The Ultimate Guide to CHSE Study Resources: A Personal Journey

Let's talk about preparing for the CHSE exam - a topic I've spent countless hours thinking about and discussing with colleagues. While I run CHSEPrep.com, this isn't a sales pitch. Instead, I want to share what I've learnt about the resources available to help you succeed.

The Non-Negotiables

First things first - the CHSE Blueprint is your new best friend. I cannot emphasise this enough. Every single question on the exam maps back to this document. If you download nothing else, download this. It's free, it's comprehensive, and it's literally the roadmap to success.

The Healthcare Simulation Dictionary 3.0 is another essential resource. While it's not exactly bedtime reading (trust me, I've tried), it's an invaluable reference. The latest version includes 41 new terms and over 125 revised definitions. More importantly, it reflects the evolving landscape of simulation in healthcare, particularly in patient safety applications.

The Books Worth Your Time (and Money)

In my experience, there are a few standout texts that deserve space on your shelf:

Wilson and Wittmann-Price's "Certified Healthcare Simulation Educator (CHSE®) Review" is probably the most directly relevant text for exam preparation. Now in its third edition, it cuts through the noise and focuses on what you need to know. At $60-99 depending on where you buy it, it's an investment that pays dividends.

A personal favourite of mine is "The Essential Handbook of Healthcare Simulation" by O'Connor, O'Dea, and Byrne. While it's not explicitly exam-focused, it's possibly the clearest introduction to healthcare simulation I've encountered. It helped me identify and address several blind spots in my understanding of simulation evaluation. (Embarrasingly, I wrote to the authors to say how much I love the book).

The Journal Scene

The journal landscape is rich with relevant content. I'd recommend familiarising yourself with:

• Journal of Healthcare Simulation (and its predecessor IJOHS)
• Simulation in Healthcare
• Clinical Simulation in Nursing
• Advances in Simulation

Tip: Most journals have a "Most Accessed" or "Most Cited" section. These articles are often referenced in exam questions. They're also generally well-written and represent foundational concepts in our field.

Standards and Guidelines

TheINACSL Standards of Best Practice are frequently referenced in exam questions. While they might seem obvious if you've been in simulation for a while, they're worth reviewing.

A Note About Online Resources

While there are various online resources available (including my own site), I'd encourage you to approach them critically. Look for evidence of regular updates and alignment with the current blueprint. Be particularly wary of resources that seem exploitatively expensive or make grandiose claims about pass rates.

Final Thoughts

Remember, no single resource is complete - including my site. The best preparation combines multiple sources with your own experience and critical thinking. The goal isn't just to pass an exam; it's to become a more knowledgeable simulation educator.

Note: While I run CHSEPrep.com, this post aims to provide a decent overview of available resources. Always verify current prices and editions, as these can change.