Embarking on my EC journey!

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Specializes in Med/Surg, Long-Term Care, Urgent Care.

:nurse: I just submitted my app to begin at EC. I have been an LPN for 9 years. Can anyone give me any feedback on their success with this program so far? What are the must have books to be successful? Does anyone have any feedback on the best CPNe sites because the college website didn't provide much info about that. If there is anyone that took the CPNE in the southeast part of the U.S. I would really like your feedback since I am from the Carolinas. I don't want to travel too far. Thanks!smile.gif

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Specializes in med/surg, geriatrics, corrections.

Congratulations on taking the first steps. It took me 18 years to move from "maybe" to "definately" and I am so glad I have. I started Excelsior in March and have moved right along. No one can really tell you "the best CPNE" sites because there isn't such a thing. Everyone has a different experience, there may be different CEs at different times and there are different patients each time. As far as study material....look at each exams content guide on EC website. You don't "need" all of the recommened books but it's good to have the ones the suggest as "required". Personally I haven't picked up the books much since I ordered SG101 but you have to be careful with the material, some is inaccurate, in my opinion I believe most of it is accurate enough and the inaccuracies aren't enough to change a letter grade. I also use Saunders NCLEX review and I do go to the EC virtual library from time to time. I only have one exam left before I get my FCCA and I have found that the study material I have used has been adequate. I would highly recommend EC practice exams. Take part A before you study to find your strong/weak points, study your weak points then take part B of the practice to see if you are ready to sit for the actual exam. Most on here will tell you if they have scored in the high 60s and up they have scored well on the actual exams. Good luck!

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Specializes in Med/Surg, Long-Term Care, Urgent Care.

Thank You!!!

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You should have a Med-Surg book and a Fundamentals of nursing book - you can pick them up on Amazon or eBay - I got one edition back and then checked the book website for updates (quizzes too!). You can check the library, too - they have loan programs so you can borrow from larger libraries and sometimes they have the textbooks you need - free!! You'll need a Nursing diagnosis book and a good drug book, I like davis. Oh, and a Saunders NCLEX, that really rounds it out. Savagetrojan is correct, you don't need all teh recommended books, and sometimes you don't even need the required ones. I took Transition and didn't buy anything but Studygroup101. I've emailed to them about reports of errors and inaccuraccies and Kay told me they are working diligently to make corrections and get all the study guides revised and will post corrections to their website. Report any errors and she will make the corrections if they haven't already been made. I've been impressed with their willingness to help and take suggestions and answer all me good & silly questions!!

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Congrats, I too have finally decided to apply (last week). I'm in Charlotte,NC and would like to stay close, when CPNE time comes. But, I will cross that hurdle when I get to it. Good luck to us both!

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Specializes in Dialysis.

I have to say, you can't worry about stuff too far ahead or you'll get discouraged. I was studying for my first exam, all the while thinking about where I'd test and when it could be, and how was I going to keep funding my exams and I've got so far to go, etc. etc.

Tomorrow I take exam 5 of 7. I am so excited that I've accomplished so much, but I still have a ways to go, it feels like.

We all need to take baby steps so we don't go crazy! : )

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Hello All,

Well.... I finally applied, too. Last week. After reading many posts on this site, and getting inspired by SO MANY of you that have completed this journey... I figured, 'WHY NOT?'!! They have received my transcripts, and I'm now waiting for the evaluation.

Thanks to all of you that continue to be a great support to the others... it really helps!

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Hey i just submitted my app and all transcripts waiting on them...Maybe we can start this journey together?? if interested let me know:coollook:

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Hey i just submitted my app and all transcripts waiting on them...Maybe we can start this journey together?? if interested let me know:coollook:

That would be awesome! Taking this first step was HUGE for me.. anxious to hear what they say about my transcripts. Definitely, let's keep in touch!

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

Go Barbara go!! :) :) :) And scorpio82lse, don't worry about the CPNE until you get there. You have time. With that being said, there are some test sites in Georgia, and I believe a new one is opening in Florida -- Naples, maybe? Might be closest for you. I am in Virginia, and I took my CPNE in Ohio in 2008 because it was within driving distance for me (6 hours). Worked out well.

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sounds great BarbaraNM! we can have a discussions once we are enrolled...whats your email?? i cant wait to get started..:nurse::D

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Go Barbara go!! :) :) :)

Thanks, Lisa! This first step took me a LONG time to take... once I hear back from EC, and verify what I need, I can get off the fence and make the decision to GO FOR IT! You have been such an enormous inspiration and have provided so much help to me and others. I truly appreciate all you do!

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