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

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

3. 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

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

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

6. 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

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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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

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

14. 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

15. 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

16. 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

17. 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

18. 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%

19. 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

20. 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!

21. 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!

22. 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

23. 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!

24. 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

25. 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

26. 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)

27. 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!!