CPNE prep overwhelmed!!!

Jane Doe, RN · Jan 19, 2013

Thanks for all the input. I was wondering how I was going to organize the SG. I think I may also use page protectors and put at least the critical elements in a binder so I can take it to work with me. Does the swim noodle work pretty well for the lab simulations? That sounds a whole lot cheaper than buying a wound! I am reading the SG and all the way up to page 380! Do you guys recommend starting practicing the labs or care plans first? Thanks again for all your help!

tnmarie · Jan 20, 2013

I recommend buying the flash cards from the school; they include all the critical elements for all areas of care and all your labs. I wrote my pneumonics on them as well. Very portable and only $10. Turned out to be one of my greatest study assets.

I studied for labs and care plans simultaneously. I went through my labs every day (takes a little under one hour) and also started submitting care plans to Sheri Taylor right away. Those were my two weakest areas, so I wanted to go at both of them ASAP to have plenty of time to practice.

I'll give you the advice given to me: buy the wound. It is the exact wound used at the CPNE. $40 is a small price to pay compared to $2,100 (cost of retake). The swim noodle is still great for practicing your injection station and IV push station.

Good luck!

OB_nurse · Dec 18, 2013

Congrats! That is a huge accomplishment. I passed the CPNE in Texas last June and could not have passed without using Rob`s CPNE study materials and mneumonics. It is not expensive and wirth every penny. Google rob's CPNE and you will find his site. Good luck!

1mrsbs · Dec 18, 2013

I have just become eligible for CPNE. My application has been accepted and I am in scheduling. I have started looking over the CPNE guide (19th ed) I have just started looking over the Excelsior message board. I am feeling very overwhelmed with all the studying I need to do. Does anyone have any advice on where to begin? Thanks in advance for your help!

I am so happy that someone brought this old post back. I was looking at the CPNE Study Guide and I feel very overwhelmed, too. I appreciate all the different advice everyone contributed and will find a way to break it down. :)

Thank you fellow/former EC students!!!! :nurse:

BarbaraNM, ASN, RN · Dec 24, 2013

I am so happy that someone brought this old post back. I was looking at the CPNE Study Guide and I feel very overwhelmed, too. I appreciate all the different advice everyone contributed and will find a way to break it down. :)
Thank you fellow/former EC students!!!!

Me too!! Feeling overwhelmed... :angrybird9:

brenan, ASN, LPN, RN · Dec 30, 2013

Check out Rob's CPNE. I watched his vidoes and set up a sims lab just like him and practiced daily until I could do it with my eyes shut. I was CPNE ready in 5 weeks. You can do this. Just remember once you are there just breath and remember your basics!

Jane Doe, RN · Jan 1, 2014

I have passed CPNE and have been an RN since August. Working on my BSN now. Good luck everyone!

Nurseknowsit · Jan 1, 2014

Chancellors offers a care plan lab in Indy if you can afford to travel. Very helpful. It's a week long prep course. The instructors run you through ALL of the areas of care, labs, and care plans. I took the course because I live here in town. Ppl travel from all over for this prep course, it's worth it! I passed my CPNE the first time. An investment I would do all over again. There's so much money, tears, hard work, and anxiety that goes into that dreaded weekend. You only have your brain you can rely on, they cannot teach you. Good luck dear :-)

RNBearColumbus, BSN · Apr 20, 2015

Bumping this up, for all of us who are just starting the CPNE study process. Found some good ideas in this thread.