CPNE--switch or stay?

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So, I recently flunked my CPNE in Savannah for all the dumbass reasons that people usually fail, hehe:cry: The thing that's niggling me right now is--so did everybody else. And a guy who was there for his second test said his entire group of 8 from the first test also failed.

Logic tells me that the testing sites *should* be equivalent. Is this just a statistical anomaly, do you think? I'm having a hard time deciding if I should go back to Savannah or switch to Atlanta. The pros for Savannah are that I know my way around now, it's a small town, and the hotel was nice. The con is--everybody failed x 2!

On a side note, I was blown away by my reactions to this test. I expected smooth sailing--in no way would I be rattled by a stupid old test. I have worked through hurricanes, blizzards, floods, power failures, escaped serial killers, and once ran 3 codes at once with 5 people. I was more nervous during this test than when people were shooting at me ;p I was also stunned when I failed the first PCS (not big-headed or anything, but I tend to bull my way through stuff and I'm not used to failing at things I really want to do!) and I think the stunning blow really threw me off my game. So, for you folks heading for this test, get ahold of yourself! :yeah:

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My advice would be to change it up.

The way it sounds in your post, you've really got it in your head about the failure thing at that hospital. It won't matter how well you know the hospital and the hotel if you're brought down mentally by the "all x2" factor. It's stressful enough with just the regular CPNE mental baggage, you don't and can't use the extra stuff. The new place may be enough to give you hope rather than hold you back with dreadful anticipation.

Good luck.

CPNE pass 9/09

Excelsior grad 11/09

RN 12/09

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Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.

Cobweb, I'm sorry you didn't pass this time. :( I think many of us that have passed the CPNE with some repeats can understand how you feel, because with this exam, there is a fine line between passing and failing!

Regarding the test site, just remember -- you failed for something small, something that you know you did or didn't do, whatever the case may be. It doesn't sound like you had a major issue with the CE or CA or felt unfairly treated. I don't think you'd have a problem if you went back to the same site, except that it may trigger an emotional response. If you want to switch sites, you'd probably get a retest faster somewhere in NY, like Utica.

I'm just glad you want to test again! :) Go get that GN!!

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My second time I passed, in Albany, NY. It literally required that I eat a lot of Xanax. Had 'em with me.

I don't know about the site in Atlanta, and I do know one thing - there IS some subjectivity and leeway on the part of the examiners.

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Specializes in Psych, LTC, Acute Care.

Thats a tough call. A friend of mine was unsuccessful down there too. I know 1 person that passed in Savannah but most people on this board went to NY sites and Wisconsin. I would change sites if 8 people failed in one weekend because that is not the norm in other places. If you got some negative vibes from your CE's then maybe change and go to any NY site.I am partical to them because they were great in Faxton St Lukes in Utica NY. The bottom line is to find out all the things you did wrong and work on them because no matter where you go, they are not gonna pass you if your violating critical elements. Good Luck in the future. Go back as Quick as you can and I recommend going to a NY site.

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I would opt for avoiding the dreadful anticipation. Look at a site in NY for a quick retake with less emotional baggage.

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I am going to Gwinnett in Atlanta. Once you pay your fee again you should be able to call Ga and they will give you a date (soon) for whenever you are ready! I hear Gwinnett is nice....I go Jan 22nd, so I don't know for sure. I also work with a girl that failed at Grady and called Ga after she paid and got a date within 2wks. I call and got my first date within 5wks of calling. Ga is not as slow as everyone thinks....just call and they will work with you...Stephanie at Ga is really nice and helpful. Good luck!

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I failed my first CPNE in Syracuse, NY in Feb 2009due to many factors, some my own fault, others just cosmic debris. Passed my second CPNE at St. Peter's Albany, NY on a lovely May weekend, Mother's Day in fact.

For me, I chose to not go anywhere near the site of my first failure. I even wanted the weather to be different. Even tho I would have known the 2 hospitals in Syracuse, emotionally I had to create a new environment for my mind.

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Thanks, everybody, for the good words. I believe I'll take your advice! I'd love to go to New York, since I've never been there, but hauling my gear around when flying is pretty much a PITA. I'm really thinking about Gwinnett, since it is a 5 hour drive from my house, and it appears that a hotel is directly across the street from the hospital (makes getting around with my powerchair a lot easier).

I love that phrase "cosmic debris"! In fact, 2 of the PCS failures I probably should have argued with, but I didn't think there was much point; for example, after respiratory management on a patient, the examiner heard bilateral abnormal lung sounds on a patient and I did not, and I listened really carefully. The CA made it plain she would take the instructor's evaluation over mine (which is only right) but I should have stuck to my guns and made her go up and listen again. Because, you know, I was right :argue:

I might have to take your advice about the Xanax, Sue!

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