Kristin Siepkes RN, BAN, PCCN, CPAN. Objectives Discuss the orientation process for a perianesthesia nurse Identify study resources for certification.

TIME TO STUDY

BECOMING A PROFICIENT PERIANESTHESIA NURSE

Kristin Siepkes RN, BAN, PCCN, CPAN

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)

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!!