Full time workers and student... time??

BetterMeRN · Oct 1, 2009

Some people are more dedicated than some, it depends on your study techniques as well. To take all 7 nursing courses it took me one year, I took Info Lit, FCCA, AP...those took me another three months. I have been CPNE eligible now for about five months. When I take the CPNE I will be three months shy of two years in the program. I thought it was going to take me only a year, but so many things happened in between, and the fact that you are your own teacher really does make things so much harder.

I've heard of people taking all pre-reqs, nursing courses, plus CPNE in under a year. It's really up to the individual. One course at a time, one day at a time. You will get there.

Raggedy Ann · Oct 1, 2009

Welcome to allnurses

Up2nogood RN, RN · Oct 1, 2009

I worked 3 part time jobs, 2 of them being home health noc LPN so I had time to study. I was able to complete the program CPNE and all in around 9 months. I didn't have any 'me' time during those months but I was extremely motivated to finish. I had just finished an LPN program so there wasn't too much new stuff to learn thankfully. It all comes down to the ABC's Good luck to you, it really is a great program.

Editorial Team / Moderator · Oct 1, 2009

I work three 12's a week, so the other four days each week were spent studying, period. I think it gets easier after the first exam is out of the way -- you know what to expect, and you think, "Hey, I can do this!" Success is motivating. :)

dslpninla · Oct 1, 2009

Thank you all for responding- I am motivated but am feeling a bit overwhelmed once I look at all the material I need to study for my first test... any ideas on how to conquer? It the nursing transition to rn role class.

Editorial Team / Moderator · Oct 1, 2009

I'd recommend downloading the EC exam content guide, and just breaking it down section by section. I found that once I made a "first pass" of studying all the material, it was helpful to me to take the first of the two EC practice tests to see where I was weak and needed more study. Then I'd go back and re-study those areas, then take the second practice exam. Worked well for me!

And just a word on the practice exams -- typical scores are in the 70s, so don't let a score like that discourage you. Good luck!!! :)

dslpninla · Oct 1, 2009

Lunah- the EC content guide is just a outline of what to study/look up in textbooks correct?

Editorial Team / Moderator · Oct 1, 2009

Yep! I kind of used it as my syllabus.

BetterMeRN · Oct 1, 2009

Use the content guide to focus on areas that need to be mastered. This can't be said enough, the practice tests are still priceless. Even though the raised the prices, it's still worth the money. This can be done, I haven't even passed my CPNE yet but if you believe you will get it done. Don't look at the test as this big monster break it up into pieces...makes it easier to fight.

MauraRN · Oct 1, 2009

I agree with the above posters. Download the study/exam content. Purchase the practice exams. What I did helped narrow the focus; Before I began studying for an exam, I took the first practice test and looked at where my strengths/ weaknesses were, then studied the weak areas, reviewed the others, then took the 2nd practice exam. My usual mo was low 70's on the first test and low 80's on the second and got mostly A's on the real thing. You will be surprised at what you already know. Remember that you are not starting from scratch, you already have lots of basic nursing knowledge.

dslpninla · Oct 2, 2009

I do feel like I have lots of knowledge already at hand and want so badly to do well! I think my hubby will have to do some rooting me through... I also bought last night the transitions study guide from studygroup101-- it seemed laid out better and easier to go through compared to the larends notes....no offense to hers. I took the practice test before starting and made a 70... my first reaction was how crappy a 70 is though!!