Amount of study HOURS for CPNE?

RNandRRT · Nov 1, 2009

I received my date to test at the end of April. Sept. 11 Gave me a little over 4 months to study. Keep in mind I had to finish Sociology, study ethics and start studying microbiology. So I honestly don't know how much CPNE was studied in the beginning. I finished Sociology at the end of June. After that I would say July and August I was studying CPNE 3-4 hours a day. Either watching the videos, memorizing the CE's, or just practicing the labs. My kids loved watching me do the wound. But that's beside the point.

Too much time?????? I honestly don't think when you consider what's on the line plus how much this exam costs, you could ever be accused of studying too much. But I do imagine burn-out would happen.

Good luck!

Editorial Team / Moderator · Nov 1, 2009

I applied for my CPNE in 11/2007 (geez, almost two years ago now!). Did Micro in 11/2007, went to a CPNE workshop (Lynn's) in 12/2007, then did two CLEPs in 1/2008 (Introductory Sociology and Human Growth and Development). Didn't really start to kick the CPNE studies into high gear until 3/2008, and I got my date in 4/2008. Between 4/2008 and my date in 6/2008, I pretty much studied non-stop -- I think I even dreamed of the CPNE, so it was almost 24x7. LOL

Of course, everyone is different. :)

caliotter3 · Nov 1, 2009

You can never take too much time to prepare for the CPNE if you are successful. Those who crank it out in two or three weeks of preparation astound me.

pebbles57 · Nov 1, 2009

Thanks everyone for your responses.

I agree that you can't study too much for the CPNE. The planning phase and timing is what I am trying to wrap my mind around. For now I put 2/15/10 for my "ready to test date" but am concerned that I may not be giving myself enough time. I just have A&P left if I pass Ethics this week, but, could probably only study a max of 20 hours a week For CPNE after that. Plus I am need to fit in the EC Care Plan online conference and go to a Chancellor 5 day workshop.

I have considered pushing the ready date a few months further out if I need too but hate too if I could be ready in 3 months. I just don't know if I'll be ready 'cause I haven't even gotten started -- and when I look at the material it seems overwhelming! :specs: Phew! I just wondered how most of you have planned and dealt with all this.

Thanks again.

Editorial Team / Moderator · Nov 2, 2009

In my humble opinion, it's better to push your date back if you're not ready than to drop another $2K on a repeat. :) I think once you get a little further along in your stuff, you'll have a better idea of where you stand. Good luck!!! And remember, it's WHEN you pass Ethics, not "if."

Up2nogood RN, RN · Nov 2, 2009

I was CPNE eligible in May and tested the 1st of August. I got my test date mid June. I thought it would take awhile to receive a date so up to that point I had just been reading the study guide one part at a time til I understood it. Mid June through my test date I studied EVERYDAY at least 3 hrs. I set up a dummy, a lab, memorized my mneumonics, and made a zillion copies of the careplans to make up fake pt's with different dx. I did take a workshop a week before I tested, didn't learn anything but it validated my readiness:)

pebbles57 · Nov 2, 2009

I think I will keep the 2/15/09 ready date and wait -- doesn't mean I'll get a date by then anyway. I WILL passed Ethics!! and spent December working on CPNE before I decide if I might need more time.

Thanks Everyone!