First time passers of CPNE?

LoopsRN2 · Sep 10, 2011

Thank you, cometnurse for your encouragement and information!
New question: Anyone working with Rue and hear from Excelsior about applying before 10/1/11 to avoid new added course requirements? I just did apply, got the preliminary acceptance with a list of those courses I'd still have to take, and the new additionals were still added in! I'm now sure if I should pursue contacting Excelsior and ask, "What gives?", or not. Any advice?

Do a topic search on Rue--lots of very unhappy students there. They are a publishing company, nothing to do w/excelsior. Look instead to eBay, amazon and barnes & noble for all of your required reading. You can get an edition or 2 older and save several hundred dollars. A $150 book can be bought for $25 or less, and you won't be tired up with monthly fees & contracts with rue, and have everything you need :)

Mimi2bRN · Sep 10, 2011

Thanks for your response, Loops. Too late, I'm already with Rue... I do the online tutoring. I've taken 6 courses, about to finish the 7th and take the Excelsior exam on 9/23. I guess I should have clarified that. A little late, I'm kind of wishing I had gone another route but I'm already contracted with Rue so will see it to the bitter end. I do think, though, that the unhappy customers are over a termporary, resolved issue with lateness of study materials and those not really doing the study work. At least that's my impression so far. I've aced 5 of the 6 tests so far and got a B on the one I didn't. Not a bad record with Rue tutoring. I'm just not sure if I should pursue a complaint with Excelsior on the additional courses I thought I was going to avoid by applying now. Otherwise, I wouldn't have done that before I finished some more courses, and avoided paying the year's fee till later, you know?

LoopsRN2 · Sep 10, 2011

Thanks for your response, Loops. Too late, I'm already with Rue... I do the online tutoring. I've taken 6 courses, about to finish the 7th and take the Excelsior exam on 9/23. I guess I should have clarified that. A little late, I'm kind of wishing I had gone another route but I'm already contracted with Rue so will see it to the bitter end. I do think, though, that the unhappy customers are over a termporary, resolved issue with lateness of study materials and those not really doing the study work. At least that's my impression so far. I've aced 5 of the 6 tests so far and got a B on the one I didn't. Not a bad record with Rue tutoring. I'm just not sure if I should pursue a complaint with Excelsior on the additional courses I thought I was going to avoid by applying now. Otherwise, I wouldn't have done that before I finished some more courses, and avoided paying the year's fee till later, you know?

It sure sounds like you found a study system that works for you, so that is all that matters in that department. As far as contacting Excelsior, what do you have to lose? The worst that they can tell you is that you have to take them? It is your money, and your education! :up:

Mimi2bRN · Sep 11, 2011

Good point, thanks!

phdeha777456 · Sep 12, 2011

i also passed the first time that was such a long time ago, my advice to you is to study, study study no your critical elements by heart. leave your fears at home keep your confidence act and look the part. i wish you much luck and prayers. tell yourself i will do this i have come to far not to succed :up: .

rnlately · Sep 12, 2011

I passed on first try. I lived the study guide and sheri taylors online workshop for about 2 months. I really recommend her workshops. I did not do any hands on workshops. I practiced on my family at home. The EPN and allnurses.com was huge in terms of support and info for me. Im grateful to have achieved this so far. I do believe with the Excelsior ADN program, that its realky what you put into it and how hard you are willing to work. Many people think of it as online schooling, but they dont realize that we really do nothing online and do not attend any classes. We teach ourselves the info and test out of each test. Thats huge in my opinion and is a testament to those who do complete the program! With so much goung on in our lives, to then teach yourself and pass is a major accomplishment in my opinion! Good luck!!

Cosigning on what ds said. I am also a 1st time passer had to repeat one PCS. Very hard work but study, study, study; keep nerves under control, and be confident.

Nurse Blondie, RN · Sep 22, 2011

Hi everyone,

First, to all those who passed, Congratulations on all your hard work!!

What is the process after you finish all the Excelsior exams? I guess what I mean is, from the time you register for the CPNE, how soon can you complete it?

k3104 · Sep 27, 2011

Hi! Passed first time in NY!!! Had to chime it, It IS Possible!!

I had a number of people say negative remarks, stay away from those people!!

I took a workshop, I really felt it was extremely helpful. I don't think I could have gotten my mind around everything without it. the workshop gave me tools to keep the critical elements straight in my mind, keep myself organized, and this helped me keep my nerves in check (somewhat :bugeyes: ) Loved the mneumonics and grid that most of the workshops use to stay on track, but if you can do this without it as I see a previous poster did, then go for it!

Be organized and confident. Showed the CE's you know your stuff and they were very kind to me. Good luck!

Nurse Blondie, RN · Sep 27, 2011

Thanks, K3104, for the advice. It definitely sounds like the workshops are worth taking. I think it would help me stay focused. Congratulations on passing the first time!