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:
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.
Am waiting for CPNE testing date. The notes were GREAT!! Now for my real phobia, MATH. What math will I need to know and formulas. Thanks in advance. KBPN, hope to be KBRN soon.
For the lab simulations I'm using this simple formula, you'll just plug in the numbers:
IM and IV push: dose ordered divided by dose available
Dose ordered
Dose available
IVMB: volume to be infused multiplied by drip factor divided by time to be infused in minutes
Volume to be infused x drip factor
Time in minutes
Hope this helps!
Am waiting for CPNE testing date. The notes were GREAT!! Now for my real phobia, MATH. What math will I need to know and formulas. Thanks in advance. KBPN, hope to be KBRN soon.
Ok after reading this thread and reading all the notes that Ivan and Lisa so graciously created and shared for all of us, I no longer have the urge to take the CPNE prior to a single course just to see how i would have done LOL. I can tell you right now I would have failed. Lisa, the mnemonics were instrumental in Paramedic school. Especially during codes. ( Every Little Boy Must Pee Sometime) mnemonic for ACLS drugs at the time i was in school ( it has since changed). I will say this though, I am soaking up every bit of information on here and filing it my mind as well as on my PC for future use. Joining this web site is probably the best thing i could have done and I'm so thankful I did it before hand. I can't wait !
ivan, you said you lived local to test site. I do as well. If you are talking mansfield area I have a 16th edition I'd gladly give you printed version in person. otherwise I can mail you disc. Will be done with it very shortly test in 10 days
I wanted to say thank you both for all the information. I tested in November and did not pass. I believe mostly nerves and being far from home. I retest in April and really much appreciate all the information you have so generously given. This has been a very long time coming. I pray that my nerves dont get the best of me. I have been an LVN for over 14 yrs and believed prior to going in that I would pass. Little things led to me failing. Things I do everyday, which actually upset me more than failing. I hope to utilize the "grid" that I did not even know about or use the last time. Pray for me testing April 16th in Albany at Albany Med Center.. Very far from my home sate of Cali...
I'm so greatful that I was able to come across your study notes. Just a quick question. I see that you are now have MSN. Did you go all the way through the Excelsior program or did you also attend another school/schools to obtain this. Are you currently working on your NP license? I've heard that it is hard to get into a Nurse Practitioner program if you are an Excelsior grad. Can you give me a break down of the process you went/going through to get where you are now. How long has it taken you thus far? I'm a military wife relocating to the middle of no where Alaska, so it seems I will have plenty of time to focus on school :) Thanks again!
Ivan's been pretty busy with work/life lately, so I'm not sure when he'll see this. But I can tell you that he did the ADN to MSN through Graceland: http://www.graceland.edu/nursing/4777/. He's working as an NP - he graduated from Graceland in December 2009 and passed his boards in February, if I recall correctly. :)
Specializes in ER and family advanced nursing practice.
Hello Ivan,
I'm so greatful that I was able to come across your study notes. Just a quick question. I see that you are now have MSN. Did you go all the way through the Excelsior program or did you also attend another school/schools to obtain this. Are you currently working on your NP license? I've heard that it is hard to get into a Nurse Practitioner program if you are an Excelsior grad. Can you give me a break down of the process you went/going through to get where you are now. How long has it taken you thus far? I'm a military wife relocating to the middle of no where Alaska, so it seems I will have plenty of time to focus on school :) Thanks again!
Here is the basic sequence for me:
I spent about 1 year on nursing pre-reqs. I had most of my gen-ed classes from waaay back when. It took me about 2 years for EC, but that is because I paused for about 9 months to work on a bunch of Spanish classes.
I was taking an EC module about every 4-6 weeks. The final test (CPNE) usually has a waiting period.
After EC I took about 15 months off from further studies while I worked as a new grad RN (the first three of those months is the NCLEX process: study, getting approved, taking test, getting state license).
Then I went back and began Graceland.
It took me exactly three years full time.YMMV depending on your gen ed background.
As I said I had most of my gen ed out of the way, but I still had to take additional classes: chemistry with an organic component, stats, upper level composite writing class and a cultural competency course.
Then comes national boards and state licensure.
I am not aware of any specific school not allowing EC students to attend their program. Having said that, most distance programs require that you have an RN license in your home state. Several states have issues with granting EC students licensure. That is a big topic, and you can find plenty of threads regarding that here on AN and the EC site.
It was all worth it. I now work as a pediatric ER nurse practitioner in a great hospital. Having my MSN also opened the door to a great nurse educator position which has been very rewarding.
Ivan's been pretty busy with work/life lately...
Things are actually starting to calm down ...for now...we'll see...
Nice to see you here.
KBPN
12 Posts
Am waiting for CPNE testing date. The notes were GREAT!! Now for my real phobia, MATH. What math will I need to know and formulas. Thanks in advance. KBPN, hope to be KBRN soon.