Test Taking Tips & Study Strategies Test Taking Tips-Study Strategies.pdf · Drugs in pregnancy and lactation: ... et al. (2006). Basic & clinical pharmacology. New York , NY: McGraw

Test Taking Tips & Study Strategies Lisa Glantz Williamson, MSN, ARNP, NNP-BC Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Blank Children’s Hospital, Des Moines, IA

The speaker has signed a disclosure form and indicated she has no significant financial interest or relationship with the companies or the manufacturer(s) of any commercial product and/or service that will be discussed as part of this presentation.

Session Summary

This session is presented in two parts. First, the presenter will provide an overview of the certification examination and its rules, regulations, eligibility and format. Participants will be given evidence-based study and test taking strategies as preparation for taking a multiple-choice certification examination. Secondly, the participants will be encouraged to take part in answering practice questions in a relaxed, fun game show atmosphere.

Session Objectives

Upon completion of this presentation, the participant will be able to: site internet resources that will assist in examination preparation; define the NCC and understand the mechanism by which questions are formulated; understand the format of the examination; anticipate eligibility requirements; proceed with application for the examination; formulate a study plan using the examination content outline; anticipate anxiety and identify mechanisms by which to minimize stress; understand the importance of a study plan as it relates to examination preparation; choose recommended study resources, references, and texts; identify areas of strength and weakness, enhancing study plan; formulate multiple-choice question test-taking strategies; be adequately prepared to take the NCC NNP certification examination; participate in a game-show style practice question event.

Session References

Bonis, S., Taft, L. & Wendler, M.C. (2007). Strategies to promote success on the NCLEX-RN: An evidence-based approach using the Ace Star model of knowledge transformation [Electronic version]. Nursing Education Perspectives, 28: 82-87.

Brigham Young University Mission Training Center (2008). Test taking strategies. Retrieved July 26, 2008, from http://ccc.byu.edu/learning/strategy.php

B16

FANNP 24TH NATIONAL NNP SYMPOSIUM: CLINICAL UPDATE AND REVIEW

B16: TEST TAKING TIPS AND STUDY STRATEGIES Page 1 of 17

The Center for Certification Preparation and Review (2013). Test taking tips. Retrieved from http://www.ccprwebsite.org/cp_tips.cfm

Go Certify (2008). Test taking strategies. Retrieved July 26, 2008, from http://www.gocertify.com/article/strategies3.shtml

Inspiration Quotes (2008). Inspiration quotes- Effort. Retrieved August 8, 2008, from http://quotations.about.com/cs/inspirationquotes/a/Effort3.htm

Ludwig, C. (2004, April). Preparing for certification: Test-taking tips [Electronic version]. MedSurg Nursing. Retrieved August 10, 2008, from http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0FSS/is_2_13/ai_n17206929/print?tag=artBody;col1

National Certification Corporation (2013). NCC 2013 candidate guide neonatal nurse practitioner. Retrieved from http://www.nccwebsite.org

National Certification Corporation (2013). NCC leadership. Retrieved from http://www.nccwebsite.org

The National Certification Corporation (2013). Nurse practitioner certification examinations women's health care nurse practitioner neonatal nurse practitioner: Registration catalog 2013 edition. Retrieved from http://www.nccwebsite.org

Pediatrix University (2011). NNP certification prep course. Retrieved August 9, 2011, from http://www.pediatrix.com/body=university.cfm?id=265&oTopID=92

Test Taking Tips (2011). Cramming techniques for exams. Retrieved from http://www.testtakingtips.com

Test Taking Tips (2011). Multiple choice test taking tips. Retrieved from http://www.testtakingtips.com

Test Taking Tips (2011). Reducing test taking anxiety. Retrieved from http://www.testtakingtips.com

Test Taking Tips (2011). Study skills help and study tips. Retrieved from http://www.testtakingtips.com

Test Taking Tips (2011). Test preparation tips. Retrieved from http://www.testtakingtips.com

Test Taking Tips (2011). Test taking tips. Retrieved from http://www.testtakingtips.com

www.memorizationtips.com

Test Preparation References 2013

**Please note that newer editions may be available, but testing curriculum may not be based on the most recent editions as exams tend to lag behind publication dates.**

Study** AWHONN, NANN, AACCN, Verklan and Walden (2010). Core Curriculum for Neonatal Intensive Care Nursing, 4th ed., WB Saunders, Philadelphia, PA.

Reference** Blackburn, S & Loper, D (2007). Maternal, Fetal and Neonatal Physiology, A Clinical Perspective, WB Saunders, Philadelphia, PA.

Study Brodsky & Martin (2003). Neonatology Review, Hanley & Belfus. Study Cloherty & Stark (2008). Manual of Neonatal Care, Lippincott-Raven, Philadelphia, PA. Reference ** Cunningham, et al. (2010). Williams’ Obstetrics, 23rd ed., McGraw-Hill, New York, NY. Review Donn & Sinha (2006). Manual of Neonatal Respiratory Care, 2nd ed., Mosby, St. Louis, MO.

Study Fanaroff, Martin & Walsh (2011). Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine: Diseases of the Fetus and Infant, 9th ed., Mosby, St. Louis, MO.

Reference ** Goldsmith & Karotkin (2011). Assisted Ventilation of the Neonate, 5th ed., WB Saunders, Philadelphia, PA.

Study** Gomella, et al., (2009). Neonatology: Management, Procedures, On-Call Problems, Diseases and Drugs, McGraw-Hill, New York, NY.

Reference Hockenberry & Wilson (2011). Wong’s Nursing Care of Infants and Children, 9th ed., Elsevier Mosby, St. Louis, MO.

Reference Jones (2006). Smith’s Recognizable Patterns of Human Malformation, 6th ed., WB Saunders, Philadelphia, PA.



http://www.nccwebsite.org/

http://www.testtakingtips.com/

http://www.memorizationtips.com/

Reference Jonas (2004). Comprehensive Surgical Management of Congenital Heart Disease, Hodder Arnold Publication, Oxford University Press, New York, NY.

Reference ** Kenner & Lott (2007). Comprehensive Neonatal Nursing, 4th ed., WB Saunders, Philadelphia, PA.

Reference Kenner & McGrath (2004). Developmental Care of Newborns & Infants: A Guide for Health Professionals, CV Mosby.

Reference Klaus and Fanaroff (2001). Care of the High Risk Neonate, 5th ed., WB Saunders, Philadelphia, PA

Reference MacDonald, Mullett & Seshia (2007). Avery’s Neonatology, Pathophysiology and Management of the Newborn, 6th ed., JB Lippincott, Williams, & Wilkins, Philadelphia, PA.

Study ** Merenstein & Gardner (2001). Handbook of Neonatal Intensive Care, 7th ed., Mosby, St. Louis, MO.

Study Polin, Yoder & Berg (2007). Workbook in Practical Neonatology, 4th ed., WB Saunders, Philadelphia, PA.

Study Polin & Spitzer (2006). Fetal and Neonatal Secrets, 2nd ed., Mosby-Elsevier. Reference Polit & Beck (2007). Nursing Research: Principles and Methods, JB Lippincott, Philadelphia, PA.

Reference Puir (2003). Newborn Surgery, 2nd Ed., Hodder Arnold Publication, Oxford University Press, New York, NY.

Reference Reitz & Yuh (2001), Congenital Cardiac Surgery, McGraw-Hill, New York, NY.

Reference Remington, et al. (2010). Infectious Diseases of the Fetus and Newborn, W.B. Saunders, Philadelphia, PA.

Study ** Spitzer, et al. (2005). Intensive Care of the Fetus & Neonate, Elsevier Mosby, St. Louis, MO Review ** Tappero & Honeyfield (2009). Physical Assessment of the Newborn, 4th ed., NICU Ink, Petaluma, CA.

Reference ** Taeusch, Ballard & Gleason (2004). Avery’s Diseases of the Newborn, 8th ed., WB Saunders, Philadelphia, PA.

Reference Thureen, Hall, Deacon & Hernandez (2004). Assessment and Care of the Well Newborn, 2nd ed., WB Saunders, Philadelphia, PA.

Review Zenk, et al. (2003). Neonatal Medication and Nutrition, NICU Ink. Study** CCPR – Center for Certification Preparation and Review, www.ccprwebsite.org Study** Pediatrix University, www.pediatrix.com

NCC Bibliography – www.nccwebsite.org

Blackburn (2007). Maternal, fetal and neonatal physiology, A clinical perspective. Philadelphia, PA: W.B. Sauders.

Briggs (2008). Drugs in pregnancy and lactation: A reference guide to fetal and neonatal risk (Solution). LWW.

Chernick, et al. (2006). Kendig's disorders of the respiratory tract in children. Philadelphia, PA: W.B. Saunders.

Cloherty, et al. (2007). Manual of neonatal care. Phildelphia, PA: Lippincott-Raven Publishers.

Creasy, et al. (2009). Maternal fetal medicine. St. Louis, MO: Elsevier Saunders.

Davies, et al. (2009). Examination of the newborn and neonatal: A multidimensional approach. London: Churchill Livingstone.

Hall (2006). Neonatal Formulary. Massachusetts: Blackwell Publishing, BMJ Books.

Katzung, et al. (2006). Basic & clinical pharmacology. New York, NY: McGraw Hill.

Kenner, et al. (2007). Comprehensive neonatal nursing. Philadelphia, PA: W.B. Saunders.

MacDonald, et al. (2007). Atlas of procedures in neonatology. Philadelphia, PA: LWW.

Martin, et al. (2006). Neonatal-perinatal medicine: Diseases of the fetus and infant. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Mosby.

Merenstein, et al. (2006). Handbook of neonatal intensive care. St. Louis, MO: Mosby.

Nugent, et al. (2007). Understanding newborn behaviors & early behavioral observations (NBO) system handbook. Brookline Publishing.

Polit (2008). Nursing research. Philadelphia, PA: LWW.

Pozgar, et al. (2005). Legal & ethical issues for health professionals. New York, NY: Jones and Barlett.



http://www.ccprwebsite.org/

http://www.pediatrix.com/

Simpson, et al. (2009). Perinatal nursing. Philadelphia, PA: LWW.

Taeusch, et al. (2006). Avery’s diseases of the newborn. Phildelphia, PA: Elsevier.

Wynne, et al. (2007). Pharmacotherapeutics for nurse practitioner prescribers. FA Davis.

NCC Recommended Periodicals

Advances in Neonatal Care Clinics in Perinatology MCN, The American Journal of Maternal/Child Nursing Neonatal Network Journal of Pediatrics Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic and Neonatal Nursing (JOGNN) Newborn and Infant Nursing Reviews Seminars in Perinatology

Session Outline

See presentation handout on the following pages.



Test Taking Tips & Study Strategies for

Passing the NCC NNP Exam

Lisa Glantz WilliamsonRNC-NIC, MSN, ARNP, NNP-BC



• The Test.

• Tips & Study Strategies.

• Practice Questions in a Game-Style Format.

Congratulations Super Stars!

Look at what you have accomplished!

Pat yourself on the back!

Be proud of yourself!



The Test



Important Internet ResourcesNational Certification Corporation (NCC)www.nccwebsite.org

The Center for Certification Preparation and Review (CCPR)www.ccprwebsite.org

Pediatrix Universitywww.pediatrix.com/homepage_university.cfm?id=92&oTopID=92

PEC Professional Education Centerwww.proedcenter.com

Important Internet Resources

The National Certification Corporation (NCC)www.nccwebsite.org

2013 N t l N P titi R i t ti C t l2013 Neonatal Nurse Practitioner Registration Catalog2013 Candidate Guide Neonatal Nurse Practitioner

Catolog & guide discuss eligibility criteria, important facts, contentoutlines with study resources, bibliography, testing options, scoring,payment and general policies.

MANDATORY Online Exam RegistrationRegister for the exam completely online! Simple, easy to followdirections.


The Center for Certification Preparation and Review (CCPR)

www ccprwebsite orgwww.ccprwebsite.org

•Provides test-taking tips•On-line practice test ($52)•Core text (Manual of Neonatal Care, Cloherty, et. al., 6th edition) with exercise workbook ($114) orexercise workbook only ($59)


Pediatrix Universitywww.pediatrix.com

NNP Certification Prep Course•7 modules, each with a self-assessment quiz:Pulmonary - Perinatal Risk Factors - General Management - Cardiac and Gastrointestinal -Integument, Hematopoeitic and Genetics - Multi-System Review - Infectious Disease and Neurology•Multiple choice, 125-question examPresented in 3 segments




PEC Professional Education Centerwww.proedcenter.com

• Utilizes Core Curriculum for Neonatal Utilizes Core Curriculum for Neonatal Intensive Care Nursing 4th Edition along with comprehensive home study guide ($129.95)

• Also offer 3 day review course multiple times/year with opportunity to take RNC-NIC exam onsite ($449)

Flashcards…Another way to study!

• Available from www.flashcardsecrets.com• Cost $49.99 plus shipping

OR• Make your own• Make your own

Who is the NCC?

The National Certification Corporation.

Not–for–Profit organization.g

Provide certification credentials via voluntary examinations that validate entry level knowledge.

Neonatal Nurse Practitioner 2013 Exam Content Team

Catherine Theorell, NNP-BC, Ph.D.Chicago ILChicago, ILTerri Cavaliere, NNP-BC, MSManhasset, NYJan Sherman, NNP-BC, Ph.D.Columbia, MOEllen Tappero, NNP-BC, MNScottsdale, AZ



NCC NNP Certification ExamHow to Apply

• Your application, fee and documentation MUST be submitted together…– Completed application– Official transcript issued from the registrar– Copy of master’s diploma/master’s degree– Post master’s candidates must also include a

copy of post master’s certificate• Processing can take up to 4 weeks• New since 2012 – Apply online ONLY

NCC NNP Certification ExaminationEligibility

Beginning in 2010, the exam must be completed within 3 years of graduation date.

•All requirements for graduation must be completed before application is filed.

•Current RN in USA or Canada.

•Graduation from an accredited NNP program after January 1, 2005.

•Certification is maintained every 3 years from date of official results – retest OR CEUs based on competency assessment…see www.nccwebsite.org for details

NCC NNP Certification ExamFormat & Fees

2 exam formats…1) Computer available on demand with a 90 day

testing window2) Paper and pencil sponsored test sites only starting

in 2014 with 90 day cycles for 1-24 applicants

Application fee…$325 ($50 non-refundable application fee and $275 testing fee) payable by electronic check or credit card

Computer testing myths: Must have computer savvy – NOT!You cannot revisit questions – NOT!The computer test content is harder – NOT!

NCC NNP Certification ExamFormat

•3 hour examination.•175 questions counted for scoring with up to an additional 50 pre-test questions.•Each question has three possible answers.•Tests knowledge and application of knowledge.•Lab data, conventional measurements.•Generic and trade drug names.•Passing scores are predetermined and based upon Item Response Theory (Rasch analysis)…in other words “criteria” based.



NCC NNP Certification ExaminationContent

General Assessment (15 – 20%)

Family Integration (<5%)

General Management (20 – 30%)

The Disease Process (45 – 55%)

Professional Issues (<5%)


General Assessment

•Perinatal– Antepartum and Intrapartum

•Neonatal– Physical Exam– Gestational Age/Behavioral Assessment– Lab Tests– Diagnostic Procedures, Techniques and Equipment

•Family Integration– Communication– Grief– Discharge Planning and Follow-Up


General Managment•Thermoregulation•Resuscitation & Stabilization•Nutrition•Fluids & Electrolytes•Pharmacology

– Principles– Drug Therapies


The Disease Process: Embryology, Physiology, Pathophysiology

• Cardiac• Pulmonary

• Musculoskeletal• Integumentary

• Gastrointestinal• Renal/Genitourinary• Metabolic/Endocrine• Hematopoietic• Infectious Diseases

• Genetics• Neurological• Ears, Eyes, Nose &

Mouth/Throat• Intrauterine Drug

Exposure




Professional Issues

• Principles of Nursing Research• Legal/Ethical Problems


Expanded outline, sample questions and bibliography located in:

NCC 2013 Candidate Guide Neonatal Nurse PractitionerNCC 2013 Candidate Guide Neonatal Nurse Practitioner

http://www.nccwebsite.org

NCC NNP Certification ExaminationBibliography and Other Resources

Please refer to the appendix.



Tips and Strategies



Be Prepared!

www.resptrec.org/resources/Test_Strategies.pdf

“For every disciplined effort there is a multiple reward.”

~Jim Rohn

Start Early!• Get organized.• Review content outlines.• Identify strengths and weaknesses.• Plan and schedule time for study. • Develop personalized study plan. • Select review courses, resources, Select review courses, resources,

practice tests.

“Great things are not done by impulse, but by a series of small things brought together.”

~ Vincent Van Gogh

Start Early!• Customize a calendar.• Divide and conquer the outline.• Check off content identified as

a strength, highlight content identified as a weakness.

• Practice tests are great tools th t id tif t th d that can identify strengths and weaknesses!

“Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out.”

~ Robert Collier

Plan to study!• Keep up with your

calendar.• Stay true to your planned

study sessions!!!• Work ahead if possible.

O i t d if • Organize a study group if this approach has proven successful in the past.

• Silence your phone, remove distractions.

• Schedule breaks.



Manage Anxiety!• Send application early.

• Schedule exam date as soon as eligibility letter received.

If ibl t k ti ff b f d ft th • If possible, take time off before and after the exam. Make any necessary work, travel, or childcare arrangements.

Manage Anxiety!

• Consider a dry run to the test site.

• Schedule rest and relaxation time.

• All things in moderation. If it is study time, study. If it is play time, play!

• Preparation may beprophylactic treatment for test anxiety!

“Lack of direction, not lack of time, is the problem. We all have twenty-four hour days.”

~ Zig Ziglar

Note case studies that match outline topics ~

• A notorious patient with PPHN A notorious patient with PPHN.

• Management of a crisis in the delivery room.

• Interdisciplinary rounds regarding a chronic, complicated patient.

• Seek out clinical experiences matching topics identified as areas of weakness. p

• It is easier to remember a story than it is to remember a list of facts.



How do you learn?

*See it. **Hear it. ***Say it. ****Do it *****Teach it! Do it. Teach it!

Consider preparing an in-service for staff, nursing students or ancillary departments. Choose a topic or a case study that can combine many outline topics.

Memory JoggersJingles

AcronymsAcrostics

Vivid mental pictures

Memories…Like Footprints on My Mind

• Create an acronym for a list• Sing it!• Practice, practice, practice• Use flash cards or play gamesp y g• Chunk it!• Use patterns• Associate• Visualize it!• Repeat, repeat, repeat• Get your ZZZZZs

The Week Before…

• Scan entire outline. Determine areas requiring last minute study.

• Allow for small increments of review time for all content topics.

• Put main ideas, information and formulas onto a sheet that can be quickly reviewed many times.

• Verify travel arrangements.



The Week Before…

• Locate admission ticket. Get a silent, approved calculator. Assure you have photo identification.

• Review preparations, rules, and regulations relating to the chosen examination format, computer or paper/pencil.

The Day Before…

R i b i fl • Review briefly.

• Review test strategies, time table, etc.

• Travel to stay near test site if necessary.

The Day Before…

• Plan on an early dinner and bedtime.y

• Avoid sleep aids, stimulants, alcohol.

• Don’t try or do anything new.

• Set an alarm, consider a wake-up call.

Test Day…Finally!• Feed your brain. Avoid excess fluids.• Get an early start. Arrive 30 minutes prior to

your scheduled start time.• Wear layered, comfortable clothing. Go

h d th l k k !ahead, wear those lucky socks!• Listen carefully and remain alert.

“One important key to success is self confidence. An important key to self confidence is preparation.” ~ Arthur Ashe



Specific Test Taking Strategies• Take advantage of the practice test session.

• Wisely use allotted time. Allow time for review.

• Each exam question has three parts: the question (stem), the correct answer and two distracters.

• Read the entire question thoroughly before looking at the answers.

Specific Test Taking Strategies

• First impressions matter. Think of your own answer before reading choices.

• Read every choice before choosing answerRead every choice before choosing answer.

• Throw out unlikely answers.

• Correct answers are often longer and more descriptive.

Specific Test Taking Strategies• Answer the questions in the order that they

appear.

• If you do not know the answer, read the questions a second time If you cannot make questions a second time. If you cannot make a guess, leave it blank and come back. Don’t panic and don’t waste time.

• Don’t allow yourself to become frustrated over a specific question. If it is deemed flawed, statistical standards will not be met and it will be discounted.




• If “all of the above” is a choice, and more than one of the choices is correct, then choose “all of the above.”

• If two answers are similar, one of them is probably the correct answer.

• Don’t be afraid to change an answer.


BEWARE of the EXTREME modifiers!

Use of these words usually makes the choice incorrect:

always all neveronly none bestabsolutely worst absolutely notnobody everybody certainlyinvariably no one everyone

Specific Test Taking StrategiesLOOK for QUALIFIERS!

Use of these words often make a choice correct:

seldom often manyseldom often manyusually frequently sometimessome much

probablya majority apt to mostmight a few

mayunlikely


• Look for keywords found in the question and in the choices.

• Watch for peculiar wording. If the phrasing does not seem to fit it is probably an incorrect choice.




• If the choices contain common elements, the choice with the greater number of elements is probably the best answer.

• Look for opposites. One of them is usually the correct choice.

• Leave no answer blank. You are not penalized for incorrect answers. You only risk guessing correctly!

When the test is overWhen the test is over…REJOICE!…REJOICE!

f h t k th t t t ill k f h t k th t t t ill k If you have taken the computer test, you will know If you have taken the computer test, you will know immediately that you have immediately that you have PASSEDPASSED the exam!the exam!

Have fun and treat yourself to something special!Have fun and treat yourself to something special!

Let it go! Bask in the joy of your accomplishment!Let it go! Bask in the joy of your accomplishment!

Next up…Practice Questions in a Game-Style Format

ANDThe Practice Test



Documents

Test Taking Tips & Study Strategies Test Taking Tips-Study Strategies.pdf · Drugs in pregnancy and lactation: ... et al. (2006). Basic & clinical pharmacology. New York , NY: McGraw