I just passed my Excelsior CPNE @ Chambersburg, PA this past weekend! It was the most stressful weekend of my life, but so worth it! I have read so many posts and blogs where students shared their CPNE experiences and have derived so much strength from them....it's my turn now!
I am sure you have read this before, but I will repeat it, KNOW YOUR CRITICAL ELEMENTS!!! That is half the battle right there...the rest is CONTROLLING YOUR NERVES!!!
I started reading my study guide about 3 months before my test date and seemed to be a lot of information to digest. I could not prioritize! Things started making sense when I bought Rob's CPNE materials about 6 weeks before my exam. I watched both videos once and briefly went over his mnemonics.
I then took Sheri Taylor's online workshop for one month and watched a LOT of her videos! Personally, I felt that Sheri tells you what NOT to do and Rob tells you what you need to do. The combination worked for me, but it is a personal choice that you have to make. Sheri and Greg's lab simulations were excellent and exactly what you will find at the actual test. Rob's 'walking up the arm' technique for the 20-min-checks is a no-brainer, especially under stress! I used a combination of mnemonics (mostly Rob's) and made up some of my own. I then read the Study Guide and it made SO MUCH sense!! I wrote down the list of critical elements for all lab stations, assessments and managements and made sure my mnemonics included all the elements. Sheri's careplan videos are like an online tutorial and teach critical thinking. I submitted 9 careplans and she reviewed them with feedback. Documentation in the evaluation phase can be made-up from your mnemonics and is not difficult.
I did NOT attend any of the CPNE workshops. I work with IVs and give a lot of injections at my current job. Wound care station was my weakness. I made a wound with play doh and practiced at home (you can buy all the necessary supplies at any drugstore). I prefer the parachute method for packing. Excelsior does not recommend the rope method.
Three days before my exam, I had my 30-minute phone consultation with Excelsior. We discussed the 3 PCSs that were available and got a LOT of pertinent information. I would HIGHLY recommend this to all students!! Also, anytime you have a question, just get in touch with the faculty and they will help you right away!
The CPNE is a monster exam...it will push you to the limits and you will just have to push back! The CA was a sweetheart, but strictly followed the critical elements. The CEs were all very experienced, with different personalities, but they do want you to pass.
Lab Stations: The wound is shallow and the shape is very irregular, the sterile gloves stick...I went through 6 pairs coz I thought I contaminated the sterile field! The IV push station has single use vials to draw up the flushes and make sure to take two of them. Iv medication was pretty straightforward. IM/SQ station...bubbles...tough mannequin skin, my needle bent and I had to draw up my meds all over again! Passed all four on Friday!
PCS: *****ID your patients****Wash your hands/gel***Have a plan, I did my 20-min-checks first, then assessments, and then Managements. Keep the careplan simple. Revise if necessary, not a big deal! Make notes for yourself as you go.
I was ecstatic for about 30 minutes after the CE told me I passed, and now, life is back to normal! I feel strange not picking up my study materials anymore!
I have tremendous respect for all the students who took the CPNE and passed and even more respect for those who are giving it another shot!
I don't know...I hope they all did! It's really strange how you feel a strong bond for someone you just met and barely know! Sharing the CPNE experience with 5 others did that to me. I know that 3 of us definitely passed and the rest were still testing at that point.
AmyLPNtoRN82
33 Posts
Did all 6 pass