Time to STUDY becoming a proficient perianesthesia nurse Kristin Siepkes RN, BAN, PCCN, CPAN

Objectives Discuss the orientation process for a perianesthesia nurse Identify study resources for certification Identify successful test taking strategies for perianesthesia certification

How Do I Orient A New Perianesthesia Nurse?? Learn their experiences and background Tailor to their experiences Preceptor selection Length of time Plan schedule appropriately

How Do I Orient A New Perianesthesia Nurse?? RESOURCES ASPAN Competency Based Orientation and Credentialing program for the Registered Nurse Current ASPAN Standards

How Do I Orient A New Perianesthesia Nurse?? Self Assessment process Pre and Post Weekly progress assessment Weekly goals and continued evaluation of goals

How Do I Orient A New Perianesthesia Nurse?? Reference books Procedures, high risk/low frequency skills Pocket references Phone numbers, emergency values Classes within organization EKG, critical care classes

Certification Which is most relevant to your practice?? Phase I or Phase II care? CPAN: Certified Post Anesthesia Nurse CAPA: Certified Ambulatory Perianesthesia nurse

Why Should You Become Certified? Promotes excellence in quality patient care Increases professional credibility with patients and their loved ones Validates your knowledge gained through professional education and experience Hospital earns reputation for providing best care by highly qualified professionals

Why Should You Become Certified? Strengthens personal and professional pride Strong sense of achievement Respect from colleagues Demonstrates leadership Gives you competitive edge in job market and allows for career mobility

Eligibility Requirements Current RN license in the US Initial Certification: Minimum of 1800 hours of direct perianesthesia clinical experience as a RN during the 2 years prior to application Recertification:1200 hours bedside experience in the last 3 years Re-examination Contact hours through ABPANC’s Continual Learning Program

Examination Fees Fee is due at the time of application submission All exams are conducted at Prometric testing sites across the nation Early Bird Regular Fee ASPAN member $299 $314 Non-ASPAN member $404 $424

Study Resources: ABPANC website American Board of Perianesthesia Nursing Certification Develop, Sponsor, and Manage programs www.cpancapa.org

Study Resources from ABPANC Certification Handbook Reference List Webinars 12-week Study Plan Study Tips Practice Exams Mind Mapping Study Guide Test Blueprints Certification Coach

Study Resources Sample questions in certification review texts Practice, practice, practice! Review courses Use to identify your weaknesses Books and journal publications Talking with other resources Certified nurses, CRNAs, MDAs

Test Taking Strategies: Develop a Study Plan with Reasonable Goals Develop an outline of study topics and focus on weaknesses first Prepare a study schedule and set deadlines Know your personal preferences to exams: Study in groups? Alone? Study from multiple references Spend extra time on your weakest areas

Develop a Study Plan with Reasonable Goals Keep a positive attitude Pick a time to study when most alert Identify your personal reactions to test taking Avoid cramming: study a little bit each day! Conduct a weekly review of what you have learned

Test-taking Strategies: Test Blueprint 175 multiple choice questions (140 are scored) PATIENT NEEDS CPAN CAPA Physiological 57% 49% Behavorial/ Cognitive 20% 24% Safety 23% 27%

Test Taking Strategies: Know Test “Rules” 175 multiple choice questions (140 are scored) All multiple choice questions with 4 choices There are no trick questions with multiple correct answers Both exams are 3 hour tests Average 1 minute per question

Test Taking Strategies: Know Test “Rules” Can skip questions or mark them to return to later Computer will keep track of any question that you skip and return at end or at any time Each question is worth the same value No penalty for guessing!

Test Caveats This is a national exam, not specific to any practice area or state Test will use generic terms: drug names, equipment, procedures Use multiple sources for review!

General Test Taking Strategies Read each question and all choices carefully Don’t spend too much time on one question Answer easy questions first and mark more difficult ones to return to later Don’t assume information that is not given First response is usually the correct one! Change answer only if you have a good reason for doing so

Overcoming Test Anxiety Little nervousness-normal and helps focus your attention Establish a consistent pretest routine Learn relaxation techniques Don’t forget to eat and drink Get some exercise Get plenty of sleep Preparation is the key!

Guessing Strategies Always best to make an educated guess! Use the process of elimination to narrow choices down Beware of choices that may be true but are unrelated to the question Avoid test generalizations

As Test Day Approaches Familiarize yourself with the test site Eat healthy and get plenty of rest Avoid cramming the day before Trust your instincts and be confident in your preparation! Last week before exam: review rather than start new topics

Test Taking Strategies: Test Day Tips Need two forms of ID Bring authorization to test letter Arrive at least 30 min prior to test start time May bring small ear plugs Computer tutorial offered before exam begins (no prior computer experience necessary)

Test Taking Strategies: Test Day Tips Scale range is 200 to 800, with 450 set as the passing point Will receive a preliminary score report when finished Final results available in 2-3 weeks CELEBRATE!!