Taking ACNP test in a week, helpful hints, please!!!!!

Specialties NP

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Specializes in med-surg, psych, ER, school nurse-CRNP.

Hi, all. I have a dilemma. I am taking my ACNP test in one week, and it is my 3rd try. I will be honest when I say that I completely nerved out the first time, had to leave the room to be sick. I missed passing by 20 points. The second time, I missed by 17 points, after staying up all night, worrying myself sick. I guess you could say I have test anxiety.

In preparation for this, I have not told anyone save my best friend (also an NP) when I am testing. As far as anyone knows, we are having a "girls night/day" and sh is going with me to the test center. The reason beind this is, my father took me the first time my DH the second. Those were two of the longest car rides home that I have ever had, knowing I had disappointed them. I do not want that to happen again.

So, since this is time #3, and if I fail this time, I can not test again until February, I would like to call on all you that have passed. What works? What helped you? I have taken the Barkley course, and I have the Fitzgerald CDs. They are great. I intend to study those intensely over the week, and follow with a session with my friend the night before. I would so much appreciate any help y'all can give me. Thank you for reading.

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Specializes in ACNP-BC, Adult Critical Care, Cardiology.

I am sorry to hear that you've been having a hard time with anxiety during the certification exam. While I do have some anxiety when taking a test, mine is at a level that doesn't make me physically sick and in fact help make my mind more focused in order to concentrate on the questions better. I am aware of people with a similar problem as yours. Would it help to get a coach who will help you with some relaxation techniques? what about a mild pharmacologic agent that will ease your nerves? I am just trying to figure out what would work. You obviously have the best review materials in your possession right now and those were the ones that worked best for many past test-takers. Good luck!

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AngelFire---Let us know how you do..You are going to do GREAT!!!!!!

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Specializes in med-surg, psych, ER, school nurse-CRNP.

PASSED IT!!!!!!!!!!! Thanks for all the well wishes, I am so relieved. If anyone needs help, please let me know. I appreciate y'all.

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

Congratulations!!!

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Specializes in ACNP-BC, Adult Critical Care, Cardiology.

You made it!!! Congrats.

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Yea!!! That's fantastic!!!!!!!!!!!

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Specializes in Education, FP, LNC, Forensics, ED, OB.

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congratulations, angelfirern, acnp!!!!!!!!!!

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Specializes in Internal Medicine.
Congratulations!!!

AngelfireRn...did you take AACN or ACCN ACNP exam? Hope to hear back...

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Specializes in med-surg, psych, ER, school nurse-CRNP.

I took the ANCC exam, did you want to know about that one?

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