I've been reading a few threads regarding EC and it seems that the classes are par for the course. The fact that there is a CPNE vs Standard Weekly Clinicals seems to make the whole program faster than some of the other available options as well.
Unfortunately, this CPNE thing seems like a horrific event and I'm starting to wonder why? There are workshops, additional study guides, etc, just for this aspect of the program. Did those who took it really find it that difficult? If so, what aspects made it so difficult? For those that found it difficult, did you have any previous clinical experience during your LPN training? If so, what were those experiences like? Approximately how many hours of clinicals and where did you perform them?
Sorry, I don't mean this to sound like an interview ... I'm just trying to decide between a few of the programs and this CPNE thing seems like a monster. If all they are testing are the same things you did during LPN clinicals, then why is it so scary?
Traumahawk I had a similar experience. During the wound care station the individual 4x4 packs were so old that the glue did not open all the across the top. I went through at 6 individual packs trying to ensure I kept everything sterile, my cDe rolled her eyes at me! I ignored her and kept on going and did pass the station first time.
During a PCS I had a question about intake. Different ml posted on door chart for a carton of milk as compared to the carton itself. I asked which was customary to use so as not to have varing values from the others' norms. The ce grabbed the milk carton looked at it and litterelly shoved it into my chest splashing the milk in the straw in my face as said quite rudely "you always use whats on the container". Took everything I hjad not to throttle her. Passed that one also. The events were in the same hospital, two different days two different ce's.
for example, two people counting an apical pulse on a patient in a fib, and you're supposed to be within 5 beats? how can that be verified? it can 't.
Experienced the same with an a-fib patient.
The exam is doable but you often have to ignore the "I am God" power trip some of the ce's have. I've read similar complaints from students in brick and mortar programs about their preceptors.
well.....i have been a lpn for 8 years. and yes this did bring back stressfull memories of my lpn clinicals, however i found the difference with me was - cpne cost was so much add in the cost of travel (for me was 900.00) i had to pass. i could not afford to not pass. i also found that studying for the cpne was studying for a&p, add in my ocd and that all equaled up to a very stressful cpne situation. it can be done and you go on to be a stronger person.
I faintly remember reading somewhere about the trials and tribulations of someone who was failed on the CPNE and how she felt that the entire experience was wrong. She was embroiled in a long fight with the school which she may have taken to a civil lawsuit. I don't quite remember. She kept talking in a very bitter manner about her experience with the school. I believe she was forced to stop talking about it as a result of the litagation or because of threats from the school. Then on the other hand, you read how someone diligently prepares for six months and goes in and does it with no repeats. It is hard to say. However, having EC available as an option for those who can't go the traditional RN route, is better than having nothing at all. It is a gamble that one has to be willing to take in order to get what they want in the end. I just wish that various states like GA and CA would get off their high horse and recognize EC, for what it is, a professional way to introduce more RNs into the workforce.
I have not taken the CPNE yet, I have a test date on 1/9,10,11/09. You have to take everything you have heard with a grain of salt.
There are sooo many factors in play here that color someone's experience with the CPNE.
1.) Test site
2.) CE's
3.) PCS scenarios
4.) Prep time
5.) Experience (past)
6.) Attitude
7.) Ability to deal with stress
I am sure there are more, but this is a general breakdown.
Look at it this way, what are the elements you can control?
1.) Test site
4.) Prep time
5.) Experience (somewhat)
6.) Attitude (again, somewhat, your nature is your nature)
7.) Ability to deal with stress (again, somewhat because you can learn relaxation techniques)
What can you not control?
1.) CE's
2.) PCS
5 out of 7, not bad better than 50%. Your test site will influence your PCS somewhat. IF there is a Peds hospital, your chances are you are going to get a Peds. Read up on the test sites at the EPN/CPNE journals, lots of information there. But remember there is always a exception to every rule!!
Control what you can and remember, (not sure who said it) "Chance favors a prepared mind", so your ability to be prepared is going to directly affect everything you do.
Your ability to deal with:
1.) CE's (who think their job is to fail you). **If you come across as prepared & knowledgeable it is going to take the proverbial wind out of their sails)**
2.) PCS (scenarios from hell) **If you are not trying so damn hard to remember critical elements your mind will be more free to access strategies & approaches, ect.**
**It's all about balancing everything in your favor!! If you have done this it will calm your nerves quiet a bit.**
Also know thy self.
If you are someone that does not deal well with nerves, step outside your comfort zone, get used to that feeling of discomfort. This test is not something we deal with in our normal everyday lives. Think of things that you can do to make yourself uncomfortable.
Here are some examples we have used in our study group:
1.) Unfamiliar enviroment
2.) PCS on other study buddies family members (that you have never met)
3.) labs in front of your DON
4.) Loud music in the background
5.) Nightmare PCS scenarios
*with peds patients (other study buddies family members instructed to be difficult)
*Peds patient with parents from hell
*CE's that are nasty!
*Clinically complex patients
*PCS with interruptions galore!!
This by no means is a guarantee you will pass, life offers no guarantees. But once again, it is all about stacking the deck in your favor!!! Hope this helps!! I will surely post and let everyone know if it helped me on 1/12/09!! Wish me luck!!
anniemm
23 Posts