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 My 5 Steps Framework to PASS your Exam

June 01, 20253 min read

Hey there!

Today I'm traveling to teach my certification review course live to a group of nurses. I'm so excited! Getting to see other NICU nurses makes my heart feel so full. We have so much fun studying together.

Ready to get certified? Click here!

The NCC’s Second Chance Free promotion is back—making now the perfect time to finally go for your NICU certification. Whether you're working toward your RNC-NIC, CCRN-N, C-NNIC, or C-ELBW, I want to help you get there with confidence.

As a forever student (and NICU CNS), I’ve spent countless hours figuring out what works when it comes to certification prep. Over time, I’ve developed a 5-step framework that’s helped hundreds of nurses pass their exam—and I’m here to walk you through it.

✅ Step 1: Apply for the Exam

You’ve probably said, “I want to get certified,” but haven’t hit submit. I get it—without a set date, it’s easy to keep pushing it off.

But here’s the truth: you need a deadline.
Once you apply and get your test date, it’ll create a sense of urgency—and motivation.

📅 Step 2: Make a Study Plan

Pull up the Candidate Guide and take inventory:

  • What topics do you already feel confident in?

  • What needs more review?

Use that info to build your study schedule.
✨ Keep it realistic—25 minutes with your morning coffee totally counts.
✨ Bonus points if you study with a friend or join a group!

🧠 Step 3: Study Actively

Reading chapters and highlighting? That’s passive learning and it may not stick.
Instead, use
active strategies like:

  • Practice questions

  • Flashcards

  • Creating your own test questions

  • Teaching a topic out loud

Active learning helps you retain more—and apply what you know on the floor, not just the test.

😵‍💫Need Help with Active learning? Sign Up here!

🧘‍♀️ Step 4: Mentally Rehearse

It might feel “woo,” but mental rehearsal is proven to work.

Picture this:
🚗 Driving to the testing center
🪪 Checking in with your ID
🧠 Sitting confidently at your desk, thinking,
“I know this!”

Just like athletes visualize their big moment, you can train your brain to walk in with calm confidence.

🎉 Step 5: Test Day = Celebration

Take a moment before your exam to reflect on how far you’ve come. You’re a highly skilled NICU nurse—and now you’re adding credentials that reflect your expertise.

💡 Test tip: Don’t let one tricky question shake you. Take your best guess and move forward. You’ve got this.

When it’s done? Celebrate! You earned this milestone. 💪

💻 Ready for Extra Support?

If you want a structured plan and a supportive course that’s helped hundreds of NICU nurses succeed—join my Certification Success Course!

You’ll get:
✅ Lifetime access
✅ 15 modules with videos, flashcards, practice questions, and more
✅ Access for
just $197 (or $297 if you want CE credits)

👉 Click here to join the course now and start studying smarter—not harder.

Can’t wait to cheer you on,
Amanda
Your NICU CNS & Virtual Study Buddy 💛

Missed my other newsletters? Click here to read them!

Ready to simplify your studying and finally feel confident? Let's Study Together! Join my Certification Course

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