cpne grid

CSLee3, ASN, BSN, LVN, EMT-P · Mar 14, 2005

hey, it's timothy.
i know this is going to sound ignorant.
i have taken NC1 and NC2 with excelsior.
i know that the cpne is off in the distance, but i can't
help but think about it. what i want to know is:
what is the grid? i've heard about it but don't know
what it is. also, any advice of any kind would be greatly
appreciated. i have so much preparation to do, i don't quite
know where to start.
thanks,
timothy

Hi, Tim, the GRID is self created item to help you through your Pateint Care Scenerios. The packet you get at the CPNE (clinical Performance Nursing Examination) is about 5 pages in length. Flip over the last page and draw squares, like four down and four across, in each square you would write something to cue or remind you what to do next. You then check them off as you go along. For example. On the first grid bx, you would write, Wash hands, introduce self, check wrist band, ID Patient,, Bed low and locked, call light in reach...etc. you get the picture. The remainder of the boxes are for areas of care that are assigned, such as neuro assessment, pain management, respiratory assesment, etc. You will be assigned several areas to perfom. and then you need a box for last minute items, before you leave the room.

Hope that helps,,,basically a grid helps you get through the clinical. You cannot write the grid beforehand...it has to be written once your time starts on that patient. Mainly because you will be listing you nuemonics as a memory spark..ie. Respiratory assessment...I would write: PODSSR, meaning Position patient, Observe breathing, Deep Breath x 3, SIde to side auscultation, Saturation level, Response to activity. Does that help? Hang in there,,it can be overwhelming. When you take your last Excelsior exam (nursing) they will send you the CPNE book, or you can get one earlier be asking.

RN34TX · Mar 15, 2005

Although somewhat expensive and not totally necessary, but helped me a lot:

When you finish all of your coursework and are ready to concentrate on the CPNE, you can take EC's CPNE workshop.

It's 2 days (or 3 if you also take the skills lab) and they do a great job of covering the grid and how to make an effective one for each of your PCS's.

It's offered in different cities around the country year round.

Try to concentrate on where you are at right now, though.

I know it's hard. Other LPN's at my job were just finishing their CPNE's when I was just beginning NC1 and the clinical was all I could think about because that was all they talked about.

timfin123 · Mar 16, 2005

Although somewhat expensive and not totally necessary, but helped me a lot:
When you finish all of your coursework and are ready to concentrate on the CPNE, you can take EC's CPNE workshop.
It's 2 days (or 3 if you also take the skills lab) and they do a great job of covering the grid and how to make an effective one for each of your PCS's.
It's offered in different cities around the country year round.
Try to concentrate on where you are at right now, though.
I know it's hard. Other LPN's at my job were just finishing their CPNE's when I was just beginning NC1 and the clinical was all I could think about because that was all they talked about.

thanks so much for the advice. and you're right; the urge to look ahead is

terrific. i will focus on the present and relax for a while. later. :rolleyes:

timfin123 · Mar 16, 2005

Hi, Tim, the GRID is self created item to help you through your Pateint Care Scenerios. The packet you get at the CPNE (clinical Performance Nursing Examination) is about 5 pages in length. Flip over the last page and draw squares, like four down and four across, in each square you would write something to cue or remind you what to do next. You then check them off as you go along. For example. On the first grid bx, you would write, Wash hands, introduce self, check wrist band, ID Patient,, Bed low and locked, call light in reach...etc. you get the picture. The remainder of the boxes are for areas of care that are assigned, such as neuro assessment, pain management, respiratory assesment, etc. You will be assigned several areas to perfom. and then you need a box for last minute items, before you leave the room.
Hope that helps,,,basically a grid helps you get through the clinical. You cannot write the grid beforehand...it has to be written once your time starts on that patient. Mainly because you will be listing you nuemonics as a memory spark..ie. Respiratory assessment...I would write: PODSSR, meaning Position patient, Observe breathing, Deep Breath x 3, SIde to side auscultation, Saturation level, Response to activity. Does that help? Hang in there,,it can be overwhelming. When you take your last Excelsior exam (nursing) they will send you the CPNE book, or you can get one earlier be asking.

thanks dude,

i really appreciate the info. i must say, i have been consistently and

pleasantly surprised at how nice and helpful people are in this forum.

the exam is a bit on the "Stepford" side but hey, methodical is good.

i guess they have to structure the exam like that to ensure you know

what you are doing. especially since there isn't much time to evaluate

your abilities. i think i'll be reciting the mnemonics in my sleep before

it's all over. thanks again and stay cool in texas. :smokin:

RN34TX · Mar 16, 2005

thanks dude,
i really appreciate the info. i must say, i have been consistently and
pleasantly surprised at how nice and helpful people are in this forum.
the exam is a bit on the "Stepford" side but hey, methodical is good.
i guess they have to structure the exam like that to ensure you know
what you are doing. especially since there isn't much time to evaluate
your abilities. i think i'll be reciting the mnemonics in my sleep before
it's all over. thanks again and stay cool in texas.

I never thought of that way but that is a perfect depiction of the CPNE. A Stepford wife nurse!! There is only one correct way to do everything, and while doing it, always smile and be polite to everyone.

LOL!!

timfin123 · Mar 16, 2005

I never thought of that way but that is a perfect depiction of the CPNE. A Stepford wife nurse!! There is only one correct way to do everything, and while doing it, always smile and be polite to everyone.
LOL!!

yes. exactly. now, i'm laughing my -you know what- off.

but seriously, that really is it. you have to be a smiling,

robot-like nurse. performing everything with machine

precision. you can't stop thinking for a moment because

one little slip could spell disaster. it's a matter of doing

what you have to do to achieve your goal.

thanks again for the interaction.

stay loose. :bugeyes: :lol_hitti