How CNRN Candidates Prepare for the Exam
Matthew Hendell, MSN RN CNRN CPNP
At the end of the Spring 2005 CNRN Examination, the American Board of Neuroscience Nursing (ABNN) administered a survey intended to reveal the characteristics of CNRN exam candidates and the manner in which they study. Eighty candidates returned surveys. The survey results have provided insight into the group:
- The overwhelming majority of candidates were sitting for the CNRN exam for the first time.
- Exam candidates possessed a broad range of neuroscience nursing experience. Some had as few as two years of experience, but many others had decades of experience (range = 2-21 years, mean = 8.2 years).
- Candidates prepared for the exam in a variety of ways; many used several methods to ensure breadth in their preparation. Table 1 lists specific types of preparation, the time taken, the costs involved, and the perceived utility of each approach.
| Table 1: Methods Used to Prepare for the CNRN Examination |
| Method |
Average Hours Used |
Average Costs |
Helpfulness
(1-4 scale;
1 = most helpful) |
Review Course |
24.3 |
$357 |
1.38 |
Independent Study |
98.4 |
$197 |
1.33 |
Group Study |
19.3 |
----- |
1.25 |
Computerized Study |
<6 |
$30 |
2 |
Other |
5 |
----- |
----- |
Note: Not all candidates used all listed methods.
-
Candidates used many texts. Several stood out as favorites:
-
The Clinical Practice of Neurological and Neurosurgical Nursing by Joanne V. Hickey
-
Neuroscience Nursing; A Spectrum of Care by Ellen Barker
-
AANN Core Curriculum for Neuroscience Nursing
-
Candidates also used many periodicals. The most frequently mentioned were American Journal of Nursing, Journal of Neuroscience Nursing, and Critical Care Nursing.
-
Most candidates started preparing early and spent an average of 17.5 weeks studying (range = 4-52 weeks).
-
The average candidate spent 7.35 hours per week studying during the period of active preparation (range = 2-20 hours).
-
Candidates came to the exam with the full spectrum of formal education, as shown in Table 2.
Table 2. Educational Preparation of Candidates |
Highest Level of Formal Education |
Number |
Percentage |
Associates Degree |
18 |
22.5 |
Diploma in Nursing |
1 |
2.5 |
Bachelor's in Nursing |
28 |
35 |
Other Bachelor's Degree |
6 |
7.5 |
Master's in Nursing |
12 |
15 |
Master's in Public Health |
1 |
2.5 |
Other Master's Degree |
5 |
12.5 |
Doctoral Degree |
1 |
2.5 |
Total |
72 |
100.0 |
Examinees provided feedback regarding exam preparation and suggestions for future test takers, educators and ABNN. Their comments will be carefully considered by the ABNN Board of Trustees to ensure the CNRN exam meets the needs of neuroscience nurses. Representative comments are as follows:
-
"This is not a test for critical care neuro nursing, rehab nursing, office nursing, or chronic neurological diseases. It is all of these!"
-
"Study the matrix to analyze the depth and focus of the test. The exam is challenging; it required critical thinking, clinical application, astute assessment, and nursing management."
-
"Remember it is comprehensive, testing the entire continuum from cause to rehabilitation. It's not an intensive care test!"
-
"Start early. Every day at work, apply principles to what you do. Think correlative neuroanatomy to signs and symptoms seen daily at work."
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