CPNE for Excelsior

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Good afternoon!

I started my 2 year degree at a brick and mortar college in my area but had to stop two months before graduation to take care of my dad when he was diagnosed with cancer. Because I had completed nearly all of my clinicals and most of the coursework, Excelsior accepted me into their ASN program. I am just starting my last two classes and then next comes the clinical exam.

I have been a CNA since 2008 and have worked in hospitals, long-term care facilities, behavioral and mental health, home health and human services. I did my clinicals in a major hospital in the area where I was also working as an aide on a cardiopulmonary floor.

I am extremely nervous with the clinical exam approaching and feel wholly unprepared; I know that most people in this position are LPNs and have been practicing. I am wondering if anyone who has taken the exam has any advice for me to get prepared clinically? I think I have read about workshops or classes that simulate the exam but I am not sure where I heard that. I know it is normal to be nervous but I feel like I need some clinical practice that I can't get as a CNA before I attempt the CPNE.

Any advice would be appreciated - thank you!

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Specializes in Intensive Care.

Are you a CNA or LPN?

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Specializes in Med/Surg, LTACH, LTC, Home Health.

When you are CPNE-eligible, you will receive a study guide from EC that explains the areas of care (AOC) and how to perform each one. And yes, there are workshops available (highly recommended).

Also, EC offers supplies (at a charge) that are helpful for practicing each simulation that you'll be tested on during the first day of the CPNE.

Back when I went through, I purchased the wound kit so that I could practice the procedure the "EC way". I also purchursaed the IV bag and tubing so that I could practice calculating and regulating the drops-per-minute rate.

My background at the time was a mixture of LTC and primarily acute care (several other areas as well) as an LPN for 24 years. But I'd not had to ever calculate a drip rate for gravity. Also, how we 'do things in the real world' tend to be rather different from what we're taught in the classroom due to time restrictions, difficult/bedridden/contracted/ACTUAL patients, etc.

So, it was a re-learning experience in not only doing things by the book, but doing things by EC's book (CPNE study guide). Your clinical hands-on experience or lack thereof means absolutely nothing when it comes to the CPNE. You absolutely must follow the procedures set forth in the guide which you will receive. For now, forget about it and focus on your last remaining courses. Good luck!

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Specializes in Intensive Care.

Okay I think I just read right through your post without paying attention. The CPNE was changed to the 22nd Edition so there are quite a few "new editions" to the PCS and NSL. But, do not become discouraged by that, because Excelsior has added SO MANY additional resources (updated lab kit, workshops, etc) to help you prepare. There are several 3rd party workshops not affiliated with Excelsior. But most of them combine the old 21st edition with the 22nd (a big no no) which is why I won't be using any of them. My suggestion is to join a few Excelsior College online study group (FB has a good handful) and use Excelsior's resources to the fullest extent. You are almost at the end of the tunnel!!!

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Thank you so much for the information and encouragement - I really appreciate it! I am sorry it took me so long to reply...life gets in the way of life. One week to go and my nerves are building.

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Currently a CNA

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