Study materials for CNS exam???

WineCountryRN · Jan 16, 2010

I will let you know tomorrow. I completed my dual NP/CNS program over 10 years ago and just recieved my CNS state licens. Tomorrow I will take my Peds CNS test and I couldn't find a thing to help me study other than the Pediatric CCNS study guide (Mometrix media).

I like the Momtrix guide as it is like a cliff notes for CNS but I am finding a few gaps from what is on the test content outline and what it provides.

I am so nervous...it has been too long since school but since work gave me a scholarship, I just couldn't refuse.

If I find that the guide was helpful, I will let you know..

best of luck

Trauma Columnist · Jan 16, 2010

Thanks so much - good luck to you also!

WineCountryRN · Jan 19, 2010

Here is the scoop.

I crammed and was nervous. I went to school MSN 10 years ago in a dual NP & CNS program and may have forgotten a thing or two. The CNS portion of the my program didn't meet the BRN requirement so I took a special studies class which basically was a work project on being a change agent (my project IV stabilization devices for a pediatric floor).

I took what may be the old Peds CNS test which is different from the new CNS test with specialty questions (NICU, PEDS, or ADULT). Most every questions started with ...you are a a CNS and your situation is this...

The test is 175 questions......and I though I was going to lose my mind sitting there for 4 hours.

I passed...yes. It was OK and yet the hardest test I have ever taken. As a peds person with experience in ambulatory care and a peds nursing instructor the general 'core' of peds questions were easy. The challenging questions had to do with change agent, outcomes, collaboration, consultant. etc. THE APN, research, and other general questions for CNS were my 'hardest' questions. IT really did come down to narrowing the final two and picking the best one.

As a CNS already, certification should be easily, especially with the new format. The peds questions may be more challenging for you in that is new content and if you haven't had a lot of years in peds.

None the less....you should do fine, especially if you are a good test taker.

I think my special studies project taught me more about being a CNS than school but at least I feel really great that I took the CNS certification and passed. I am super excited about the future and merging my NP and CNS experience.

FYI, I have some book titles that I loved. I had to return them to the library but have the ISBN if you would like.

Best of luck.. :yeah: :yeah: :yeah: :yeah:

Trauma Columnist · Jan 19, 2010

Congratulations! That sounds wonderful!

Would really appreciate the ISBN if you have them handy. Thanks so very much.

kenyohunt1 · Jan 23, 2010

i'm an adult health cns and am currently enrolled in a peds cns program. i have been very surprized at the lack of study materials for either exam. i know the little spiral bound cns book put out by the nacns but have found nothing else. what did those of you that have taken the cns exams studied? i did okay on the adult cns exam but felt that i just got lucky versus knowing the material. thanks for any assistance.

hey traumarus found this on amazon.com

pediatric ccns exam secrets study guide: ccns test review for the pediatric acute and critical care clinical nurse specialist certification exam (paperback)

~ ccns exam secrets test prep team (author)

dont know if this is what you need but i came across it and thought it may be helpful to you.

Trauma Columnist · Jan 24, 2010

Thanks. I ended up getting Mometriix's Peds CNS secrets and some flash cards too.