1. News to Share
Fall 2016

2. In the News We now have 12,145 CPAN® and CAPA® Certified Nurses!
Dually Certified – 626
We now have over 12,000 CPAN and CAPA certified nurses in the United States. These numbers are as of July 1, 2016 and represent steady growth year over year. Let’s all spread the news about the benefits and value of certification and keep the momentum going!

3. Benefits of CPAN/CAPA Certification
Validates specialized knowledge and experience
Promotes the highest quality patient care
Demonstrates commitment to continual learning
Strengthens personal and professional pride
Studying keeps you up to date on the latest best practices
Gives you a competitive edge in your career
Here’s a brief reminder of some of the the benefits and values of CPAN and CAPA Certification.
[ Visual: CertificationNow Q&A ]

4. New and Improved Website
We’ve organized the content on our website with easy-to-follow navigation across the top. It’s easier than ever to find valuable resources and tools to help you get certified and to maintain your certification. Our website has also been optimized for use on mobile phones and ipads. Check it out at cpancapa.org and bookmark it for easy access!.

5. ABPANC Study Resources
ABPANC is continually updating and adding new resources to help nurses prepare for the CPAN and CAPA exams. Find them on the homepage or go to Resources>Study Tools
[ Visual: Study Resources Card ]
In addition to the Certification Candidate Handbook, which contains the Test Blueprint (found in Appendix C) and a Study References List (found in Appendix D), ABPANC currently offers the following to candidates:
12-week Study Plan
Study Question of the Week Free Webinars – Test Taking Strategies, Fear of Failure
Study Tips Brochure
Mind Mapping Study Guide
4 Practice Exams available for purchase
I will be covering some of these resources in more detail…

6. Certification Candidate
Handbook
Every person studying for the examination should read the handbook carefully in its entirety. Coaches receive a copy of this Handbook and should read it carefully. As changes are made that impact Coaches (i.e. new resources, changes to Blueprint, new policies), ABPANC will notify coaches of those changes.

7. Choosing the Right Exam
When determining which exam is most relevant for you, think about your patient’s needs.
If you spend most of your time caring for patients in Postanesthesia Phase 1, the CPAN exam is most relevant to your practice.
If you spend most of your time caring for patients in the Preanesthesia Phase, Day of Surgery, Postanesthesia Phase 2, or extended care, then the CAPA exam is most relevant to your practice.
Both exams require 1800 hours of direct clinical experience in the two years prior to applying for initial certification. If you are seeking both the CPAN and the CAPA certification, you must meet the clinical experience requirement for CPAN and for CAPA
Both exams are 3 hour tests with 175 multiple choice questions

8. ABPANC’s Test Blueprint contains specific perianesthesia needs, as well as the knowledge required to meet these needs. ABPANC recognizes the diverse range of today’s perianesthesia nursing settings and the fact that both PACU and ambulatory nurses work across the entire perianesthesia/periprocedural continuum of care. Because of the demand for nurses to care for patients in multiple perianesthesia phases, there may be some overlap in content between the CPAN and CAPA exams. Some perianesthesia nurses may have never cared for patients in a given setting, or  with some of the specific needs found in the Test Blueprint, however, to earn the CPAN or CAPA credential, they need to demonstrate they have the knowledge to care for them.
The Blueprint can be found on the ABPANC website, as well as in the Certification Candidate Handbook [ can open to handbook page]

9. 12 Week Study Plan
The Test Blueprint, which is also found in the Certification Candidate Handbook Appendix C, contains the complete listing of patient needs and related nursing knowledge required to meet those needs that comprise the CPAN and CAPA examinations. The 12 week study plan Organizes the content defined in the Test Blueprints into topics that can be reviewed in approximately four hours per week. You may choose to put more or less emphasis on specific areas of knowledge expertise, but this is a great organizational tool.
Download it for free from our website under “Resources” and then “Study Tools.”

10. Free Webinars Conquering Test Anxiety and Fear of Failure
30-minute webinar with PDF handout
Test Taking Strategies
20-minute webinar full of tips to help you prepare
We’ve recorded two webinars that will help you prepare for the CPAN or CAPA exam. They are free, and on our website for you to view at any time.

11. Study Question of the Week
Each Wednesday at 6am ET, ABPANC posts a CPAN and a CAPA study question. Use these questions as a discussion tool. The answer, along with the next week’s question, will be posted the following Wednesday at 6am.
Each question contains the domain and content area, and is referenced using a publication on ABPAN’s Study References List. The website currently contains an archive of past questions.
Encourage people to sign up to receive a question in their inbox.
[ Do a show of hands to who is subscribed to QoW; if they are not subscribed, encourage people to subscribe using the link on the ABPANC website]

12. Practice Exams Evaluate your strengths and knowledge gaps.
Similar in format to the real exam.
Four 50-question exams available for purchase.
Each practice examination contains 50 unique questions and costs $50. Receive a free practice examination for each one you purchase – BOGO
Earn contact hours and continual learning credit.
[ Visual: practice exams ]
The purpose of the online CPAN and CAPA Practice Examinations is to provide a simulated (or similar) experience to taking the actual CPAN and/or CAPA certification examinations, and to provide an overview of candidate strengths and knowledge gaps.
Questions on the practice test are representative of the types of questions seen on the actual CPAN and/or CAPA certification examinations. Unlike the actual examination, The correct answer and at least one reference is provided for each practice exam question as a study aid.
You can earn 3.67 contact hours for taking the exam. You may receive contact hours once for taking the CPAN Practice Exam and once for taking the CAPA Practice Exam. You may also earn ABPANC continual learning credit for recertification purposes for each time you take the exam: this activity applies to Direct Care.
It is important to note that ABPANC does not provide the rationale for the correct answer. ABPANC believes that empowering candidates to refer to the reference themselves to find the correct answer and understand the rationale makes them active participants in the learning process, which is ultimately better for their comprehension and retention.
Passing a Practice Exam does not guarantee that you will pass the actual exam

13. ABPANC Certification Coach
ABPANC’s Certification Coaches can help you identify and use the most helpful study strategies.
For information about finding a Certification Coach or obtaining resources for a study group, contact Zelda Williams at
ABPANC has coaches around the country who can help you in your certification journey. Contact Zelda Williams to learn more. If you’re already certified, I hope you’ll consider becoming an ABPANC Certification Coach.

14. Choosing References Use ABPANC’s Study References List (Appendix D)
Review the content found on the Test Blueprint, focusing on areas where you are weak.
Be creative in obtaining references.
All of the questions in the CPAN/CAPA examinations are referenced using the books in ABPANC’s Study References List (Appendix D), which can be found in the Certification Candidate Handbook and on the ABPANC website.
The exam tests the ability of the candidate to apply the information found in these books to meet the needs of the perianesthesia patient. Studying from one or two references is not enough, because the exam is not a test of a book. If ABPANC was to develop their exams based on only one or two references, then the exams become a test about those references. It is critical that candidates review the content of perianesthesia patient needs and the knowledge to meet those needs– which is found on the Test Blueprint.
Encourage candidates to be creative in obtaining the references… for example, references might be available in their workplace or local library, from their already certified colleagues or members of their Component. Additionally, if there is a study group in the area, there may be an opportunity to share references. They can also be rented from Amazon or purchased used…
When there’s a will, there’s a way!

15. Behavioral/ Cognitive Needs
Test Blueprint
Good through Spring 2017
Domain
CPAN Exam
CAPA Exam
Physiological Needs
57%
49%
Behavioral/ Cognitive Needs
20%
24%
Safety Needs
23%
27%
The content in the CPAN and CAPA Exams is organized into 3 domains, which are based on perianesthesia patient needs. ABPANC validates the Test Blueprint every 5 years by conducting a Role Delineation Study, also known as a Job Analysis. The current Test Blueprint is based upon the Role Delineation Study. The new Blueprint, which will go into effect for the Fall 2017 Exams, is based upon a Job Analysis which was conducted in The Blueprint will be available on the ABPANC website by April of 2017.

16. Study Tips Brochure
A quick reference guide with tips for organizing a study outline, identifying study resources, and dealing with test anxiety.
The Study Tips brochure is a quick reference guide which includes many helpful study tips and answers some of the most common questions.
[ Visual: Study Tips brochure ]

17. Mind Mapping
A mind map, or concept map, is a way to take notes that allows you to break down a topic into topics and sub-topics.
Information is presented visually.
Use ABPANC’s mind map presentation as a way to start your own.
A mind map, also called a concept map can help you organize information visually. It begins with a main idea, or concept, and then branches out to show how one idea can be broken down into topics.
Use ABPANC’s mind map presentation, which is found in the study resources section of the ABPANC website, as a guide to get started.

18. Coming Soon! New Mobile App
ABPANC is currently working on a new self- study app that is optimized for reviewing study questions on a mobile phone or ipad.
For $9.95 you will have access to 50 study questions.
Watch for the intro in early January.
The new mobile app will make it very convenient to review study questions anytime, anywhere. Even certified nurses will find it a handy reference tool for keeping up with the latest best-practices. Questions from the app were originally used for ABPANC’s Question of the Week Program. The App will be released every exam administration with 25 CPAN and 25 CAPA questions.
ABPANC’s online practice exams remain the best way to study from new questions, and to get a report about your strengths and weaknesses. As mentioned previously there are a total of 4 CPAN and 4 CAPA exam forms available for purchase. Each exam has 50 unique questions.

19. Quotes: What worked for Candidates
Time and space: I passed because I had the materials to read, attended certification review two months prior to exam and I had time to make my own notes from all of these.
The practice tests helped to identify the areas I needed to focus on. Using the reference material from Appendix D allowed me to read and learn about the items in my weak areas.
Determination and my desire to always learn more. Studying for the exam actually made me feel more confident at work.
Here are some direct quotes from individuals. You can find more tips from candidates in the certification stories on ABPANC’s website

20. Facilitate discussion– share strategies that worked or didn’t work
[get audience participation about what worked for CPAN/CAPA certified nurses in the audience]
For YOU

21. Examination Dates and Deadlines
FALL 2016
SPRING 2017
Registration Window
Deadline has passed
January 9 – March 6
Exam Administration Window
October 3 - November 25
April 3 – May 30
Procrastination does NOT have its advantages, start studying early and be prepared. The most common feedback we get from nurses who do not pass the first time is that they did not spend enough time studying for the exam. Plan on a minimum of 4 hours per week. Candidates are strongly encouraged to read the Certification Handbook in its entirety. It contains very important information about the exam blueprints, study references, and test administration details.
ABPANC’s Study References List (Appendix D of the Certification Handbook) contains the ONLY study references that are approved by ABPANC. It is your most valuable list of references and should be the baseline of your study materials. While you don’t have to use all of these references, these are the only materials ABPANC uses to verify correct answers. Be leery of other resources, not on this list, that claim to be “approved.”
Register early so you get the best availability of testing dates and locations, plus give yourself plenty of time to study, and be sure that you take advantage of ABPANC resources!
Deadline for Canceling Appointment:
- Up to 48 hours prior to your scheduled exam.
ABPANC now uses PSI Services, a global leader in testing administration, for delivery of the CPAN and CAPA exams.

22. Recertification
Recertification Cycle
Certification Expires
Recertification Window Opens/ First Renewal Sent via
Fall
October 31
July 1
Spring
April 30
January 1
Application and Forms are found on our website under “Recertification”
Record your contact hours in the Continual Learning Documentation Log. Once you recertify, the Log is erased so you can start a new one
The recertification process is done completely online. Your recertification cycle depends on when you initially got certified. For those who initially certified in the Fall, Certification expires October 31. For those who Certified in the Spring, Certification expires April 30.
If you are due for recertification, you should have received a letter in the mail in July for the Fall recertification cycle. If you are due to recertify in the Spring, you will receive your First Renewal Notice in January. Instructions are provided in that Renewal Notice, but I suggest that you review the recertification Handbook for more details.
[ Visual: Recertification Postcard]

23. Recertification
Recertification Cycle
Certification Expires
Recertification Window Opens/ First Renewal Sent via
Fall
October 31
July 1
Spring
April 30
January 1
Application and Forms are found on our website under “Recertification”
Record your contact hours in the Continual Learning Documentation Log. Once you recertify, the Log is erased so you can start a new one
The recertification process is done completely online. Your recertification cycle depends on when you initially got certified. For those who initially certified in the Fall, Certification expires October 31. For those who Certified in the Spring, Certification expires April 30.
If you are due for recertification, you should have received a letter in the mail in July for the Fall recertification cycle. If you are due to recertify in the Spring, you will receive your First Renewal Notice in January. Instructions are provided in that Renewal Notice, but I suggest that you review the recertification Handbook for more details.
[ Visual: Recertification Postcard]

24. Scholarships are Available
ABPANC is offering a limited number of scholarships for certification and recertification fees
If your employer does not offer any monetary support, you may be eligible
Applications are accepted May 1- June 30
Get the application form online at
ABPANC offers a limited number of scholarships each year for certification and recertification fees.
If your employer does not offer any monetary support you may be eligible.
You can apply for the scholarship on the ABPANC website between May 1 and June 30 for examinations offered the next Fall and Spring windows.

25. Get Involved! Become an ABPANC Certification Coach
Support others in their CPAN/CAPA certification journey.
Training and support materials provided
Earn up to 60 contact hours!
Become an Item Writer
Contribute to CPAN/CAPA exam development
Hone your writing skills
Earn 2 contact hours for each question submitted!
Apply to Become an RN Director
ABPANC is seeking nominations for RN Director positions for 7/1/2017 – 6/30/2019.
The deadline for nominations is October 31, 2016
Once you are CPAN/CAPA Certified, There are lots of opportunities to continue to be involved with ABPANC and make your mark on perianesthia nursing excellence.
As an ABPANC volunteer, you get free contact hours toward recertification. Coaching is a great way to use your experience to help others. As a coach, you can inspire and support your colleagues. You can also coach individuals by phone. Right now, we really need coaches in regions 1 and 4.
Are you a writer? CPAN and CAPA exam questions are written by nurses just like you! Item writing is incredibly rewarding. If you have an interest, we have the resources and tools to help you enjoy the experience, learn, and contribute to the perianesthesia nursing field. See me afterwards and I’ll be happy to share more information with you.
[Visual: ABPANC Item Writing Card]

26. Quotes from ABPANC Volunteers
My motivation to become a CPAN/CAPA Certification Coach is the support that ABPANC provides the coaches; you are not navigating the journey alone.
Working with certified nurses from across the country, sharing similar patient care issues and collaborating on developing an excellent exam, is for me, the best result of my journey.
[say something about how you got involved in volunteering with ABPANC]

27. New! Certification Achievement Award
Recognizing units with 75% or more of eligible perianesthesia nurses with CPAN and CAPA Certification.
Submit the online application by December 31.
This is a brand new award from ABPANC. If your unit meets this goal of 75% certification in 2016, be sure to complete the online application before December 31st. Winners will be announced on Certified Nurses Day and recognized at the CPAN/CAPA Celebration Luncheon at ASPAN Annual Conference.
Entry forms are available on our website, under Resources – Awards.

28. Advocacy Award
This annual Patient Advocacy Award recognizes one nurse who exemplifies leadership as a patient advocate by demonstrating compassion, commitment, knowledge and expertise.
Nominate someone you know by simply filling out the application on our website by February 15th.
Application forms are available on our website, under Resources – Awards.
The winner receives this beautiful Lladro statue (there is a male statue as well), a scholarship for their next recertification fee, and a plaque. Their unit also receives a $350 cash award to use for certification fees or continuing education. The individual who nominates the winner will receive a cash award of $100.
Winners are announced at our CPAN / CAPA Celebration Luncheon at ASPAN annual conference.

29. Shining Star Award
Recognizing ASPAN Components that support and encourage CPAN and CAPA certification at the local level.
Awards are presented at the CPAN / CAPA Celebration Luncheon at Annual Conference.
Applications are due by February 15.
Entry forms are available on our website, under Resources – Awards.

30. New! My Certification Story
See the newest section of
our website where other CPAN
and CAPA certified nurses
have shared their own
personal journey to certification.
Please think about sharing your own story about how certification has helped you personally and professionally. Your story may be the motivation someone else needs to make the commitment toward perianesthesia nursing certification. For those who are not yet certified, these stories contain tips and study strategies.
> Benefits > Certification Stories

31. New Author’s Recognition www.cpancapa.org > News
Congratulations to the CPAN and CAPA nurses who have published articles related to perianesthesia nursing. Please see the “CPAN/CAPA Authors” section on the ABPANC our website under “News”
We will automatically publish a list of articles in JOPAN, but if you’ve published an article somewhere else, please contact us so we can recognize you and list the publication on our website.

32. Your ABPANC Board Liaisons
Your ABPANC Board Representative is always available to answer questions and provide support. Simply contact us and let us know how we can help.
Region 1: Celeste Jones-Lyon
Region 2: Zoni Gazy
Region 3:     Laura Williams
Jennifer Rice
Region 4:       Cidalia Vital
Region 5:        Vicki Yfantis
Other Board Members:
Annette Brancati
Linda Lakdawala
Your ABPANC Board Representative is always available to answer questions and provide support. Simply contact us and let us know how we can help.

33. 2016-2017 ABPANC Board of Directors
This photo was taken at our August 2016 Board of Directors Meeting in Baltimore.

34. Visit Our Online Store!
Flaunt your CPAN/CAPA Certification by wearing items with the CPAN/CAPA logo!
We have lapel pins, badge holders, tote bags, T-shirts, amethyst bracelets and much more. Share your pride and enjoy quality products at great prices.
Visit the store at > Store
Our online store has very nice merchandise at great prices. We now have a brand new amethyst bracelet with engraved pendant ($35) and an adjustable chain to fit any wrist

35. Get Social with ABPANC! Like Us on Facebook! Join Us on LinkedIn
Be among the first to receive
announcements and updates
View our photos
Share your passion
Join Us on LinkedIn
We have over connections
Links are on our home page.
Our social media connections are growing fast and it’s a great way to stay connected. We won’t inundate you with posts, but you’ll be the first to know about valuable news related to our profession. Please join us!

36. 475 RIVERSIDE DRIVE, 6TH FLOOR
ABPANC is Here to Help!
ABPANC
475 RIVERSIDE DRIVE, 6TH FLOOR
NEW YORK, NY 10115
– PRESS OPTION 3

37. CPAN® and CAPA® Certification: Nursing Passion in Action!®
Thank you!
CPAN® and CAPA® Certification:
Nursing Passion in Action!®
Thank you!