Step 2 CS

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hey guys and gals...hope everyone;s interviews been going smoothly so far. was wondering for those of you who have completed and passed step 2cs, how long did you end up studying for the test?

 

[cchoukal]

0 hours, 0 minutes. I would say, though, even though I passed, it was an uncomfortable feeling going through it knowing there were things I was missing that, if I had spent a day skimming a test prep book, I probably would've gotten.

 

[ear-ache]

hey guys and gals...hope everyone;s interviews been going smoothly so far. was wondering for those of you who have completed and passed step 2cs, how long did you end up studying for the test?

I used First Aid for Step 2cs. It's an easy read and will take you 1-2 days. The most important parts are the beginning chapters which explain the format and grading of the exam, and the 25 or so practice cases in the back (which also have an 'answer key'). I had a few cases which were almost identical to the practice cases. If you have a buddy or S.O. to practice 1 or 2 cases on, it would probably be helpful just to get a feel for time constraints (especially note writing). Always remember to wash hands, drape the patient, put the stethoscope on skin, and be empathetic.

However, all of this is just to help with your anxiety levels. If you speak English, are fairly empathetic, and can write a decent SOAP note (with 5 DDx and 5 daignostic work-up's) you will be fine. I would spend a week, max, studying for this exam.

 

[VentdependenT]

I used First Aid for Step 2cs. It's an easy read and will take you 1-2 days. The most important parts are the beginning chapters which explain the format and grading of the exam, and the 25 or so practice cases in the back (which also have an 'answer key'). I had a few cases which were almost identical to the practice cases. If you have a buddy or S.O. to practice 1 or 2 cases on, it would probably be helpful just to get a feel for time constraints (especially note writing). Always remember to wash hands, drape the patient, put the stethoscope on skin, and be empathetic.

However, all of this is just to help with your anxiety levels. If you speak English, are fairly empathetic, and can write a decent SOAP note (with 5 DDx and 5 daignostic work-up's) you will be fine. I would spend a week, max, studying for this exam.

At least you can fake the empathy for the fake patients. Man I'm glad I missed the boat on that lame o' test.

 

[cubs3canes]

I used First Aid for Step 2cs. It's an easy read and will take you 1-2 days. The most important parts are the beginning chapters which explain the format and grading of the exam, and the 25 or so practice cases in the back (which also have an 'answer key'). I had a few cases which were almost identical to the practice cases. If you have a buddy or S.O. to practice 1 or 2 cases on, it would probably be helpful just to get a feel for time constraints (especially note writing). Always remember to wash hands, drape the patient, put the stethoscope on skin, and be empathetic.

However, all of this is just to help with your anxiety levels. If you speak English, are fairly empathetic, and can write a decent SOAP note (with 5 DDx and 5 daignostic work-up's) you will be fine. I would spend a week, max, studying for this exam.

Also KNOCK on the door before entering and wait for them to say come in. Try not to cut them off. I had a patient with a chronic condition and he was very verbose to say the least. I avoided cutting him off, but my recap was definetely shortened.

Finally, remember to sum up everything at the end.

Thank good I am going into Anesthesia and I can avoid clinics for the rest of my career.

 

[Sugar72]

Thank good I am going into Anesthesia and I can avoid clinics for the rest of my career.

I would like to echo cub's sentiment!

I got Kaplan's CS study book for xmas last year and ended up reading the first 15 pgs of it on the plane the day before the exam....this exam is bs on so many levels. However, I don't know if i passed it yet so maybe I shouldn't be posting!

 

[Trisomy13]

if you are really worried and not comfortable with not studying anything (i know there is the natural urge to prepare for exams but this should be the exception), go to a bookstore and just sit there and read the first 15-20 pages for free.

*knock*
*wash hands*
"what brings you in today?"
*smile*
*nod*
"uh huh, go on."
*listen*
*palpate*
"hmm. anything else?"


there are many other better things to lose sleep over. don't let this be one.

 

[ThinkFast007]

if you are really worried and not comfortable with not studying anything (i know there is the natural urge to prepare for exams but this should be the exception), go to a bookstore and just sit there and read the first 15-20 pages for free.

*knock*
*wash hands*
"what brings you in today?"
*smile*
*nod*
"uh huh, go on."
*listen*
*palpate*
"hmm. anything else?"


there are many other better things to lose sleep over. don't let this be one.

ypu good advice.

I took mine and found out I passed 2 weeks ago. The test is a JOKE! If you are a US grad, this is the stuff we do EVERY friggin day when we do our medicine/surg rotations. It's a joke.

I did flip through the intro chapter of Step 2 cs. I did about 10 cases and just got a 'feel' for what's going on.

Just be real cordial w/ the pts. On a few of my pts i had no friggin clue what they had but if you ask q's they will answer them and will 'lead' you on to what you should ask. They use 'buzz' words on the exam...ie a pt may say, I have CURRANT JELLY STOOL (no joke, some of them do).

Overall, just relax and be confident. you'll be good to go.