Help, CPNE date, not sure if I should accept it

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Specializes in LTC, Research.

I got a date today for the CPNE, June 5th, and I'm not sure whether to accept it or not. I just started a new full time job in a field I have absolutely no experience in (Research), it's going to be a big learning curve. I still have one gen ed to take (World Religion) and Information Literacy.

I had a feeling they were going to schedule me. I got a moment to breath at work today, called and they were very nice and changed my ready date to 6/30 and I removed some of the NY sites, only testing at Syracuse or Chambersburg (I live in PA). She also said I had nothing to worry about after looking at my app, they hadn't even gotten up to scheduling June yet.

I got home today and checked my email, and they scheduled me, in Syracuse for June 5th.

My question is this: This new job will take at least 6-12 weeks to begin to get a handle on, I think I'm really going to like it but it is a mindboggling amount of information to absorb. I new I needed to start studying soon (even before today) but I was waiting for my head to stop spinning. At the moment when I get home I don't have a lot of energy or brain cells to work with. I know that will change as I learn the routine. I know everyone is different in how long they spend studying.

I could forget about the Gen Ed until after, but I think under the circumstances 4 months doesn't seem long enough.

What do you guys think? am I being a wuss? Any opinions welcome from the veterans here.

thanks,

Lisa

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Specializes in Psych, LTC, Acute Care.

I think you are having general anxiety. If your goal is to become an RN, then you should push forward and learn the concept of the CPNE in baby steps. 4 months is plenty of time. Start practicing on the weekends and your days off. I think you should take the date and press on. Why would you want to wait any longer? States are changing rules all the time about EC. Get the degree while you can before something else changes.

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Specializes in E.R., post-surgical.

June is a few months off. You have time to study. How are you at your patient skills? You know you better than anyone else. I, myself jumped at whatever date they gave me. I harrassed them until I got a cancellation date. I am ready to be an RN. If that is how you feel........ GO FOR IT.

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Specializes in LTC, Acute Care.

That is more than enough time to learn your critical elements. Go at it! Take it in bits and learn the assessment areas first. They are the quickest to learn. Once you get through those, then gnaw off the rest. You'll get it!

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Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.

You sound like you've already talked yourself out of it. If you want it, take the date. Otherwise call the school and point out that your ready date was actually 6/30.

Wuss? No. Procrastinator? Maybe. :D I should know -- I'm a master of procrastinating! But I hit the CPNE studies hard for 3 months straight, and that was plenty of time for me to prepare. I dawdled around with it for a month or so before I got really serious about studying, and then I was on it 100% until I went for my CPNE.

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Specializes in pediatric, geriatric.

I think you are feeling a little overwhelmed at the moment with everything going on in your life with a new job, different responsibilities etc... If you need to take an extra month so be it-if that is what it takes to settle down and make the process smoother really what is another month. I just think by what you are feeling right now that if you take the date they gave you that it might increase your anxiety to a level which hurts passing instead of helping. A small degree of anxiety keeps you on your toes but too much makes the process too overwhelming and then you make silly mistakes that you would never do in real life.

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Specializes in LTC, Research.

Thank you for the replies of encouragement and a kick in the rear.

I guess what I should titled this was: I have a CPNE date 4 months away; just started a new full time job, is that enough study time? I honestly thought most of you spent more than 4 months studying. If it's doable, then I'll go for it. I know that there is a big difference between leafing through the pages, rolling your eyes along and the serious I have to learn this by next week type of studying. So ok I'll start off with the latter, I've already used up my leisurly eyerolling time.

I do not deny the anxiety attack, I'm pretty sure I may need to take Depends to Syracuse with me.

Thanks again,

Lisa

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Specializes in LTC, Acute Care.

When you pack your Depends, don't forget your favorite anxiolytic as well. :)

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Specializes in LTC, Research.

Applescruffette

I am seriously thinking of discussing this with my family MD and asking for something, I have no idea what he will say. I have never talked to him about anything like this.

I don't think it's possible to convey with words the stress associated with this exam *shrugs*, it's worth a try. I honestly don't think meditation is gonna do it for me.

Lisa

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Specializes in LTC, Acute Care.
Applescruffette

I am seriously thinking of discussing this with my family MD and asking for something, I have no idea what he will say. I have never talked to him about anything like this.

I don't think it's possible to convey with words the stress associated with this exam *shrugs*, it's worth a try. I honestly don't think meditation is gonna do it for me.

Lisa

Your doctor has experienced extreme stress in his life with the schooling, boards, and everything else that is inherent in doctor's training. I think he will get it. Your doctor would probably be quite willing to prescribe you some meds, particularly if you tell him it's not for an extended period of time.

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