Okay, so it's taken me several weeks to get over my CPNE PTSD and finally write about my experience. Please don't discount the reality of the PTSD you may experience when you are done. I had nightmares and depression for 2 solid weeks after the test even though I passed. For the past year, I imagined how I would act after passing my CPNE. From jumping up on the nurses station, to dancing at my graduation party....I had all the scenarios mapped out in my head. Nothing prepared me for how I felt afterward. I came home from the CPNE and got into bed and slept the entire day and night. I tossed and turned and had nightmares about my PCS's, Excelsior finding something I didn't document and revoking my PASS status, you name it....if it was horrible, I dreamt it. I walked around like a zombie for the first week, because I didn't know what to do with myself. I had spent the week before locked in my room practicing over and over for 8 or more hours a day. I wanted to be happy and excited, but I just wasn't. The following week was a bit better, the nightmares became less frequent, but I still had this overwhelming feeling of dread that this just wasn't real and somehow my pass would now be a fail. This week I feel fine, I feel proud and excited. I want to go out and celebrate and I am able to talk about my experience, because I KNOW it's real and I KNOW that Excelsior ISN'T going to call me and tell me I really failed!
Specializes in Revenue Integrity, Rehab, RAC Auditor.
Congrats and thanks so much for sharing your story : ) Gives those of us almost there hope and some great tips - thanks again and good luck on NCLEX!! :w00t::w00t:
Awesome post! My cpne is this weekend and I'm beyond freaked out! I know my stuff but I'm just so afraid of failing and having to pay 2grand again! I hope and pray I do well! I'm so happy for you and I hope I don't have ptsd like you did after though lol! I feel like if I pass I'm going to have the biggest weight lifted off my shoulder! And party!!
Awesome post! My cpne is this weekend and I'm beyond freaked out! I know my stuff but I'm just so afraid of failing and having to pay 2grand again! I hope and pray I do well! I'm so happy for you and I hope I don't have ptsd like you did after though lol! I feel like if I pass I'm going to have the biggest weight lifted off my shoulder! And party!!
I'll be thinking of you this weekend and sending you good vibes! I can't wait to read all about your great experience when you post to let us all know you PASSED!!
Congrats! Great post! It took me some time to recover from PASSING, and had to type out a very lengthy post about my experience, trying to GET it outta my system. I never thought of it as PTSD, but, I think you were right on track. Good luck with your new future!
*hugs* I am glad your PTSD is fading ... people who have never prepped for or done the CPNE will never quite understand! My own PTSD was a bit shorter in duration, but yeah ... I feel you on that. Great journal. Congrats!!
You did great, Your CPNE experience was one to remember , Good luck on your NCLEX !! 
rnlately
439 Posts
Congratulations!!! Confidence really is the key.