Excelsior CPNE workshop vs. Sherri Taylor

Nursing Students Excelsior

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I will be approaching FCCA next month and then on to CPNE. If anyone has takenCPNE workshop through excelsior or Sherri Taylors please share what you thought about them and your experience. Ive heard about both, just not in great detail... Thanks

Specializes in ICU, Telemetry, Cardiac/Renal, Ortho,FNP.

I took Sherri's weekend seminar. It was helpful, she's since added Youtube video's etc. She's very nice and thorough. Truth is the nerves is what gets you on the CPNE, not so much everything else.

Most people, given enough time to think, know everything they will/can come up against. That said I had never set foot in a hospital, never had a lick of hospital clinical rotations but I studied the books, videos, her seminar and prayed 'til my eyes bulged out and I was #2 that passed out of 10 on my weekend. In fact, I think by Sunday there was only 3 left. I had 1 repeat in lab (dumb mistake...nerves) and 2 situations where the head honcho had to step in and I got both PCS credits, examiner was wrong.

So Sherri's course or Excelsior's? I would say whatever you think would help b/c people have passed taking both. That's the truth. Her's isn't sub par b/c she didn't go to Excelsior. Doesn't matter really. Honestly, study that dang CPNE guide til you can recite it, that is what you are graded by...not what the examiner thinks you're graded by. Know it cold to defend yourself.

My Head Clinical Examiner was the Dean of the local CC nursing program (Dallas) so it's no chumps grading you. She sat and talked to me for a good 1/2 hour after everything was done. In hindsight I should have stayed in contact with her since I'm running into some job search issues now with the "non clinicals" Excelsior program degree (just a hard one to explain to people). However, she made a point that you are tested on all the critical elements her program tests, too.

For the labs I'd tell you use this guys videos...I did and it was enough: Rob's CPNE (google it).

Otherwise I'd tell you to get Taylor's Video Guide to Clinical Nursing Skills (CD's) on ebay or somewhere..not expensive at all. There were some sites around you could watch them for free if you're savvy enough to find a link.

If you can swing it I think the lady in Cali and there was one on the east somewhere that had week long workshops that actually would be the best unless Sherri does that in Ga.

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I took the CHancelors workshop in Indianapolis and thought it was a great way to prepare...dumb me though took it too early! I took it in the summer, but just put in documents for test date...I am trying to get there on a Friday before the CPNE to bone up when they do mock CPNEs...also I Have heard a ton of great stuff about SHerry Taylor..I am thinking online as I live in Kentucky...I could use some help with the care plans...any thoughts?

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I'll offer my help to anyone in the New Jersey/PA area. I know when I took my clinical exam, I ran into the same problem. It's really hard to find someone in North/Central New Jersey/PA area. I took Excelsior's workshop (in person), Sherri's Workshop (in person and online) and submitted my care plans to the college.

Here's my take:

If you are trying to save money but feel like you need a helping hand, my advice is to take Sheri Taylor's Online (here's the link: http://www.cpneworkshop.com/)

Rob's CPNE has great pneumonics too and it's very inexpensive. He works full time but responds to e-mails (at least when I used his program). This is for someone that doesn't need a lot of hand holding, and is especially good for visual learners.

Absolutely submit your care plans to the college. They are the best people to get feedback from on your note taking. However with that said if you are looking to save money I don't think many if any or my friends said the documentation class was that super with the college. But I guess it's up to you what you get out of it. At the minimum I would submit my Care Plans for review (it's free!).

and then do a "mock" the week before you test with someone. If you want someone to do the mock with you before you test I would be willing to help. I remember how stressed out I was before that test and sometimes just having someone watch you and kindly prompt you on what you are doing wrong is all you need to give you that extra nudge of confidence.

Also, there is "free" help out there from "Let's Conquer the CPNE Beast" on facebook. Great groups of future and present nurses that will understand your stress more than anyone else. Great place to get advice, encouragement, tips or just vent.

All the best of luck to you! You can do it!

Really, you CAN do this!

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Specializes in Rehabilitation, Sub Acute, LTC.
I'll offer my help to anyone in the New Jersey/PA area. I know when I took my clinical exam, I ran into the same problem. It's really hard to find someone in North/Central New Jersey/PA area. I took Excelsior's workshop (in person), Sherri's Workshop (in person and online) and submitted my care plans to the college.

Here's my take:

If you are trying to save money but feel like you need a helping hand, my advice is to take Sheri Taylor's Online (here's the link: http://www.cpneworkshop.com/)

Rob's CPNE has great pneumonics too and it's very inexpensive. He works full time but responds to e-mails (at least when I used his program). This is for someone that doesn't need a lot of hand holding, and is especially good for visual learners.

Absolutely submit your care plans to the college. They are the best people to get feedback from on your note taking. However with that said if you are looking to save money I don't think many if any or my friends said the documentation class was that super with the college. But I guess it's up to you what you get out of it. At the minimum I would submit my Care Plans for review (it's free!).

and then do a "mock" the week before you test with someone. If you want someone to do the mock with you before you test I would be willing to help. I remember how stressed out I was before that test and sometimes just having someone watch you and kindly prompt you on what you are doing wrong is all you need to give you that extra nudge of confidence.

Also, there is "free" help out there from "Let's Conquer the CPNE Beast" on facebook. Great groups of future and present nurses that will understand your stress more than anyone else. Great place to get advice, encouragement, tips or just vent.

All the best of luck to you! You can do it!

Really, you CAN do this!

I PMed you lol

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I did the Excelsior workshop and passed the CPNE first try with no retakes and I feel like the workshop was an essential part of my passing. I can't speak to the efficacy of the other workshops, but my thought was if was going to take a workshop, who better than with the people who are actually testing me!

The main thing here is that no single workshop is going to magically make you pass. You need work your tail off and show up prepared!

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I am so happy for you that you passed cpne on the first try, and yes its no single workshop magically make you pass, but I was not prepared to endure discrimination, humiliation of CA and examiners on the tests sides. If its not enough already the examiners did not even know how to prepare stations and what to look for, they had tatoos on their body, breast and arms long fake red nails, which was very unprofessional and scary.

After all two similar experiences I lost good faith in excelsior Nursing teaching, realizing that this program is created not to teach but only Scam people like me Lpn, and others who have dreams to become an Rn on line, and make millions and millions on our expense. This program does not offer clinicals which is essential part of nursing, they never disclose rules of cpne before its too late after you pass all exams on line, they would send you a cpne quide that tells you, they will fail you for one mistake that you make, of course they did not disclose that fact that they will have examiners to help you make that mistake, I have experienced that my self when examiner tried to hide my medication, or started to interpreted me during my 20 minutes check, or roll her eyes during labs on me, showing that I am too slow, even that is still my time of 15 minutes, I really could write a book what happened to me, I wrote letter of 15 pages to ****************and she just get me general answer, that she is so sorry that I was unsuccessful and advised me try again. I really believe that she knows the Scam game she needs to play in order to have her job, otherwise she would be substituted , so its no difference who is in charge as long as they can fail students intentionally for one mistake, get the signature from the student by threatening them, they can prove that its your fault, that its you who did not prepare for cpne and now you can't blame excelsior.

I been there, heard that, seen that how excelsior teachers try to protect their reputation.

Let me tell you excelsior you should be ashamed for failing students in order to get over 6000 dollars for this "test"(if you could call that, its a place that you are going to loose your dignity, self esteem and pay them for that). I already disputed my money for one cpne 2,145$ and working with the bank to get another of 2035, I refuse to pay for the horrible experience they put me through and encourage everyone who was discriminated, humiliated, called stupid or any other names stand up for them selves and let them know that this is not except-able way to make money.

At the end this program without clinicals and proper education puts in Jeopardy our society, by giving the Rn license without appropriate education, and only will let pass very small percentage of students in order to show that they are legitimate program but the real goal of this online program is make Money, Big Money, Dirty Money, you named ...................

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Specializes in Peds,Corrections, Dialysis, LTC.
I am so happy for you that you passed cpne on the first try, and yes its no single workshop magically make you pass, but I was not prepared to endure discrimination, humiliation of CA and examiners on the tests sides. If its not enough already the examiners did not even know how to prepare stations and what to look for, they had tatoos on their body, breast and arms long fake red nails, which was very unprofessional and scary.

After all two similar experiences I lost good faith in excelsior Nursing teaching, realizing that this program is created not to teach but only Scam people like me Lpn, and others who have dreams to become an Rn on line, and make millions and millions on our expense. This program does not offer clinicals which is essential part of nursing, they never disclose rules of cpne before its too late after you pass all exams on line, they would send you a cpne quide that tells you, they will fail you for one mistake that you make, of course they did not disclose that fact that they will have examiners to help you make that mistake, I have experienced that my self when examiner tried to hide my medication, or started to interpreted me during my 20 minutes check, or roll her eyes during labs on me, showing that I am too slow, even that is still my time of 15 minutes, I really could write a book what happened to me, I wrote letter of 15 pages to ****************and she just get me general answer, that she is so sorry that I was unsuccessful and advised me try again. I really believe that she knows the Scam game she needs to play in order to have her job, otherwise she would be substituted , so its no difference who is in charge as long as they can fail students intentionally for one mistake, get the signature from the student by threatening them, they can prove that its your fault, that its you who did not prepare for cpne and now you can't blame excelsior.

I been there, heard that, seen that how excelsior teachers try to protect their reputation.

Let me tell you excelsior you should be ashamed for failing students in order to get over 6000 dollars for this "test"(if you could call that, its a place that you are going to loose your dignity, self esteem and pay them for that). I already disputed my money for one cpne 2,145$ and working with the bank to get another of 2035, I refuse to pay for the horrible experience they put me through and encourage everyone who was discriminated, humiliated, called stupid or any other names stand up for them selves and let them know that this is not except-able way to make money.

At the end this program without clinicals and proper education puts in Jeopardy our society, by giving the Rn license without appropriate education, and only will let pass very small percentage of students in order to show that they are legitimate program but the real goal of this online program is make Money, Big Money, Dirty Money, you named ...................

WOW! If you felt this strongly, why did you give them a second $2k? And "put in jeopardy our society"? I can honestly say that ALL of the EC grads I know are phenomenal nurses, I wouldn't have wasted my time/money otherwise. Just my 1.5ยข

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

Olga, you're right -- this program is NOT created to teach. It does not claim to teach. It is a competency-based model. I am sorry it did not work out for you, and I hope you find a way to further your education in a manner that works for you.

LunahRN

(EC Grad, safely practicing since 2008, and also with tattoos since 1997 :D)

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I joined this forum in 2009 I believe. Was just about to start LPN school. I'm an older guy in the midst of a career change. I really haven't been active here but I think that may change. I have been active on a few EC yahoo groups and on the EC forums.

I did very well in LPN school and could have gotten a full time LPN job upon graduation but decided on the EC route. Has taken me longer than I hoped for but I have done well and am studying for my last class (LS3)and then on to the FCCA this summer.

I am so nervous about the CPNE it isn't funny. Doesn't help to hear the horror stories. It is confusing as there are so many strategy's that one can use.

I'll look around for other topics here re the CPNE. I am in NJ, there was a post or two from Tara Gibbons here who is in NJ but i am unable to pm her due to my low post count.

Does anyone have any CPNE workshop recommendations in the North East? Any other EC students getting ready for the CPNE in NJ?

I have heard of a workshop in Michigan as well as Sherry's in GA. Good luck everyone and thanks in advance for any advice.

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I'm in the same boat as you. I started EC 6 months after graduation I haven't worked as a Lpn since no one is giving me a chance I've applied almost every where. But I'm prepared not to work as a Lpn while I get my RN and I had plan to use a program at achieve prep but decide not to. Since it would add on to my cost. Will be looking into Sheri's course once I get to CPNE

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Hello alodocios! I was just searching around on all nurses and saw that you went straight from LPN school to EC without working. I graduated LVN school here in Texas last August and am not working yet because of family obligations. My husband and I have been talking about me going on to EC and I am worried because I have been "out of the loop" for 7 months that I may not be able to do it. It's good to see some encouraging words like yours. How are you doing now? Are you working as an RN?

Kenya

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Hello I still haven't found steady work as an lpn but work in psych as a tech, my bosses said they will offer me a job once I get my RN since they no longer hire lpn for nursing position. Looks like it's fate that I don't ever work as a lpn and the lpn was only a stepping stone to getting my RN. I now mind you I graduated lpn school in march of 2012 and only time to time got a gig here and there in home care but nothing steady since they don't have to much work for male nurses. I wanted to work for davita but they too seem to only hire RN here in PA. Not worried I'm going to work hard at EC and then hit up Sheri Taylor work shop when I'm ready for cpne

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