RNC-NIC

Published

Specializes in NICU.

Hi everyone,

I'm coming up on my two years in NICU and preparing to sit for the RNC-NIC exam. I've poured over previous threads but wanted to put feelers out for any updated information. My unit has a few certified nurses but most of them tested a long time ago. Answers to the questions below and any general information/encouragement is very welcome!

1. How did you know when you were ready to sit for the exam? I have studied primarily from the Watson question and answer book (Certification and Core Review). My overall score on the first go was 75%, with some areas stronger than others. I have since been using my scores and understanding of the rationales to review weak areas (using Core Curriculum and Merenstein & Gardner).

2. Is Watson a fairly accurate picture of what the test is like?

3. Anyone know of online practice questions? Pediatrix University is currently down.

4. Is there anything you wish you had reviewed more? Particularly heavily tested areas? I understand every test is different, but still... I'm limited on funds and my work doesn't grant time off, so taking a review course or purchasing more materials is not feasible at this point.

Thank you in advance!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in NICU, PICU, PACU.

The girls I work with who just took theirs said be prepared to know things down to cellar level. The test seems heavy in pathophys and less nursing basis.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I remember a lot of ABGs and what you could do to fix them, also a lot of electrolyte questions. But honestly, I felt like it wasn't that hard and that most of the questions were answerable if you had some good NICU experience.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in NICU.

Thank you both for your responses! There is just so much information that is fair game, I can't imagine ever feeling completely ready for it. I suppose that's the nature of the test, though...

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in NICU, PICU, PACU.

The girls who just took it had a lot on PPHN and Neuro. It is just whatever pops up.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I can tell you one thing not to do. Don't go to a prep course, then convince yourself that you need to study your weak areas as exposed by the course and decide to work on those before you sign up for the test. I went to a course by Rogelet last year and she is so amazing but it felt like she knew more in her little finger than I did in my whole brain. So, I went home to study the things that I was weak on and then life intervened and now I'm so far out from that course that I'm scared to take the test. I'm not saying you shouldn't work on your weak areas but if you take a review course, pay for your test at that time so that you have a deadline. I'm taking another review course this February and that is what I intend to do. And I WILL pass and so will you. Terri

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in NICU.
I can tell you one thing not to do. Don't go to a prep course, then convince yourself that you need to study your weak areas as exposed by the course and decide to work on those before you sign up for the test. I went to a course by Rogelet last year and she is so amazing but it felt like she knew more in her little finger than I did in my whole brain. So, I went home to study the things that I was weak on and then life intervened and now I'm so far out from that course that I'm scared to take the test. I'm not saying you shouldn't work on your weak areas but if you take a review course, pay for your test at that time so that you have a deadline. I'm taking another review course this February and that is what I intend to do. And I WILL pass and so will you. Terri

I've registered and am waiting for my authorization, so I'll have to take it within 90 days either way. Wish I could do a review course but it's just not feasible at this point. Good luck on your test! Keep us updated on how it goes.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in NICU.

Just an update (and celebration) -- I PASSED!

It was mostly what I expected, with a wide variety of questions that were challenging but manageable overall. A lot of questions on ABG and electrolyte interpretation, a handful each on MAS, PDA, hyperbili, and infection. Also five (FIVE) questions each on "anal wink" and brachial plexus injury, but I suspect that was just a funny coincidence. I could almost always narrow down to at least two possible answers; very few questions were on something I hadn't been exposed to at all.

For those still studying, I pretty much stuck to the plan that I described above. My only suggestion would be to sit for some longer practice test sessions. My only experience computer testing was my 75 question NCLEX, so 175 questions felt like an eternity and I was quite burnt out by the end!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Congratulations! I've thought about going for the low-risk neonate certification but it's hard to find recommendations for studying for that (no NICU experience...yet ;)).

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in NICU.
Congratulations! I've thought about going for the low-risk neonate certification but it's hard to find recommendations for studying for that (no NICU experience...yet ;)).

Thank you!

Apologies if you already know this, but there are suggestions listed on their candidate guide: https://www.nccwebsite.org/resources/docs/2015-LRN-Candidate_Guide.pdf

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Thank you!

Apologies if you already know this, but there are suggestions listed on their candidate guide: https://www.nccwebsite.org/resources/docs/2015-LRN-Candidate_Guide.pdf

Thanks! I have seen that but would love to find someone's personal recommendations because no way can I afford to buy all those books, haha. Maybe I'll just read reviews on them and figure out which seem to be the best options, should I decide to go for it. :D

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Hi there, Congratulations! My name is Carla and I'm planning also to take mine later this year. Where did you take your course review? is that the one you go to a classroom? Thank you!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion