Transcript Time to STUDY becoming a proficient perianesthesia nurse

Kristin Siepkes RN, BAN, PCCN, CPAN
Objectives
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Discuss the orientation process for a
perianesthesia nurse
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Identify study resources for certification
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Identify successful test taking strategies for
perianesthesia certification
How Do I Orient A New
Perianesthesia Nurse??
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Learn their experiences and
background
•
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Tailor to their experiences
Preceptor selection
Length of time
Plan schedule appropriately
How Do I Orient A New
Perianesthesia Nurse??
RESOURCES
o
ASPAN Competency Based Orientation
and Credentialing program for the
Registered Nurse
o Current ASPAN Standards
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How Do I Orient A New
Perianesthesia Nurse??
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Self Assessment
process
 Pre and Post
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Weekly progress
assessment
Weekly goals and
continued evaluation
of goals
How Do I Orient A New
Perianesthesia Nurse??
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Reference books
 Procedures, high risk/low
frequency skills
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Pocket references
 Phone numbers,
emergency values
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Classes within
organization
 EKG, critical care classes
Certification
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CPAN: Certified
Post Anesthesia
Nurse
CAPA: Certified
Ambulatory
Perianesthesia
nurse
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Which is most
relevant to your
practice??
Phase I or Phase II
care?
Why Should You
Become Certified?
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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?
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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
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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
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Certification Handbook
Reference List
Webinars
12-week Study Plan
Study Tips
Practice Exams
Mind Mapping Study Guide
Test Blueprints
Certification Coach
Study Resources
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Sample questions in
certification review texts
 Practice, practice, practice!
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Review courses
 Use to identify your
weaknesses
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Books and journal
publications
Talking with other
resources
 Certified nurses, CRNAs,
MDAs
Test Taking Strategies:
Develop a Study Plan with
Reasonable Goals
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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?
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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
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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”
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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”
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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!!