How you study for your board exam is a personal choice, it all depends on your preferred studying strategy.
By the end of year 3 of my CRNA program I definitely knew what worked for me and how to use my time most efficiently when it came to studying. I took advantage of my 3 hour drive time per day to listen to a recorded board review course. I believe that strategy aided me the most for board preparation.
Other studying strategies I used was group studying and reviewing all my classroom notes. Some of my classmates traveled to a review course in person. I also borrowed an older version of a review course booklet from a recent graduate friend that I could memorize.
When To Schedule Your Boards
After graduation SRNAs are required to schedule their board exam test date. I would recommend scheduling as soon as possible, especially if you have already had plenty of study time in your last year of school. In my opinion, a person can only study so much until the information starts to overwhelm you.
By scheduling your exam about a week or 2 after graduation I felt gave me enough time to prepare, but also did not let me procrastinate in my preparation. With a date set it will give you a sense of urgency, a healthy urgency, that should help you focus more upon your studies.
T-Minus One Week!
My best advice for those studying for CRNA boards is to study like it is your job. Find your best strategy, find a quiet place away from distraction and spend at least 8 hours a day for at least 5 days to study.
• Each day wake up early, exercise, (I ran a mile or 2) shower, eat a healthy breakfast, then settle into studying until lunch time.
• After lunch study for another 3 to 4 hours.
• After 8 hours of study time put the books and notes away until tomorrow, relax and spend time with family or friends. Let your mind rest.
• Tomorrow, do it all over again. Days of studying can be added or subtracted, it’s up to you. But try to keep it in that 1-2 week period.
Test Day
Eventually you have to stop the studying and just take the test, even if you don’t think you are ready… In all honesty I didn’t feel like I was ready either, but I also felt like I couldn’t have stuffed any more information into my head. By scheduling your exam about a week or 2 after graduation I felt gave me enough time to prepare, but also did not let me procrastinate in my preparation.
• Eat a small healthy breakfast, if you can, and get a good night of sleep, if possible.
• Don’t cram or try to study on test day, let your mind be fresh.
• Wear comfortable clothes.
• Go to the bathroom immediately before you enter the test center.
You’ve had 3 years of preparation, along with your week or 2 of hardcore studying. Believe it or not You Are Ready. Good Luck!
My next post will describe how my test day went. Subscribe to my blog or check back soon!
Check out my latest CRNA post! https://lifeofcoryb.com/2023/02/16/6-ways-artificial-intelligence-is-changing-anesthesia-care/
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