CPNE Notes From An EC grad

Nursing Students Excelsior

Updated:   Published

Just to let everyone know. I posted an updated version of my cpne study notes. What makes this so cool is that I had a tremendous amount of help from Lisa, a friend of mine who is a paramedic, er nurse, and recent graduate of excelsior college. Of course many of you know Lisa as the ever helpful Lunahrn. She did a significant amount of writing and editing of this document and did a great job with redoing my less than stellar "grid" drawings. Additionally, two more "grid" drawings were added to give a better idea of how to actually put one together step by step. Again, many thanks to Lisa for her help with this update. I couldn't have done it without her.

These notes cover material regarding what I did to pass the cpne. They are about 24 pages or so and include examples of the "grid". They basically cover:

1. Lab stations.

2. Mnemonics.

3. Care plans/planning phase.

4. The game plan for organizing your pcs using the infamous 'grid'.

5. Charting, evaluation phase.

I had no problems at the cpne. No repeats. I was told that I seemed to be really well prepared. I was able to remain calm and I was not nervous once I got going (just a wee bit a first though!). I honestly believe it was because of the way I prepared for the cpne. The trick is not magic. You just have to know this stuff cold. Backwards and forward. Second nature. Better than second nature. You get the point.

Disclaimer! In the process of updating these notes, I still may have missed something so double check everything when it comes to specific lab steps, policies, etc. Having said that, the approach is still sound and should serve you well.

If you have any questions don't pm, but instead post 'em here in case others have the same questions.

Good luck

Update 8-18-2011: Ii just read through the notes trying to decide whether or not to update them. I still think the approach is sound and current, but it is very likely that some of the areas of care (aoc) are different. Some aocs may have been removed, while others have been added. Additionally, the skill stations may be different now and rules regarding the nursing diagnoses and care plans may be different. Again, this is more about approach than any specific step at a skill station or aoc. If you see something that you feel is glaringly wrong in terms of the approach and current cpne guidelines please let me know.

CPNE study guide 2009.pdf

Thanks for the CPNE notes. :bow:They are great. I am awaiting my testing date, hope it is soon. I pray I do okay. I can not afford to do the workshop so I hope the studying and practice will work. :yawn:I am an er , lpn, so some of the other daily nursing things are a little rusty and I have always, the whole 32 years felt dumb saying things outloud.:no: I guess I will have to pysch myself for that.:banghead: Like when you have to for the ACLS or CPR, that still makes me uncomfortable talking to a dummy :eek:makes me feel like one but at least with the CPNE it will actually be real live people.

Has anyone tested in the Northern testing centers? Are they nice? I am really southern but they said the Northern one has the shortest wait period and I live in Georgia and the state boards have passed that excelsior graduates can not endorse here:argue:, Excelsior and GNA are working on a compromise but it is yet to know what it is so I think the faster I get this done the more of a chance I have for Ga.:heartbeat

Also, does anyone have the dvd for the 15th edition that they don't need anymore?:chuckle

Thanks in advance

Wish everyone lots of luck and prayers.:nurse:

hey ivanh3, I'm hoping you can give me some advice.

Here is my situation in a nutshell:

~I graduated in Dec 08-licensed 2/08 and work as an LPN in a small hospital (med/surg).

~In March, I enrolled w/College Network and haven't enrolled yet in Exscelsior but plan to for and Associate's.

~I have pretty much finished the first book/semester (Nursing Safety) and should be ready to test out of it soon.....

after I test out of the first one, I am really freaked out about the rest!!

ESPECIALLY the CPNE! I guess I want some words of wisdom and encouragement from someone who made it through a distance ed program. I don't have alot of support---people are thinking I made a mistake not going into another campus program...

What sort of routine did you go by for completing your test-outs? Did you get it done in 2 yrs?

Any advice is welcome!

Thanks alot

Robin (catlover5)

Hi, I think anyone can do the long distance program if they just buckle down and study. I always signed up for the practice exams for each test, I think reviewing them helped more than anything. Good luck on it all

Susan

Specializes in Cardiac.

Big thanks to Ivan and Lisa for taking the time to post this info. What a great help! :yeah:

Ivan

Thanks for the posting of your notes. I have found using a wide variety of resources really helps!! I really like the way you go about creating your grid. I will definitely use that!! I applied mid july, I am waiting on my test date now. Practicing alot!! Thanks again.:yeah:

Thanks for not forgetting about those of us that are still struggling to get where you are. We appreciate all that you do, have done and will do in the future.

LVNinTX

Specializes in Hospice/Palliative Nursing.

Thanks so much for sharing your notes. I really appreciate your hard work and generosity.

Specializes in Psych, Peds (C) LTC (C), L & D, Cardiac.

hello ivan,

i have study guide #15 on cd. do you need it? it was about $35.00 to get it printed at kinkos. my exam (#3) is dec 12-14th in racine. i could send you the whole printed out thing if you want it after i pass next weekend?!?!

let me know please!

Specializes in ICU, PICC Nurse, Nursing Supervisor.

good luck to you....

hello ivan,

i have study guide #15 on cd. do you need it? it was about $35.00 to get it printed at kinkos. my exam (#3) is dec 12-14th in racine. i could send you the whole printed out thing if you want it after i pass next weekend?!?!

let me know please!

Specializes in geriatrics, surgery, pediatrics.

Thanks so very much, you've earned your spot in heaven writing your experience and notes. Merry Christmas!

Specializes in ER and family advanced nursing practice.
hello ivan,

i have study guide #15 on cd. do you need it? it was about $35.00 to get it printed at kinkos. my exam (#3) is dec 12-14th in racine. i could send you the whole printed out thing if you want it after i pass next weekend?!?!

let me know please!

i appreciate that, but it won't be necessary. usually i can find a pdf copy. save some trees. got my fingers crossed for you.

thanks,

ivan

Hello,

How are you all doing? I hope you all had a wonderful and safe Christmas. I am new to allnurses.com, although, I've been an observer since 2005. I've considered doing the Excelsior program. I'm having trouble downloading the CPNE notes that ivanh and LunaRn have graciously shared. A prompt keeps popping up saying that I need to log on even though I am. Please help. Your assistance will be much appreciated.:thankya:

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