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

Lol Lisa...I still want to express how much stress you and Ivan had taken off of my CPNE experience with the mneumonics and grid information. :)

I have a degree in Microbiology and Cell Science as well as Chemistry...real geek...from the University of Florida. Once again you guyz helped me...I see info for NP school which is information I am in need of...thank you AGAIN!!!

Eric

Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.
Lol Lisa...I still want to express how much stress you and Ivan had taken off of my CPNE experience with the mneumonics and grid information. :)

I have a degree in Microbiology and Cell Science as well as Chemistry...real geek...from the University of Florida. Once again you guyz helped me...I see info for NP school which is information I am in need of...thank you AGAIN!!!

Eric

Ha ha ... I can't take any credit for blazing the NP path. That's all Ivan! :D So glad to have helped, though.

Thank you so much for all you guys have done (Lisa and Ivan). I am a career changer, and the road to get to nursing school has been long and arduous to say the least. I work in the ED at my hospital as a tech, and I'm currently in paramedic training that will be completed by May 1, 2011. I plan to take my 1st excelsior exam by July/ August of 2011, but was really hesitant after all of the negative feedback about the dreaded CPNE! Being able to look at a study guide that breaks the test down makes me feel a little better about this journey I'm on. Thanks Again!:D

Specializes in Surgery, Med/Surg/ICU, OB-Peds, Ophth.

Bumping up some CPNE Notes :) They are dated, but still have some mnemonics, grid, advice, etc :) Many thanks for those that put this together!

Specializes in ER and family advanced nursing practice.
Bumping up some CPNE Notes :) They are dated, but still have some mnemonics, grid, advice, etc :) Many thanks for those that put this together!

Thank you and good luck. I hope these are still relevant. The notes are not about any specific element or procedure, but about an overall approach (among many). The basis is still this: For the CPNE you need to OWN the material. It must be better than second nature. This is so when the nerves kick in you will still be on solid ground.

Ivan

Specializes in Surgery, Med/Surg/ICU, OB-Peds, Ophth.
Thank you and good luck. I hope these are still relevant. The notes are not about any specific element or procedure, but about an overall approach (among many). The basis is still this: For the CPNE you need to OWN the material. It must be better than second nature. This is so when the nerves kick in you will still be on solid ground.

Ivan

I think the critical elements are still very relevant, we just need to go through and tweak where would like to! I like your explanations of care plans and I :redbeathe LOVE :redbeathe your breakdown of the grid, something I desperately needed! We have a pretty large group about to take CPNE and just coming into the CPNE prep here at allnurse right now, and I wish I would have found this link a month ago! Congrats on all of your exciting accomplishments since your time at Excelsior! What an inspiration!

Specializes in ER and family advanced nursing practice.
I think the critical elements are still very relevant, we just need to go through and tweak where would like to! I like your explanations of care plans and I :redbeathe LOVE :redbeathe your breakdown of the grid, something I desperately needed! We have a pretty large group about to take CPNE and just coming into the CPNE prep here at allnurse right now, and I wish I would have found this link a month ago! Congrats on all of your exciting accomplishments since your time at Excelsior! What an inspiration!

Thanks! This board is filled with form EC grads who have experienced great personal and professional growth. Nursing is truly a great field because it offers tremendous opportunities. I have been working as a family nurse practitioner and start my doctorate studies in a few days. Just hunker down. You can do it. I will cross my fingers for you!

Thanks for the tips, greatly appreciated. i am taking my cpne in 7 weeks and very stressed!!!! I have a question.... it is allowed to right personal notes and proper steps to you will take on the back to forms during the cpne testing?

Specializes in ER, ICU, PEDI.

just wanted to say THANK YOU!!! :bowingpur I am using the 18th edition and though a little tweeking may be necessary, at least now I have a real understanding of how to put it all together. I have been CPNE ready for 2:eek: TWO TOOOOO :bugeyes: years :) and just now after reading through your material am I really able to understand how to move forward. I have attended two workshops, and bought numerous materials,:nono: and through you simple wisdom,:yeah: I can finally see some light!:idea: I test in July and my oh my am I ever anxious, but now I will go buy a skills book, and the other recommended materials! Please keep helping the ones coming up!

I too will be pushing forward to my NP,:w00t: but first things first! :uhoh3:

thanks again

Specializes in ER and family advanced nursing practice.
Thanks for the tips, greatly appreciated. i am taking my cpne in 7 weeks and very stressed!!!! I have a question.... it is allowed to right personal notes and proper steps to you will take on the back to forms during the cpne testing?

You may need to verify this but: Yes, you can write notes down once the timer starts. That is actually the purpose of the Grid. Your notes, however, must come from memory, and not something you have carried in with you. Could someone please verify my statement?

Ivan

Specializes in ER and family advanced nursing practice.

Glad we could help. Sometimes it is just that other approach or perspective that helps. Keep moving forward, and then one day maybe it will be you helping those who come behind you.

Ivan

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