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Study Plan for the Certification Exam

Taquana McNichols

College of Nursing-PMHNP, Walden University

NRNP 6665: PMHNP Care Across the Lifespan I

Dr. Myrlene Merveille

March 17, 2024

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Study Plan for the Certification Exam

I found several strengths and areas for growth after reviewing my practice test results and the

national APRN certification exam. I understand drug types and effects thanks to my

pharmacology background. I also comprehend psychosocial, psychological, and

psychopharmacological therapies for mental health issues (Hilt & Nussbaum, 2017; Zakhari,

2020). I need to learn more about specific disorders, treatment approaches, and evidence-based

practice recommendations. Incorrect practice test replies may have revealed these regions

(Thapar et al., 2017; CriticalThinkRx., 2019). My quarterly study plan will include SMART

targets to enhance these areas and build on my strengths:

SMART Goals

1. Goal: Compile and regularly review lists of adverse effects for major drug classes

within a 4-week timeframe, dedicating weekly study time to enhance knowledge

crucial for safe prescribing practices.

 Tasks:

 Watch CriticalThinkRx module on specific drug classes and adverse

effects (CriticalThinkRx, 2019).

 Utilize DSM-5 pocket guide to supplement understanding of

psychopharmacological interventions (Hilt & Nussbaum, 2016).

 Create flashcards or mnemonic devices to aid memorization of adverse

effects.

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2. Goal: Summarize key prevalence rates and concerns regarding psychotropic use in

youth within a 6-week timeframe through focused reading to ensure understanding

and safe care provision.

 Tasks:

 Read relevant chapters in Rutter's Child and Adolescent Psychiatry

(Thapar et al., 2015).

 Watch CriticalThinkRx module on psychotropic use with youth

(CriticalThinkRx, 2019).

 Participate in online forums or discussion groups to exchange insights

with peers.

3. Goal: Enhance performance on the APRN certification exam by developing and

implementing tailored test-taking strategies through regular practice of timed mock

exams, aiming for improved scores on a minimum of 4 practice exams within a 10-

week period.

Tasks:

 Enroll in a review course specifically designed for the APRN certification

exam.

 Utilize online resources such as quiz banks and practice questions.

 Analyze performance on practice exams to identify areas for

improvement.

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This schedule lists weekly chores to achieve the SMART goals. I want to pass the

Advanced Practice Registered Nurse certification exam by following this method.

Goal Tasks Timeline Enhance Understanding of Drug Adverse Effects

– Watch CriticalThinkRx module on specific drug classes and adverse effects

Week 1

– Utilize DSM-5 pocket guide to supplement understanding of psychopharmacological interventions

Week 1-4

– Create flashcards or mnemonic devices to aid memorization of adverse effects

Week 4

Improve Knowledge of Youth-specific Psychotropic Treatments

– Read relevant chapters in Rutter's Child and Adolescent Psychiatry

Week 1-6

– Watch CriticalThinkRx module on psychotropic use with youth

Week 2

– Participate in online forums or discussion groups to exchange insights with peers

Week 1-6

Enhance Test-Taking Strategies

– Enroll in a review course specifically designed for the APRN certification exam

Week 1

– Utilize online resources such as quiz banks and practice questions

Week 1-10

– Analyze performance on practice exams to identify areas for improvement

Week 2-10

I will use many resources to achieve these goals. I'll start with the DSM-5 pocket guide

and Rutter's Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (Hilt & Nussbaum, 2017; Thapar et al., 2017)

textbooks and online resources. I will also watch CriticalThinkRx videos and modules to learn

crucial principles (CriticalThinkRx, 2019). To network and discuss study tips, I will join online

study groups or forums. Finally, I will take an APRN certification exam study course for

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thorough preparation and expert advice. I'm convinced I can pass the certification exam and

further my APRN career by using these tools and following a planned study plan with SMART

goals.

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References

CriticalThinkRx. (2019, June 9). Module 2: Use of psychotropics with youth_prevalence and

concerns [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NRef-g4Ding

CriticalThinkRx. (2019, June 9). Module 5: Specific drug classes: Focus on adverse effects

[Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gbq6RnOsGKQ

Hilt, R. J., & Nussbaum, A. M. (2017). DSM-5 Pocket Guide for Child and Adolescent Mental

Health. Annals of Clinical Psychiatry, 29(1), 71. https://www.aacp.com/wp-

content/uploads/2017/02/0217-ACP-Book-Reviews-4.pdf

Thapar, A., Pine, D. S., Leckman, J. F., Scott, S., Snowling, M. J., & Taylor, E. A. (Eds.).

(2017). Rutter's child and adolescent psychiatry. John Wiley & Sons.

https://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=mFLKCQAAQBAJ&oi=fnd&pg=PR17

&dq=Thapar,+A.,+Pine,+D.+S.,+Leckman,+J.+F.,+Scott,+S.,+Snowling,+M.+J.,+%26+

Taylor,+E.+A.+(2015).+Rutter%27s+child+and+adolescent+psychiatry+(6th+ed.).+Wile

y+Blackwell.&ots=KZ_EZDTwiz&sig=sX81lUwW8Wijq3PDhaTPBWKDaIc

Zakhari, R. (2021). The Psychiatric-mental Health Nurse Practitioner Certification Review

Manual. Springer Publishing Company.