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Ask The WOC Nurse
Ask the WOC Nurse
Question:
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I failed my ostomy certification exam for the second time by twelve points. My question is should I take it immediately after my 30-day period is up or should I wait and do intensive studying? I initially was going to not take it again but there is that little voice that says, “try it again.” Please advise.
Answer From The WOC Nurse:
Thank you for the inquiry. You have taken the exam twice and have not passed either time. I am sorry this has happened. You have invested a significant amount of time and money into taking these exams. Here are some considerations regarding knowledge and test-taking.
If you did not attend an accredited WOC Nursing Education Program, you might want to step back and consider the application and attendance to gain the knowledge needed to pass the certification exam.
If you did attend a WOC Nursing Education Program, take the time for intensive studying prior to the next certification exam. If there is no need to hurry to pass the certification exam, give yourself ample time to study. Many people wait to the last minute to cram knowledge, but there is too much information to cram for the ostomy certification exam! The certification is developed from role delineation study and turned into an exam content outline. These outlines are available on the Wound Ostomy Continence Certification Board (WOCNCB®) website (www.wocncb.org). Use the exam content outline to help you identify which areas you might be weakest and focus on those areas of study. Set up a time-table for your study time. For example, use the WOCN Core Curriculum book and split out the chapters by making short term and long-term goals of which chapters you will study. Consider purchasing the online certification study tools or flash cards. It might be tempting to “hit the books” for extended periods of time but be sure to take a break occasionally. Go for a walk, do jumping jacks or pushups, listen to music, or simply do some deep breathing to allow your brain to rest from intensive studying. Use charts and diagrams to help memorize the information. Ostomy certification requires in-depth knowledge of anatomy and physiology of the gastrointestinal (GI) and genitourinary (GU) tracts and the diseases that affect both GI and GU along the entire age span. This information simply needs to be memorized so that during the exam, you can use critical thinking to answer the exam question. Practice old exams if available to you. Consider asking a colleague to study with you. Even if the colleague is not taking the certification exam, there may be great benefit to study and learn together. Eat nutritious foods and hydrate with healthy liquids that will help you optimize your study time. Eat protein and vegetables, try to stay away from high carbohydrates, such as chips or popcorn. Drink water or low sugar fluids and avoid sugary drinks, such as soda or sports drinks and avoid alcohol as well.
Now that you are prepared for the exam, here are some considerations for the exam day. Arrive to the exam site early so you are not rushed or anxious about finding the exam site. Read the exam question carefully and determine the key elements. The exam is timed, but don’t rush while reading the exam questions. These are the three parts of an exam question:
(1) The stem: the part of the question that asks the question.
(2) The correct response or best answer.
(3) Distracters: incorrect but feasible or not the best answers.
As you read the answers to the question start eliminating choices. Remember, if you make a wild guess you have a 25% chance of getting the answer correct. If you narrow the choices down to two then you have a 50% chance! If more than one answer seems correct, go back and read the stem again. Look for key words to lead you to the answer, such as age, sex, healthcare setting, or if the problem occurs early or late in the patient’s case. If none of the answers seem to be correct, re-read the stem and select the best answer from those offered. Sometimes it may not seem like there is a correct answer. These questions are there to help you use what you have learned to make an informed decision. Ultimately, it will be your decision to test after the 30-day time frame. But in the meantime, try to follow the WOC Nurse expert advice. You owe it to yourself to advance your career in this honorable profession as a certified ostomy nurse!
Sincerely, The WOC Nurse
