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Welcome to Amanda's NICU Education

Amanda Williams CNS wearing black scrubs with pink stethoscope around her neck

Hi! My name is Amanda. I'm a NICU nurse, Clinical Nurse Specialist, NICU Educator... basically your NICU BFF. If you want to talk NICU, I'm here for you! I love everything about NICU nursing and I'm eager to learn and share my knowledge with all my NICU friends.

I have been a NICU nurse since 2009 I am currently a Clinical Nurse Specialist in a Level IV NICU in Los Angeles.

I am passionate about educating the next generation of NICU nurses. I share my knowledge through platforms such as Instagram and Facebook and am excited to have you here on my website!

Click on the button below to sign up for my newsletter filled with NICU education and tips for all experience levels.

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Not very many people love taking tests but as a self-acclaimed "forever student" who has taken (and passed) five different certification exams I am no longer afraid of tests! "Way to brag", you might be thinking but I want to help YOU pass your certification exam too!

Introducing Amanda's RNC-NIC Success digital course - your ultimate study companion!

Gain unlimited, on-demand access for life, ensuring you're primed to ace your certification exam.

I'm here to help you succeed and I can't wait for you to share with me that you PASSED the RNC-NIC EXAM!!!

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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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December 2023 NICU Certification review webinar

December 2023 Certification Review Webinar

RNC-NIC success e-book cover, free resource for NICU nurses

Ready to kickstart your journey to becoming a certified NICU nurse?

Look no further!

Grab my FREE E-Book packed with essential study and test-taking strategies for the RNC-NIC.

In the E-Book I give you the resources you need including the link to access the candidate guide, several types of books to study from, some of my favorite strategies, an outline of the content you should review, and a blank calendar for you to make your study plan!

Frequently Asked Questions About the RNC-NIC exam

Frequently asked questions about the RNC-NIC exam

What is the RNC-NIC?

The RNC-NIC is a competency-based exam that tests the specialty knowledge of nurses in the United States & Canada who care for critically ill newborns and their families.

The RNC-NICU is a nationally recognized certification that recognizes the registered nurse for their specialty knowledge and skill.

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Who can take the RNC-NIC exam?

Nurses can take this exam after a minimum of two years experience in the NICU caring for critically ill newborns and their families.

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Which books should I use?

I'm glad you asked! There are many excellent books to help you prepare for the RNC-NIC, I gathered ande describe each of them for you in my FREE e-book.

Is there a course to help me study?

Yes! Many hospitals host their own certification course and there are a few online courses. See my RNC-NIC test taking tips E Book for more information

What happens if I don't pass the exam?

If you don't pass the exam on your first try you can try again after 90 days. You will have to reapply after 90 days and pay a retest fee. There is no limit to the number of times you can take the exam (however a candidate can only sit for the exam twice per year).

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Can I make more money if I take the RNC-NIC exam and get certified?

Yes! Many hospitals provide a raise or a bonus for nurses with specialty certifications. Hospitals also typically hire at a higher base salary when nurses have a certification.

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Find me @amandasnicued on these channels or Email me

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