Albany pediatrics PCS

[hoganjl30]

I'm FINALLY testing in Albany for my CPNE in January! Exciting but also extremely nerve racking! I have three young kids, work full time as a wound care nurse and am in the process of getting a divorce, oh and holidays lol Due to the divorce me not passing is not is NOT an option. I won't be able to support everyone otherwise and definitely won't be able to afford to test again!

So.... I'm most worried about the pediatric PCS. I've NEVER worked with pediatrics. Obviously I learned about it in LVN school and with my own children but not beyond that and not recently nursing wise. How different and difficult are the Pediatric PCS. What did you find different than the adult PCS? I'm trying to research the facility but can find little information. Do they have infants/maternity ward? Another offhand question, are their hand washing stations inside or outside the rooms? Any advice for anything for passing the CPNE? What did you struggle with? I'm taking BOTH Sherri Taylor and RobsReview CPNE prep programs and will be going for the Mock check off in december.

Any advice is GREATLY appreciated!!! Thanks so much!!

[NotMyProblem MSN, ASN, BSN, MSN, LPN, RN]

I've never been to New York; so I can comment on what they may or may not have. What I will say is that, for the hand-washing stations, if you're not sure what to do, wash your hands at each station. Better to have too much than not enough. I sanitized and washed every time I reached an opportunity. I failed my first PCS, but it sure as heck wasn't for having dirty hands. The things I did overkill on was knocking, washing, and identifying...can never have too much of 'em. Good luck!

[Lunah, MSN, RN]

I had an adult substitute for my pediatric patient, but from what I have heard from so many people, the pediatric PCSs seem to go really well because the CEs and family members tend to be helpful with holding, etc. I haven't heard a lot of people say they failed a peds PCS because it was a kid - more often it's for those simple things we forget like properly IDing the patient.

Best of luck with everything you have going on!!!

[RNBearColumbus, BSN]

I tested in Albany, and yes, they have a dedicated pediatric unit. My patient was a 9 year old, and I know that at least one of the others testing that weekend had a toddler age child.

Hand washing stations were in the bathroom in each room. The CE also got a bottle of hand sanitizer for me and put it where I could reach it, but the patient could not.

One last thought: I went to a workshop before CPNE, and discussed my apprehension about taking care of a pediatric patient with the instructor. Her advice was golden: Pediatrics is just Med - Surg on a smaller person.

Good luck!

[Molemedic, MSN, EMT-P, NP]

If you are testing at AMC you will most certainly have a peds Pt. As others have stated they have a relatively large pediatric unit. My ped Pt was an 8 year old boy who was better than any other patient I encountered that week and trust me when I say they were all great. Even though this kid was post surgical with JP drains, an NG tube, Two IV meds running, and a painful incision scar this wonderful little guy told me he wanted to do whatever was easier for me when I asked about positioning. Oh and not to mention I had just woken him up. I was absolutely stunned! The whole experience was awesome and as nerve wracking as it was I really did have fun.