Any students from the Albany,NY area?

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Specializes in Geriatric/Alz/dementia.

Hi;

Any students from the Albany New York area? After weighing my options about EC and traditional college, I have decided to enroll in EC.

Any guidance would be appreciated :yeah:

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Hello Nytia!

I've been deciphering this process as well & have decided on EC. What's even better is that I'm near Albany, NY too & will not have to travel to write the exams!

Nice to have someone on the site close to home. When are you thinking of starting? I'll likely begin in August.

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Specializes in Geriatric/Alz/dementia.

Well Ive been thinking long and hard. I paid the 75 dollar enrollment fee and I have since had second thoughts.... That darn CPNE scares the bejesus out of me. I just cant take a chance of going through the entire program to think I could pay 2000 bucks to test on the clinical side to fail. I've sent all my info into Maria college, we'll see how it goes..................Yup i'm out of 75 dollars, but I feel better with the decision I've made.

Good luck to u though :-)

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Specializes in Med/Surg Nurse, Homecare, Visiting Nurse.

It's seems the clinical is scaring many people off from EC, but there are also the same risks in traditional programs. A friend of mine, just failed an exam by two points and he could be kicked out of his traditional program if he fails another (did I mention this is his last class). I think whether you choose distance or traditional, there is always a price to pay.

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Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.
Well Ive been thinking long and hard. I paid the 75 dollar enrollment fee and I have since had second thoughts....

Just FYI, the $75 is an application fee ... enrollment is actually a whopping $895! So really, don't feel too bad -- it could have been worse! ;) Good luck with the other program!! :)

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Specializes in Psych, LTC, Acute Care.

Try not to let the CPNE rattle you too much. I am not from Albany but almost did not do EC because of the CPNE. I took a chance and decided to go for it. (FYI: I like to take risk especially when I see a challenge.)I was afraid because I had just graduated from LPN school and felt I didn't have enough experience. I bit the bullet and enrolled in the program 3 months later. I finshed the all the test in 6 months and started preparing for the CPNE with less than a year working expereince in a nursing home. I had not been exposed to IV's and piggybacks except during clinicals. I did not let my lack of expereince stop me. I got my materials on Ebay. Learned the CPNE process(critical element etc)and practiced on anyone that would let me put my hands on them.I also went to a workshop.It all paid off and I passed the CPNE within one year after applying. I went through the program with another classmate and she passed the CPNE too.Most people pass the CPNE if they are prepared and don't let their nerves take over. I know its alot of money but there are so many on here that have passed it. Most who fail the first time,pass the second time. I think its the fear of the unknown.

Sorry for coming over in your post and rambling about. I just wanted to share my story for those that are fearful. You will probably be scared till the end but if your willing to accept the challenge, The reward will be great in the end. Good luck in whatever route you decide to go in. EC is the best challenge that I have overcome. I am so grateful.

Kim, RN

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I too wanted to add my piece even though I'm not from NY. Back when I was considering all my options, the CPNE almost kept me from EC. Ask my husband, he will roll his eyes and scream if he ever hears those initials again. I decided that the CPNE can't be impossible if people are passing. I also read many, many, many posts that had to do with the whole process and what needed to be learned.

Like everything else, you have to prepare. In traditional schools, you have to show your competence in each lab skill in front of your instructor (actually I had to preform lab skills while a peer video recorded me and the faculty would grade us). You have to pass their tests ect and if you are like me, you wouldn't have time for clinicals.

I decided to take my chances and enroll. My husband told me to focus on each test one by one and that helped. when it was time for the CPNE, I had to prepare like any other test. I did pass on my 1st try which makes it easy for me to say SURE- go ahead and do it. Only you know your strengths and weaknesses. I know I can handle pressure and I know I can control my nerves if I sing to myself. I might not have passed if I couldn't keep myself under control. That being said, the CPNE was hard and it was scary because of how much it cost. After the CPNE was done, I thought 1. I never want to do it again but 2. It wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be. I let myself get all worked up for all the posts of those failing. Sometimes it is a matter of the pt or CE you get and I happen to be lucky that weekend.

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Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.

I'm gonna be a huge geek here and quote the Bene Gesserit "Litany Against Fear" from Frank Herbert's "Dune" ....

I must not fear.

Fear is the mind-killer.

Fear is the little-death that brings total obliteration.

I will face my fear.

I will permit it to pass over me and through me.

And when it has gone past I will turn the inner eye to see its path.

Where the fear has gone there will be nothing.

Only I will remain.

(And yes, I was thinking this during my CPNE. :D What can I say? Geek!)

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Specializes in Psych, LTC, Acute Care.
I'm gonna be a huge geek here and quote the Bene Gesserit "Litany Against Fear" from Frank Herbert's "Dune" ....

I must not fear.

Fear is the mind-killer.

Fear is the little-death that brings total obliteration.

I will face my fear.

I will permit it to pass over me and through me.

And when it has gone past I will turn the inner eye to see its path.

Where the fear has gone there will be nothing.

Only I will remain.

(And yes, I was thinking this during my CPNE. :D What can I say? Geek!)

Lisa,

I never met a geek that wasn't smart. I love it!!!!!:redbeathe

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Specializes in Geriatric/Alz/dementia.

Thank you to all that have posted. Now I'm really confused. I've been an LPN for 13yrs, I can remember being tested on a bed bath and the overwhelming feeling I experienced in being watched.......Yes a simply bed bath.

I have picked up many bad habits along the way in my years of long term care, I'm well aware of all of them. Nothing of course that would harm any human being but all in all bad habits when the cats away.........I'm sure many a LPN's have done so knowing it was a no, no.

Excelsior does have it's advantages;

1. I can study and not have a scheduled time frame.

2. No homework

3. I can test out when I feel I'm ready

4. Excellent support from fellow students

Disadvantages;

I can think of only one.................CPNE, low pass rate..........Ugh!

The fear of the unknown, love that quote! I'm there!

I must not fear.

Fear is the mind-killer.

Fear is the little-death that brings total obliteration.

I will face my fear.

I will permit it to pass over me and through me.

And when it has gone past I will turn the inner eye to see its path.

Where the fear has gone there will be nothing.

Only I will remain.

Looks like I have some serious mental thinking to be thought! :banghead:

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Specializes in Geriatric/Alz/dementia.
Just FYI, the $75 is an application fee ... enrollment is actually a whopping $895! So really, don't feel too bad -- it could have been worse! ;) Good luck with the other program!! :)

Yes ur absolutely correct. It was the application fee not the enrollment fee.

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Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.
I can think of only one.................CPNE, low pass rate..........Ugh!

I just checked the nursing catalog, and the CPNE pass rate in 2007 was 59%; that is down from 64% in 2006. I'm curious to see the 2008 numbers! And I'm not sure if that's overall passing (including people who make more than one attempt), or if that's the first-time pass rate. Probably cumulative, though. Heh ... and people think this is the "easy way" ... NOT!

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