The Beginning

This blog is my way of staying motivated in studying for and ultimately passing the ANCC boards to become licenced as a family nurse practitioner (FNP) in the state of Massachusetts. It is a sequel to my other blog, Hopes and Fears in Tackling the NCLEX. I very recently graduated with an MSN and was recently hired for my very first job as an FNP. So, I really need to pass this thing in the most efficient way possible. Part of that is staying motivated, which can be difficult when time is unstructured. If you are reading this, maybe you are in the same situation. I am open to hearing your thoughts on how you stay motivated.

I have taken and passed/done well on several major exams in my life (the SAT, GRE, PCAT, and NCLEX) and know the stresses of test taking. When I was studying for the NCLEX blogging about it helped keep me on track. I also had a lot of good review materials. This time, I went on allnurses.com and read about some review books, most specifically the Leik book and Margaret Fitzgerald's prep book. I also was fortunate enough to take the Fitzerald review class over a weekend which was excellent. I also was lucky enough to hear a lot about passing the boards from several co-workers who I work with as a nurse, the NPs I work with as well as my preceptors and faculty. Many of them said it was easy and that I will be fine. I am confident but have a healthy dose of humility. And if you are in health care, you know that it doesn't take a lot to remind you of how much there is to know out there. That being said, this is a blog about the preparation for the board exam, and not a review of all that a new NP needs to know. I completed a very rigorous program at Simmons College and have accepted a position working for a very intelligent and great teacher. So, my goal in the next few weeks is to learn what I need to know and to pass the boards with flying colors! Welcome to my journey!!