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
RESOURCES
o ASPAN Competency Based Orientation and Credentialing program for the Registered Nurse
o Current ASPAN Standards
How Do I Orient A New Perianesthesia Nurse??
Self Assessment processPre and Post
Weekly progress assessment
Weekly goals and continued evaluation of goals
How Do I Orient A New Perianesthesia Nurse??
Reference booksProcedures, high risk/low
frequency skills Pocket references
Phone numbers, emergency values
Classes within organizationEKG, critical care classes
How Do I Orient A New Perianesthesia Nurse??
Certification
CPAN: Certified Post Anesthesia Nurse
CAPA: Certified Ambulatory Perianesthesia nurse
Which is most relevant to your practice??
Phase I or Phase II care?
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
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
Why Should You Become Certified?
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 yearsRe-examinationContact hours through ABPANC’s
Continual Learning Program
Examination Fees
Early Bird Regular Fee
ASPAN member $299 $314
Non-ASPAN member $404 $424
Fee is due at the time of application submission
All exams are conducted at Prometric testing sites across the nation
Study Resources: ABPANC website
American Board of Perianesthesia Nursing CertificationDevelop, 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 choicesThere 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)