Flunked the CPNE - some thoughts

caliotter3 · Mar 15, 2009

Sorry to hear you didn't pass. Sounds like you are geared up to get ready and get it next time. Good luck on passing it this time. You know what to do now and can make this time count.

changeofpaceRN · Mar 15, 2009

Sorry about the news but at least you know what to expect next time around. Did you do a grid? That was the only thing that helped me stay organized when my mind took a break.. Good luck!

ladymedik · Mar 15, 2009

i totally agree with you. i am so sorry to hear that you didn't pass, but now you know what to expect. to those of you going soon, remember what is posted here. you are not doing clinicals. this is not am care of your patient. write your grids and follow those steps precisely. be robotic, but be pleasant. i was in and out of my patient's room in 30 min. go down your list of areas of care, do them in the order listed in your study guide then get the h*&$ out of the room before anything changes. do your documentation in the same way. document thoroughly but consisely. this worked for me. no repeats!!! i was finished on my last day before 10:00. we started pt. care at 08:30. it can be done. use all your caring and pleasantries with your real patients. that doesn't mean be an a$$, but be effiecient and quick so you won't be pulled into un-necessary things that eat up time.

ivanh3 · Mar 15, 2009

First of all, thanks about the notes. Your appreciation means a lot.

When I hear of people failing the CPNE I have such mixed emotions about it. You are right when you allude to the uber-ivory-tower nature of the CPNE. It truly does not reflect "real world" practice. Having said that, the high failure rate of the CPNE is actually what gives EC some of its credibility. I don't really know where I stand on that.

I do hope you give it another go. Having the understanding of what to expect should help. I wish you luck.

Ivan

oeue2007 · Mar 15, 2009

Thanks all for the encouragement. COP, I did do a grid. In this hospital there was no "neutral" surface to put your paperwork on and it was in, out, in, out of my pocket. This is part of what I'm talking about with the mercenary thing. It went against my nursing instinct to stand there messing with a piece of paper repeatedly in front of a patient and made me more nervous. Next time, I will take the time that I need with it or I will go get a Cavi-wipe and clean a bedside table or chair seat for myself. (Wonder what the CE would think about that? :)

ivanh3 · Mar 15, 2009

Thanks all for the encouragement. In this hospital there was no "neutral" surface to put your paperwork on and it was in, out, in, out of my pocket. This is part of what I'm talking about with the mercenary thing. It went against my nursing instinct to stand there messing with a piece of paper repeatedly in front of a patient and made me more nervous. :)

My grid/paperwork stayed in my back pocket folded long ways in half. I never laid it down on any surface other than my hand. I don't think it detracts from the patient's perception of you, but I can understand your point.

Ivan

SuesquatchRN, BSN, RN · Mar 15, 2009

I failed the first time, passed the second. I think it has a lot to do with the examiners, despite what EC says. My second experience was wonderful, with a CA who set a relaxed tone for the entire thing and CE's who were comfortable, not nervous little rabbity types.

eyerishone · Mar 15, 2009

I am fairly new to all of this, currently an LPN, and working on Excelsior Courses. I am trying to get as much info to help me get through this as quickly and painlessly as possible.

When you say "Rob's video" and "Ivan's notes", what are you referring to exactly?

I ordered some study guides from Ebay, the ones with the nurse holding a syringe on the cover, larends, and was also wondering if these are the best study guides, or if I should get something else.

Thanks for any advice.

2CareerRN · Mar 15, 2009

I am sorry you failed but you seem to have a great attitude, bet you will be right back at it!!!

I am preparing now for my CPNE for June, I have been told by reliable instructors to get in and out of the room once you have completed. Thanks for your input, it helps...now to become a robot. :)

oeue2007 · Mar 15, 2009

eyerishone-Don't stress the CPNE yet, focus on your courses. With the wait times, you'll have plenty of prep time for the CPNE. When you're to that point, the first thing you have to do is read the dreaded 500+ page EC Study Guide and they won't even send you that until you finish your courses. It is wordy, vague, repetitive and dry as burnt toast but you have to do it. Then, for me, Ivan's notes (at the top of this forum under "CPNE Notes from an EC Grad") and the video and notes from robscpne.com ($40) put it all in plain language and broke the steps down into bare bones.

tbone641 · Mar 15, 2009

Soory to hear that you failled but this can be done. Now that you know what to expect go back to the drawing board and revamp your game plan. Take it from some one who failed two times. I have a new game plan and yes it includes happy thoughts.