CPNE Failure

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I failed this past weekend. I failed 2 labs the first night (IV push and SQ) primarily on nerves. PCS's went ok Saturday, failed the IV push station again because I ran out of time (played with the bubbles in the syringe too long).

I plan to re-test as soon as I can, but in a different location. I don't want to forget all of the material! Chancellors careplan lab was great preparation, my grid was 100% memorized. I can't believe I failed on something so stupid!

Any advice from prior CPNE-ers is quite welcome. I am afraid to go again because there are no guarentees. I felt well prepared this time and didn't make it! How do you manage the nerves?

Specializes in Hemodialysis, Home Health.
resquyou,

I am in exactly the same boat as you. If you come across some system that works for you, please email it to me. The "medic thing" and the "nurse thing" are sometimes quite different. LOL

There's the clincher.

You must forget everything you have previously learned or done. You MUST do things THEIR way ! Even though there are many ways to do thiings which are technically correct, it is ESSENTIAL that you perform each skill, each PCS EXACTLY the way it is described in the CPNE Manual.

I, too, was one of those who made up lists of pneumonics... I had a stack of flie cards for each skill and each PCS with all my pneumonics written on them. I made a cassette tape with each possible scenario, and for each lab skill complete with pneumonics. I listened to my tape for months every time I was in the car going to work or grocery shopping, and before I went to bed at noc. That really helped it to sink in.

At the hotel I went through every lab skills procedure the first noc.

But yes, it is nervewracking to be sure. But if you block everything out but your pneumonics, you can do it.

I agree, don't waste precious time doing anything "extra"...it will cost you in time, and you may mess up on the "extra" which wasn't even expected of you in the first place. Stick with what IS expected of you and do that well.

Leave pleny of time for careplan documentation... I came close to not having time to thoroughly document and reviewing what I had documented.. and they do want THAT done correctly as well, so be careful to allow plenty of time after each PCS.

I would never, ever want to have to go through that again! :uhoh21: :uhoh3:

Wish each of you the very best !

Pneumonics, pneumonics, pneumonics! Learn them, know them. Until you can repeat them in your sleep! :)

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What is the grid that has been mentioned in previous posts? I just started my courses with excelsior and am trying to get any and all advice that I possibly can.

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Specializes in Surgical, Hospice, Private Practice.
:o soooo sorry about those #$%^$@ bubbles...i failed partly due to that and the dran ce(silent observer) was wildly tapping that foot i'm ready to amputate...believe, i work at an asc where we could....ugh!!!!! i know the poopy feeling, feel free to email me privately, also, where and when did you test??? mine was plain-no back in aug, but i graduated dec. 15th, there is hope!!! nurse jeni:smackingf
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Specializes in LTC.

I failed my first cpne because of nerves also. I knew my critical elements. I failed on insulin. I forgot to id the patient and the second time I didn't put on my gloves.

I retested New Years Eve weekend and passed without any repeats. I wrote down my critical elements for the labs and the pcs's.

Don't give up. This is doable. I know how you feel having to go for the second time. It is an awful feeling. But when you pass it is all worth it.

I am waiting now to take my boards. Please feel free to send a private message.

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Specializes in Day Surgery/Infusion/ED.

FYI, it's "mnemonics," not "pneumonics." Lungs have nothing to do with it. :wink2:

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Specializes in Emergency.

I just tested in Racine and passed. I took Tina's workshop (http://www.cheducation.com/Schedule.html) , in California and I place my passing in large part to the preperation I received at her workshop. LPNs have a leg upon us Paramedics because you have been doing this work (minus the RN pay). Whatever background you have get the mnemonics, learn them, know section 4 of the Excelsior book and just RELAX!!!...easier said than done but just go slow and deliberate and write down the grid and refer to it frequently as you go. Good luck.

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Congrats on the pass, resqyou35!

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congratulations on passing, you must be so relieved. How was Tina's workshop? Did it help? I am scheduled for Chancellors on the 16 of April. I hope it gives me the advantage I need to pass.

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DOES ANY ONE KNOW OF A SITUATION WHERE THE STUDENT HAS FAILED CPNE 3X s AND LATER REAPPLIED AND GRADUATED FROM EXCELSIOR?

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Specializes in ICU, PICC Nurse, Nursing Supervisor.

i don't think this is possible .once you fail x3 your done.

does any one know of a situation where the student has failed cpne 3x s and later reapplied and graduated from excelsior?
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Specializes in med/surg, LTC.
i don't think this is possible .once you fail x3 your done.

you can...after you fail the cpne 3 times, you'll have to wait 5 years then you can reapply and start all over again.

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Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.
you can...after you fail the cpne 3 times, you'll have to wait 5 years then you can reapply and start all over again.

Holy crow, I think I'd rather poke myself with a sharp stick in the eye than wait and do it all again! LOL!! No way.

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