Failed at St Peter's...

Conqueror+, BSN, RN · Nov 7, 2011

Do you mind sharing why you failed? Was it nerves ? The psychological strain of the CPNE is a test all by itself. And YES you should revise your attack and go after it again. You will be surprised at how quickly things fade. I doubt I could have passed one month after I tested and I had no repeats. Hang in there and remember that you CAN pass.

k9kabs · Nov 7, 2011

Very nervous! my first patient I failed for a stupid mistake on my part, the second they didn't accept my careplan, and the third I probably could have challanged, but I don't have the strength.

Where did you test?

Conqueror+, BSN, RN · Nov 7, 2011

I live in Florida and tested in Wisconsin. I can say that they REALLY wanted me to pass and I felt that the whole weekend. You must get control of your nerves and the best way to do that is be prepared. The more prepared you are the less nervous you will be. Did you use mnemonics ? I couldn't have passed without them.

BeachieRN84 · Nov 7, 2011

Jan I am so sorry. I had you on my prayer list this weekend and I was so hoping to hear you passed. I know you can do this!!!! Although you probably feel very defeated, brush yourself off and get your degree, you have made it this far and you are too tough to give up now.

I had nothing but wonderful things to say about Syracuse, NY and I would recommend it to anyone. I know the experience is individual but if you are looking to swap sites I think Syracuse is an excellent one to swap to. A friend of mine was there this weekend and passed, and she said although it was a great place that the stress of the new changes were even hard on the CE's.

I think the most #1 helpful thing for me was practicing with under pressure. I am usually very calm under stress and then I went to NY and I couldn't even remember my own name and my hands were so sweaty I couldn't even hold my pencil, the exam itself is not difficult but the nerves are so overwhelming and the stakes are so high that if I could not guide myself to a "safe" place in my head, who knows how I would have done. I think having my buddy and I putting pressure on each other really helped with the nerves.

I dunno about the EC care plan conference, I've heard mixed reviews, for care plans I did Sheri Taylor's online workshop and I must say she is the care plan queen, I went into the CPNE much more confident because I could put out a bulletproof careplan in 10 minutes, and that right there was a big stress relief.

Also I used a grid with my mneumonics. Checked, checked and double checked. That was so helpful for me. I did the EC documentation conference and it was worth the money and time. It was great. I learned alot and felt like I knew just what the CE's were looking for. The instructor makes you rewrite your PCS until it's perfect.

I know you are bummed, can't imagine how you are feeling, but don't feel like a disappointment to yourself or to anyone else because you aren't. It says SO much about a person to get through the Excelsior program. We are self-driven, self-taught students and you really have to reach within yourself to get through the exams, so be proud, and keep your chin up. You WILL get the CPNE next time. I know it.

Send me a message if you want and I'll give you my name and my #, we can FB or phone chat if you want.

Sending a big hug your way!!!!

Raggedy Ann · Nov 7, 2011

hugs... and know that you will be better prepared next time since you know what to expect!

Erikadawn RN · Nov 7, 2011

I failed my first time at Chambersburg and returned to Albany medical Center about 5 months later. I was so down and depressed, because eveybody knew that I was going. So what I did my secend time, was to reflect on why I failed and to brush up in those areas. I got my labs down pact, practiced care plans, and my AOC's. Yes it is better knowing what to expect. I knew my mnemonics like the back of my hand. The second time I was done on Sunday by 10:00 am, and on the road home by 10:30. Put it away for like a week and get going again, because you can do it. A fail is not the end of the world,

RNmage · Nov 7, 2011

Sorry to hear that Jen,

Beachnurse is 100% right. If you have the money to get back in Jump right back, you will pass the second time round, believe in yourself and don't let this one define who you are. You can do it. you have my email address, email me incase you have any questions.

Editorial Team / Moderator · Nov 7, 2011

I am so sorry you didn't pass (yet!!). How you proceed is up to you ... I'd like to think I would have jumped right back in if I hadn't passed my CPNE, and I've seen a lot of people successful if they do just that. However, others wait until they've grieved and prepared again.

I've always always always heard good things about Utica. That is based on nothing but my own observations. :) A lot of people also go back to the same site the second time for familiarity's sake, but sometimes that can be a hindrance if you didn't have good vibes there the first time.

Whatever you decide, you know you have our support!! *hugs*

k9kabs · Nov 7, 2011

thanks everyone.....

Beachie....Ill ask loops for your facebook...

WPB-GN · Nov 7, 2011

so sorry...syracuse is a great site... the ca is so motherly and friendly. another great site is grady i have a few friends that went there and pass not sure where you live at least you have options .. do what's best for you!!!! i am not sure what the new changes are, but make sure you review and send ec questions directly.

good luck next time.

LoopsRN2 · Nov 7, 2011

So hard to get off the couch today.
I was searching through this site for different testing sites. I got a text from a friend that said York Pa was very friendly, and I thought I heard something good about Syracuse. Now that I am looking I can't seem to find any of those threads. Where are all those posts that say the "CE's really want you to pass..", because I really didn't get that feeling. Maybe because it was the 1st weekend that the 18th edition went into effect, but there were only 2 left standing by Sun. I am not that great at math, but That is not exactly 64%. It is sooooo disappointing. The only good thing I could say about St.Peter's is that they rarely get a pediatric and substitute an adult.
Any advise from anyone???....(Lunah...lol) Do I dive right back in? change locations? I was thinking of clepping my sociology and give my brain a cpne break, but I don't want to forget all that I learned.
I went to Tina's in Pa. She is wonderful....really. Soo supportive, and intelligent. I was wondering if I should go to EC workshop, and maybe their care plan conference? So much more money.
If anyone has any advise, I am always happy to hear from my All Nurses family. I couldn't have gotten this far without all of you.
I feel like I have disappointed everyone...including myself.
jan
BTW Loops rocked.....As I knew she would. Congrats my friend. You worked hard and deserve it. I am so proud of you!!!!!!!

:hug: You will get this my friend! From the looks of this thread, I would say you have some good tips on your next site! Jump back in that driver's seat and go get this thing!! I will send you my Excelsior DVD, the one you were watching the day before. I just got done with work, and I will be around tonight if you want to chat :hug: