How to Study for Pediatrics RN Tests
The certified pediatric nurse (CPN) exam is aimed at any registered nurse who has extensive knowledge and experience in pediatric nursing. Nurses who take this exam should display knowledge and abilities beyond the basic RN training in pediatric nursing. An RN who passes this exam is called a certified pediatric nurse (CPN) and earns a CPN credential. It will be extremely important for any RN preparing to take the CPN test to spend significant amounts of time studying.
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Instructions
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Study Suggestions
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Set aside at least 3 or 4 weeks to study. Although you will likely need to work during this time, it is important to allow yourself ample amounts of quality study time. Aim to study for at least a few hours most days of the week. Speak with your family members and friends and let them know that you are preparing for the CPN exam. Help them to understand that you may be around less than usual until after you have taken the test.
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Purchase a study guide to prepare for the test. The most commonly recommended study guide is the "Pediatric Nursing Certification Review," and it can be ordered online at PedsNurses.org. This guide will provide a thorough overview of pediatric nursing. Various other study guides are also available that will help you prepare for the CPN exam.
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Become familiar with the content that will be included in the CPN exam. Since December 2008, the test has been broken down into various sections. About one-fourth of the test concerns child development. Another one-fourth of the test contains questions about specific pathological illnesses that are common in pediatrics. The rest of the CPN exam includes questions about psychological issues, family education and the promotion of good health.
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Attend a regional conference that offers a CPN exam review course. The Society of Pediatric Nurses (SPN) regularly holds conferences that include this session. The course will include strategies for studying and test-taking, in addition to a thorough review of pediatric nursing.
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Take advantage of hands-on training opportunities available to you at your place of work, if possible. If you currently work in a pediatric care unit, ask other CPN-certified nurses or doctors to cross-train you in the field of pediatric nursing. Although you will already have experience in the field of pediatric nursing, you may be able to learn some new material by taking a step back and watching others work.
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Take the CPN Exam preparation test offered at PNCB.org through the Pediatric Nursing Certification Board. This online exam simulates the same types of questions that will be included in the actual CPN exam. All content included in the practice exam is related to content areas in the actual exam, and the test will help the registered nurse become familiar with the structure of the exam questions. As an added benefit, successfully completing the CPN exam preparation test will reward the RN with five accredited continuing education contact hours.
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