Excelsior student asking for info on CPNE exp.

LadyBugLass · Apr 11, 2004

1. Avoid Plano site. Research your choice of site and the anecdotal "pass" rate (you will NEVER get an official answer from the school) on all the sites you choose. They say they are all equal, but they are NOT. I really wish that I had done that before I just assumed that the one closest to home would be the cheapest way to go.

2. Go to the CPNE forum on network54.com, Yahoo, etc.

3. Get experience in just plain, basic skills. It is VERY unlikely that you will have a pt. with a trach, but they WILL flunk you on a blood pressure. It is that simple.

4. Memorize those elements. I spent way too much time studying and worrying about crap like "What if I have to irrigate a colostomy?" than just memorization of those silly little elements.

5. Take the workshop, or hook up with someone who has and does not mind sharing all the little "tricks" they paid for. My buddy Jennifer said it makes a big difference. :rolleyes:

labree · Apr 11, 2004

I think you are so right about the research. I just found out that the hospital I am taking the CPNE at in (AZ.) is a county hospital. This makes me worry..because I know the nurses are top notch at county hospitals (because they are spread so thin and are pushed to do everything). This makes me believe that the CE's will expect more from us than maybe a small acute care hospital. I go in a couple of weeks and the feed back I have been given is that you can get some pretty unstable patients with many different problems there. They have so many to choose from so they choose patients that will need all skills. I am a little freaked...but thank you for the advice on knowing the small things...I am doing the same thing...trying to learn all the different things...that might not be needed. Thanks for the heads up. I hope you know how important your advice is to me....I will try to do the same for someone after me.

Laura

. :rolleyes:

LadyBugLass · Apr 12, 2004

No problem...Jennifer and I are damn near experts by now (unfortunately). DO remember to stand up for yourself...this is YOUR test. I am not saying to be obnoxious, but do be assertive with the CE's and the CA. DON'T just let them flunk you on something really subjective, like a breath sound. Jen was told at the workshop that the EC staff can "just tell" whether or not you have been to the workshop "the minute you walk in the door." So act confident, even if maybe you are feeling insecure. Your attitude WILL affect your examiners perception of your skills, like it or not, fair or unfair.

I have read some unpleasant things about the Phoenix site on the network54.com forum. I don't want to scare you, but be prepared to be "the squeaky wheel" if the CE's are rude and nasty. I go to Atlanta in May for my second try. I'll let you know how it goes. :uhoh3:

GOOD LUCK!!!!

labree · Apr 13, 2004

I will heed your advice, and I thank you!

Labreez:uhoh21:

No problem...Jennifer and I are damn near experts by now (unfortunately). DO remember to stand up for yourself...this is YOUR test. I am not saying to be obnoxious, but do be assertive with the CE's and the CA. DON'T just let them flunk you on something really subjective, like a breath sound. Jen was told at the workshop that the EC staff can "just tell" whether or not you have been to the workshop "the minute you walk in the door." So act confident, even if maybe you are feeling insecure. Your attitude WILL affect your examiners perception of your skills, like it or not, fair or unfair.
I have read some unpleasant things about the Phoenix site on the network54.com forum. I don't want to scare you, but be prepared to be "the squeaky wheel" if the CE's are rude and nasty. I go to Atlanta in May for my second try. I'll let you know how it goes.
GOOD LUCK!!!!