outdated on one topic or another - and I made sure to buy the latest edition of each. I imagine it takes quite a while to get a book to print and by the time it's approved some of the info. is already outdated. Margaret Fitzgerald said that most of the info. on the exam is about one to two years dated so the "hot off the press" mateial will not be on the test, and I found that to be true. It was quite difficult! In a way I am glad, as I do feel very challenged and I believe nurse practitioners need to be held to very high standards as we are so regularly challenged in the field. I would encourage you to study as much as possible. Know that what was on my exam may well be very different from what may be on yours as the tests are randomly generated. Now I need to find some kind soul to precept me as I have been out of work so long and do believe I need some practice before just diving back it! Please keep your fingers crossed for me! Good luck on the exam!