Studying for AANP 2014 Exam and feel like I know nothing

ChiTown NP · Jul 29, 2014

Hello Starkitten 29 , I took the AANP FNP exam on July 10,2014 and passed the first time. I finished my FNP program 2 years ago. I had 3 weeks left before my exam to really buckle down and put all the information together, I used the Leik book 2nd Edition and read the entire book and put my attention on the Exam Tips in the book. I also did the Fitzgerald 2013 Review which was helpful but a lot of information overload. I do understand that it is a lot of information prior to the exam, buckle down, continue studying with no interruptions from friends, family etc. I bought all those Exam Edge AANP exams and they made me feel like I did not know the material and I stopped using those. Whenever I did not know any material I immediately read on the information. Also give yourself enough time to study, you mention you have been studying since 7/18/ 2014. I changed my test date twice before taking the exam because I just was not ready, I got sick and then I had severe anxiety. I read this site numerous times to see what others did to be successful on the exam and I used those recommendations and suggestions. My exam consisted of a lot of elderly and pediatrics, case scenarios, diagnosis, also please pull out your Health Assessment book and review some things. Good luck on your exam I hope this helps.

Starkitten29 · Jul 30, 2014

Thank you so much for your words of encouragement.I am also using Leik's book and took Hollier review and I am finding the exam tips and the setup of the Leik book is awesome. I have really bad anxiety myself and at this point I am really ready to get this over with. I will share how this goes for me as soon as I test on 8/5. Please keep me lifted in prayer. Thanks again Kelley

olvr00 · Jul 30, 2014

Hi, I posted this on the other thread. This might help. I also suggest you do more practice questions and know the content then analyze why a particular answer for the question is correct if it involves analysis. 10-12 hours of studying per day may be too much. I was studying 3-4 hours per day then I tried to cranked up my study time to 6 hours when I got my ATT but it seemed that I was just studying and reading faster but retaining less.

Hi, just want to share my experience. I passed the certification exam this afternoon. I don't know if the exam was really difficult or it was just my nervousness. I started the first ten questions of the exam already marking 3 questions for review which was not a good sign. Then I came across easy questions and questions that you need to analyze (somewhat critical thinking). Midway through the exam, I felt like I was on autopilot which was not good but I was getting tired and drained so I tried to slow down and refocus. Finished the exam with 20 minutes left. Took a bathroom break then reviewed the questions I marked. I changed first 3 of the 19 that I marked but decided not to change the rest of them. For me, the exam was really difficult. It's a good thing that I really studied hard and prayed hard. I also started incorporating the review books that I bought on my last semester with my classes which kinda helped too. I got the not so common diseases in my exam.

For my review, I did not attend any face to face reviews due to my tight budget. Besides, I was planning to use the money for the review to pay for the ANCC, in case I failed. I have Leik, Fitzgerald, and Hollier practice question books. The most helpful for the exam were the Leik and Hollier. The best advice I can give is to remain calm and relax (which was so difficult for me) and to study and pray hard. Good luck to everyone who are going to take the exam.

DJFNP2014 · Jul 30, 2014

Starkitten29, this is diane joneswfg I changed my username to djfnp2014, prayers work I had all my friends and family praying . Just remember to stay calm and focus, if you do not know the answer make sure answer it and mark it. I had mark a lot of questions and went back and changed not too many answer maybe 3. I used the entire 3 hours to complete the exam no breaks. During the tutorial write down things on the paper they give you and make sure you ask for earplugs or headset . At the end of exam the screen is white and blank dont panic its getting your results . You will know your results before you leave the testing site. Remember to put your critical thinking cap on cause some questions made me really think about what they were asking me to do. Please let me know and remember "failure is not an option". I say this because I also have 3 other friends who will be taking the exam next month or September and I was their incentive to get serious about taking the exam. Good Luck god hears your prayers.

BostonRN13 · Jul 31, 2014

So you've only been studying for 9 days total? Why the pressure to take the test so soon? Is there a job waiting? I'd try doing half what you're doing spread over at least a few more weeks. You can still move the date, right? If you are doubting yourself along with not passing the practice tests, I would change the date.

Good luck

Starkitten29 · Aug 2, 2014

I apologize for any confusion. I have been studying an hour a two a day since May. I have just sat and started to really put things together without the hassle of practicum and school work since 7/18/2014. I took a review course in April and then another in July. I do have a job waiting with a signed contract. I have a husband who has lost all of his hair, because when I am stressed so is he (LOL) and three children who are depending on me to get through this. I never said I didn't pass the practice exams (scoring from 505-low 600's), I stated I didn't feel as if I knew the material when I took them. I think my anxiety tends to get the best of me. I am not for sure how good of a predictor any of the test are out there. I took the AANP Practice exam on 6/3/2014 and scored a 69% (which was passing). I think BostonRN13, I am just so overwhelmed and ready for this to be over and done:nailbiting:

Starkitten29 · Aug 5, 2014

Hi DJFNP and everyone,

I am proud to say I passed the AANP exam this morning (08/05/2014) and my anxiety has left the building. Thanks to everyone who listened and replied with encouraging thoughts and prayers. This chapter in my life is now closed and a new one is about to open. I wish everyone the best of luck and prayers be with yall.

Kelley

DJFNP2014 · Aug 5, 2014

Congratulations FNP ,I knew you could do it.

liveloveenjoy, BSN, MSN, NP · Aug 8, 2014

Hi Starkitten29

Congratulation on pass, I am planning to take AANP, the process I’m using to study is the long route( reading the book form class then review book, then I will start practice questions). I have to do it like this because I feel incomplete, I feel like I’m missing something. In tips, are there pictures, stripes? How deep is kids, women, path, meds ect.

Starkitten29 · Aug 8, 2014

Hi Want2bfree,

I can tell you hands down the Leik book was a great resource... The AANP exam was not as difficult as some may think, I feel the biggest thing that kill people on the exam is anxiety. I found that there were no surprises on the exam, meaning that everything on the exam my program covered, so with that being said....just think it's all basic and entry level....what do you see and what you going to do about it, you are now in charge...remember unlike the ancc exam the aanp has no pictures it's 4 multiple choice answers and only one of them is right...all the questions are able to be broken down...know your maneuvers, s/s, tx options, and diagnostic test..hope this helps if not let me know I will try and compile so helpful info without breaking any laws....

celina4real · Aug 9, 2014

Hi Starkitten29,

Congratulations on passing! You must be so relieved now. I take my exam really soon and I would love to get some tips.