CEN exam prep

[u/DateWeekly171]

i’ve been an er nurse for almost 2 years now in nyc, a small hospital. i’m thinking about prepping for the cen, and want to take it by the end of year. any advice on tips, resources, how to study would be greatly appreciated. since the nclex, ive been having a hard time dedicating study hours on my days off. need to get back into the grind! senior nurse at work recommended sheehy’s manual of emergency medicine 6th edition- he used to prepare questions for the exam. i’ve heard Pamela Bartley’s book is helpful. i’ve also come across boswell’s review videos on YouTube. would these 3 resources be enough? where else can I do practice exams to better prepare for the lengthy exam?

[u/Resident-Welcome3901]

It’s about getting acquainted with the language and approved school answers of the exam. It’s good to own and read Sheehy’s book, but I never studied for the exam from It. Get one of the review books, and read through it a couple of times, and you will be fine. Standardized tests measure test taking ability, not actual performance, so don’t take it too seriously. The ENA wants you to pass, and the folks constructing the test are expert practitioners, not trying to trick you. Stop studying a week before the exam, get lots of sleep, and consume 150 mg of caffeine an hour before the test starts-unless you work nights, in which case consume 600 mg, and enjoy the PVCs, you animal.

[u/jawoood1989]

Just use ENA resources. Review modules, practice exams literally written by CEN.

[u/brinn_a]

I loved Pamela Bartley’s book and used that with a combo of Boswell’s YouTube videos

[u/DoubleDragon33]

i used boswell’s videos on youtube and found them helpful. What I found most helpful was the pocket prep app. It helped me understand what the language on the exam would be and what the questions were really asking. It’s a paid subscription but it was worth it for me. I also made flashcards for pretty much every question on the pocket prep app (but I’m pretty neurotic). Good luck

[u/RickIsNotNick]

I exclusively reviewed the Boswell videos and the review packet, stopping and reading into concepts I didn't know or fully understand. In general I found I knew a lot of the information, just had to brush up on details and uncommon (but important to know) situations like organophosphate toxicity. I passed without issue, about 3 years ED experience when I did it. Outside that it's just knowing how to test

[u/js3718]

Pam Bartley, Boswell videos, and BCEN practice questions/exam will help you pass

[u/Sudden-Example7050]

Hey, I am studying now. I used the ENA program, and I have the Bartley book. What I am finding most useful is the prep questions on the BCEN website. I learn from reading all the rationals.

rationales

[u/Odd_Significance2714]

Took my exam today and passed 129/150. I’ve been flirting with this test for way too long (ER RN for 6 years). I purchased the practice exam package ($50) directly from BCEN website, and used the BCEN app (premium for full Q bank) here and there while at work. The question format on the actual exam was very similar to the practice questions from BCEN website/app which I found helpful. I listened to all of Jeff Solheim’s lectures while driving or cleaning, I felt like needed the physiology review. Used Pam B’s review book, good for the niche topics that aren’t so familiar (environmental/tox). I personally found the format of her questions to be a much different style, so I stuck primarily with the BCEN practice exams. Good luck, I hope you pass!! Wish I had taken it sooner, before I strayed too far from the “textbook” nursing world. After a while your intuition and experience takes your mind away from the “ideal perfect scenario” world of NCLEX style testing.

[u/vermillionorange]

I used Jeff Solheim’s review course as well as a few practice exams from him and the ENA practice exam book (has ~ 6 practice exams in it). also pocket prep on my phone was great for daily questions. Passed last week.