Question about certification exam reviews

CocoaLoverFNP · Jul 15, 2015

The audio CD does not replace or cover all of the information included in the book. However, i found the CDs helpful in reinforcing my knowledge of concepts while using my time wisely (i listened to it during breaks, while driving, on the plane, etc.) I recommend buying the book + CD... Buy used if you can find it.

By the way, i really loved Hollier (she is an engaging speaker). I had fun listening to her multiple times. I also got Fitzgerald, although she has a weird sense of humor (honestly, it was a challenge to listen to her all day), and found that she had valuable bits of information that i didn't read/hear in Hollier's review.

kat2020 · Jul 15, 2015

@cocoaloverfnp,

Am I missing any important information since I only have Fitz 4th edition review book, her CDs, and Leik book? Should I invest money into Hollier? I'm studying for the ANCC FNP exam and heard that Hollier is geared more toward the AANP. Thanks for the info!

CocoaLoverFNP · Jul 15, 2015

@cocoaloverfnp,
Am I missing any important information since I only have Fitz 4th edition review book, her CDs, and Leik book? Should I invest money into Hollier? I'm studying for the ANCC FNP exam and heard that Hollier is geared more toward the AANP. Thanks for the info!

I didn't feel like there was any difference although I would make sure I know JNC 8 guidelines for the exam. I used the old version of Leik too and it had information on JNC7. Hollier now has the theory/professional issues option in their Qbank. But her audio and live review did not tackle any of that.

I wanted to make sure that i pass the board exams on my first try (since i didn't wanna go through the emotional consequences of failing the exam). Therefore, i invested on Fitz, Hollier, and Leik. The overall review got really expensive. It depends whether you feel comfortable with just Fitz and Leik. I know some nurse passed with just using those two authors. Good luck!

kat2020 · Jul 15, 2015

I didn't feel like there was any difference although I would make sure I know JNC 8 guidelines for the exam. I used the old version of Leik too and it had information on JNC7. Hollier now has the theory/professional issues option in their Qbank. But her audio and live review did not tackle any of that.
I wanted to make sure that i pass the board exams on my first try (since i didn't wanna go through the emotional consequences of failing the exam). Therefore, i invested on Fitz, Hollier, and Leik. The overall review got really expensive. It depends whether you feel comfortable with just Fitz and Leik. I know some nurse passed with just using those two authors. Good luck!

It seems that Hollier Qbank would be more bang for the money. Would you recommend the bundle of patient assessment and management? I also plan on purchasing the exam edge and ANCC practice tests. Do you think that it might be too much? I'm also determined to pass the exam on the first try!

CocoaLoverFNP · Jul 15, 2015

It seems that Hollier Qbank would be more bang for the money. Would you recommend the bundle of patient assessment and management? I also plan on purchasing the exam edge and ANCC practice tests. Do you think that it might be too much? I'm also determined to pass the exam on the first try!

I honestly loved the Qbank. I felt like it really helped me understand the concepts that are important to know and remember. I wish someone told me that i should only purchase the Qbank's patient management as it catered to the board exams. The patient assessment option is geared towards the anatomy and physiology of each body system. Although they are important to know, you really didn't have to know which structure connects the gluteus maximus to the bone (or questions like that) for the exam. I paid for both and the assessment part was a waste of money to me.

Most people here would tell you mixed reviews on the exam edge. However, I noticed that people who used it either pass or failed anyway. Most people that failed had exam edge as one of their resources. I didn't use it so i really can't comment on how it helped me. You should definitely invest in the ANCC's practice exam. I would probably use it though at the end of your review so you'd know where you stand.

Nope, nothing is too much. Over preparation is better than less! I re-read/reviewed ALL of my materials for three times. Some say that's ridiculous... But i don't regret it at all.

If I knew what i know now, i would invest in Hollier's video option (you can watch her videos online, which are really a copy of her audio CDs without the video, many times). I would read Leik's book to set my foundation for studying the many concepts. Then I will buy Hollier's Qbank (management only) and Fitzgeralds CDs (for more review). Leik's question in the back of her book are also great! At the end, I would purchase the certifying body's sample exam so I could find out where i stand. It's a great confidence booster when you score a 90%! That's when I knew that I am ready to take the exam.

kat2020 · Jul 15, 2015

I honestly loved the Qbank. I felt like it really helped me understand the concepts that are important to know and remember. I wish someone told me that i should only purchase the Qbank's patient management as it catered to the board exams. The patient assessment option is geared towards the anatomy and physiology of each body system. Although they are important to know, you really didn't have to know which structure connects the gluteus maximus to the bone (or questions like that) for the exam. I paid for both and the assessment part was a waste of money to me.
Most people here would tell you mixed reviews on the exam edge. However, I noticed that people who used it either pass or failed anyway. Most people that failed had exam edge as one of their resources. I didn't use it so i really can't comment on how it helped me. You should definitely invest in the ANCC's practice exam. I would probably use it though at the end of your review so you'd know where you stand.
Nope, nothing is too much. Over preparation is better than less! I re-read/reviewed ALL of my materials for three times. Some say that's ridiculous... But i don't regret it at all.
If I knew what i know now, i would invest in Hollier's video option (you can watch her videos online, which are really a copy of her audio CDs without the video, many times). I would read Leik's book to set my foundation for studying the many concepts. Then I will buy Hollier's Qbank (management only) and Fitzgeralds CDs (for more review). Leik's question in the back of her book are also great! At the end, I would purchase the certifying body's sample exam so I could find out where i stand. It's a great confidence booster when you score a 90%! That's when I knew that I am ready to take the exam.

Thank you so much! I really appreciate your help and insightful tips. I will follow your advice.

RNangel907 · Jul 24, 2015

I also am in an FNP program. It has a largely online didactic component and I am apparently an auditory learner. Since I have one more year I was considering purchasing a used CD collection, 2014 perhaps to start reviewing as well as to help with my current content. My professor had suggested Fitzgerald but a preceptor recommended Hollier. Any thoughts would be appreciated!