CPNE Racine June 25-27--anybody else?

jnette, ASN, EMT-I · Jun 11, 2004

Nope, but sure to want to wish you the very, very best ! (((HUGS)))

My tummy gets all wierd just thinking about it... :uhoh21:

I went up on a Thursday as well.. just to settle in and regroup.. de-stress, and set up a serious PLAN for the next few days.

Again, best of everything to you, and do keep us posted !!! :)

mona b RN, BSN, RN · Jun 11, 2004

I just got the call! I got in on a cancellation!
I'm so excited I can hardly type!
Is there anyone else on the board going to Racine on those dates? I'd love to meet up (I'm going on Thursday) and review and de-stress, etc.!
WOW!!!!

I wish you the very best. You will do fine, just relax and show them what you know.

Good Luck

mona

BBFRN, BSN, PhD · Jun 12, 2004

Good luck, Chris!!! You can do it! And like Mona says, relax as much as you can- I think most people either fail because of stress management problems, or they're not prepared enough. You've got the prepared part down, so just keep your focus and have fun!

Love-A-Nurse · Jun 12, 2004

chris, all the best as you take cpne.

HAPPYNPROUD · Jun 13, 2004

Good Luck Chris!!!

CindyJRN · Jun 13, 2004

Congrats and best wishes. Get there Thursday if possible, scope out hospital, parking etc. to make things less stressful--ok maybe I am the only one who stresses about going to new places but better safe than you know...

Anyway, I only took my Mneomnics notes with me. I did not want to stress myself doing last minute studying. I don't know anything about Racine, but it was less stressful on me taking a taxi back and forth to the hospital (Atlanta, GA) than driving in unfamiliar territory. Pencil, pen, highlighter. take your time and make an outline before you start the actual hands on. Post your experience when you return--it really does help future CPNE travelers. Big hug from an Excelsior alum!!!

chris_at_lucas_RN, RN · Jun 14, 2004

Well, I've got my flight booked and will be arriving the Thursday morning before the exam starts on Friday afternoon. I'm still not sure where I am going to stay, although I tried to get a reservation at the (very pricey) hotel where the school holds a block of rooms) and actually provided my MC info, but when I called to get my stay extended through Sunday night (no flights out late enough on Sunday so gotta leave Monday morning), they "didn't have a reservation" listed for me. So who knows.

I may rent a car and stay at a Motel 6. Driving around doesn't bother me, in fact I enjoy it. (It's Racine, for pete's sake! How much traffic can there be? I'm used to Dallas......) And I'm thinking, I may just want to be alone to prepare and rest up, etc., rather than join in a group head game about what's coming up and the inevitable "tell me what you learned in the three day workshop." Now is a good time for me to set reasonable limits and practice saying very nicely, "no." I mean, I wouldn't actively undermine anybody, and I don't mind reviewing together, but if I'm busy helping somebody else get caught up or whatever, then I am not as prepared as I need to be and my anxiety level goes up. It could cost me a PCS. That would suck.

I'm feeling very good about my level of preparedness--I've got my first two days of refresher taken care of, feeling very good about care plans and PCS's in general. Today is the skills part, and one of my classmates who is scheduled for early July has invited me to review a couple hours after we are done today, so I'll probably do that as well.

And all the affirmations I received from my clinical instructors is coming back--they thought I was pretty good. I'll be OK.

If I will just remember to keep breathing.... :rolleyes:

Spazzy Nurse, RN · Jun 15, 2004

Racine has a GREAT reputation. I know a couple of people personally who tested there, and I would've too if Madison (also a great rep) wasn't 2 hours closer to me. They say "if you can pass at one site you can pass at them all". I say to hell with that--- go with the one with a good reputation.

I went on a Thursday too. Fri. is just rushing it, especially if you have plane delays, etc. This way you won't have to worry about that. I actually enjoyed my drive down and the free time I had before starting the big weekend. I think that really helped me out a lot.

Yaaaaaaaay!!! This is it!!!!!

Well, I've got my flight booked and will be arriving the Thursday morning before the exam starts on Friday afternoon. I'm still not sure where I am going to stay, although I tried to get a reservation at the (very pricey) hotel where the school holds a block of rooms) and actually provided my MC info, but when I called to get my stay extended through Sunday night (no flights out late enough on Sunday so gotta leave Monday morning), they "didn't have a reservation" listed for me. So who knows.
I may rent a car and stay at a Motel 6. Driving around doesn't bother me, in fact I enjoy it. (It's Racine, for pete's sake! How much traffic can there be? I'm used to Dallas......) And I'm thinking, I may just want to be alone to prepare and rest up, etc., rather than join in a group head game about what's coming up and the inevitable "tell me what you learned in the three day workshop." Now is a good time for me to set reasonable limits and practice saying very nicely, "no." I mean, I wouldn't actively undermine anybody, and I don't mind reviewing together, but if I'm busy helping somebody else get caught up or whatever, then I am not as prepared as I need to be and my anxiety level goes up. It could cost me a PCS. That would suck.
I'm feeling very good about my level of preparedness--I've got my first two days of refresher taken care of, feeling very good about care plans and PCS's in general. Today is the skills part, and one of my classmates who is scheduled for early July has invited me to review a couple hours after we are done today, so I'll probably do that as well.
And all the affirmations I received from my clinical instructors is coming back--they thought I was pretty good. I'll be OK.
If I will just remember to keep breathing....

medicrnohio, RN · Jun 17, 2004

Good luck Chris! I hope to be in your spot soon.

chris_at_lucas_RN, RN · Jun 19, 2004

Still looking for others testing in Racine this coming weekend (June 25-27)....

Brief update: I wound up staying at the Marriott where the school has some rooms blocked for us. There literally were no rooms in Racine or Milwaukee! None! But I am renting a car.

My CPNE and skills workshops went off without a hitch, it was great fun and I got lots of affirmation that I do in fact know my stuff--or at least the stuff they are going to test me on.

I'm feeling confident as I continue to review, get rest, relax and gather my stuff.

So.... thanks for all the well wishing, you'll see the thread here when I get home, one way or another!

Spazzy Nurse, RN · Jun 20, 2004

I wound up staying at the Marriott where the school has some rooms blocked for us.

I think that's good though. I've heard big cheers from people who have stayed there..... they were completely happy with the place. Plus it's very nice having the shuttle to and from the airport and hospital. No worries about being late due to a fender bender, traffic, etc. Elimination of every possible stressor is so important. You can toot around town in your rental during your off time to get away from the hotel a bit. (I did that and it was great!!)