Excelsior CPNE

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I just signed up to take the Excelsior CPNE and am very nervous, I'm a good student and have been fortunate to not have to study much but from what I've read, the CPNE is torture! Any advice or tips would be most helpful. I'm hoping to take it in Wisconsin or Ohio...go figure because I live in Dallas....but have heard the Tx sites have very high failure rates. Thanks in advance!!

Does anyone know how you can find the pass rates for the individual sites? I've read alot of comments about being prepared and believe me, I plan on it, but I'd still like to know which sites are better. The travel doesn't matter. I'm not really closer to anyone site than another, so i'm willing to travel if someone knows where the pass rates seem to be better.

Thanks for your help!

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Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.
Does anyone know how you can find the pass rates for the individual sites? I've read alot of comments about being prepared and believe me, I plan on it, but I'd still like to know which sites are better. The travel doesn't matter. I'm not really closer to anyone site than another, so i'm willing to travel if someone knows where the pass rates seem to be better.

EC doesn't release statistics per test site, so a lot of what you'll hear is anecdotal. In theory, all the sites are the same ... it depends more on the student's prep, as you've noted. And places that used to be the "OMG, DO NOT GO THERE!" sites are now getting warm fuzzy reviews.

With all that being said, I've never heard anything negative about any of the Wisconsin sites more than any other. :) I tested in Mansfield, Ohio, and I thought it was fabulous!

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I was in York, PA in September. I can't say enough great things about the hospital and the CA and CE's. Loved it. The pressure was completely toxic, LOL, but I passed 7 up and 7 down.

I on the other hand loved the EPN. It kept you on your toes. Reinforced what you already knew over and over again, but also challenged you when someone may have posted partial or fully incorrect information. Rob's Video and the EC video also helped. And Lunah's co authored CPNE guide. Of course.

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Specializes in Certified Diabetes Educator.

I did my CPNE in Plano. I have NO complaints about the CE's there. They were wonderful!

Remember that the CPNE study guide talks about "best practice" over and over and over. So, study how to do the tasks you are asked to do in the skills book recommended by EC

Time yourself on everything. I ordered the skills bag and set it up on my porch. You can write down your grid for ea of the 4 skills lab. Use everything you are allowed to help you. I could complete each of the skills lab tests in 5 min taking my time at home. I had 15 min to complete these during the CPNE. Knowing this allowed me to take a breath and take my time and think carefully. It is also helpful to have someone watch you and time you and make sure you don't miss anything. My hubby helped me so much.

I also did the online documentation and care plan. It was worth the money.

I did the EC workshop, but would recommend Tina's because based on other's experience and the materials that Tina uses, you will get more out of it.

Most people fail for stupid stuff. Failure to identify the Pt. Failure to document the 20 min requirements. Failure to finish in the allotted time. Putting the Pt in Jeopardy.

I found a song that was very uplifting to me. I played it over and over and once I got to CPNE, I hummed that song to myself in my head constantly. It did wonders for my nerves.

Never let them see you sweat. Act positive, nice, respectful, and sure of yourself. As a nurse in the real world, you would never go into a room with a pt and act like you didn't have a clue what you were doing and were so nervous you couldn't think straight. Think about how the pt would feel about you taking care of them. Same deal with the CPNE. I psyched myself up to think of the CE's as someone I was precepting at work.

I passed. No repeats.

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Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.
Most people fail for stupid stuff. Failure to identify the Pt.

Yep, that was me right there. :D Failed what should have been my final PCS because I was looking at the finish line rather than keeping an eye on the road! Slow and deliberate, peeps ... slow and deliberate.

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Is there a difference in the CPNE testing sites? I heard Atlanta was more difficult and Racine is more lenient. Any truth to any of this?

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Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.
Is there a difference in the CPNE testing sites? I heard Atlanta was more difficult and Racine is more lenient. Any truth to any of this?

Nope. In theory, the playing field is level. However, the CA/CEs are human, so there are probably some variations, but nothing concrete based on which site you visit. You'll hear the "horror stories" about every single CPNE site if you listen long enough.

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