I Failed The Vmi Clnc Cert Exams

lindarn · Jun 2, 2007

does anybody have any advice / support groups for people who flunked the CLNC exams after taking the VMI 6 day certification seminar? i joined the basic packet and could not afford to join the VIP bec of financial constraints. i have upgraded to VIP now that i flunked. i studied my ass off during the 6 day seminar bec i had no preparation prior to class...any support group or advice is greatly appreciated for those of us who were unsuccessful with the exams...i was really close to passing....i feel such a loser but did the best i could.....thanks for listening for my sorry sad self....i have not contacted my classmates in the seminar and returning their calls bec i dont want them to think i am such a dingbat for not making it...i have to take the computer exam ...do u know where i can practice how to take using the computer exam for my next CLNC exams in the prometric testing center? how many times can u take it and is there a limit?
....THANKS KINDLY FOR YOUR SUPPORT
I wouldn't worry about it. I have said previously, this program is very expensive, and there are more cost effective programs around that teach the same thing. Kaplan has an on- line program, as does the AALNC, who, by the way, is the ONLY officially cerifying organization for LNCs. They both cost ALOT less than the VM program, and they are both online.
And besides, do you really think that you are really "certified", after only a 6 day cause? I don't think so. Personally, I have a problem with the concept of turning out people after only a 6 day course, (and I don't care how "intense" it is), and declaring them "certified". Would a critical care nurse be "certified" after taking only a 6 day course to be a critical care nurse, and with no experience for credibility?
The AALNC requires a certain amount of experience under your belt before you can take their program and be an LNCC. There is a reason for that. I have heard of nurses who were challenged regarding the VM program that they had taken to be "certified". When they testified as an expert witnesses, the defense pulls out the VM glitzty advertising materials related to this program, "earn $150 and hour", and they ended up on the witness stand looking like used car saleman, instead of credible Legal Nurse Consultants.
Many of us older LNCs did not take ANY LNC program, (because there were none available), and have had successful careers as LNCs. No one, by the way, even asks if you are certified as an LNC, as lawyers want someone who can read medical records, do medical research, read doctors' handwriting, and write reports of findings, and explain to them what went on. By virtue of our experience as Nurses, we can do all that with our hands tied behind our back, and no pricey program was needed to teach us what we already knew. And also keep in mind, that pricey, expensive, programs will not buy you credibilty with an attorney if you cannot do the above things, write well, and be able to support your findings to them with related research, and medical literature. JMHO, and my NY $0.02.
Lindarn, RN, BSN, CCRN, LNC
Spokane, Washington

Editorial Team / Admin · Jun 2, 2007

I wouldn't worry about it.

That is not sound advice. To completely forego sitting for any examination after one spends the money for the education makes no sense.

IMHO, this is very poor advice.

I have said previously, this program is very expensive, and there are more cost effective programs around that teach the same thing. Kaplan has an on- line program, as does the AALNC, who, by the way, is the ONLY officially cerifying organization for LNCs. They both cost ALOT less than the VM program, and they are both online.

True, many many other educative entities out there. One must conduct research to see what is best for them and be very careful of some entities. There are a few out there that are not reputable.

Yes, the Milazzo program is by and far the most expensive program. The Milazzo program as well as the AALNC online program offer duplicate basic education.

The Milazzo program offers a Home Study program as well equal to the online program of the AALNC.

Kaplan does not offer a certification.

After fulfilling requirements for AALNC certification, any of the above may sit for the certification and if successful, utilize the acronym, LNCC. This holds true for the RN working as LNC without formal LNC education.

As for AALNC the only officially certifying organization for LNCs, please elaborate??

And besides, do you really think that you are really "certified", after only a 6 day cause? I don't think so. Personally, I have a problem with the concept of turning out people after only a 6 day course, (and I don't care how "intense" it is), and declaring them "certified". Would a critical care nurse be "certified" after taking only a 6 day course to be a critical care nurse, and with no experience for credibility?

Yes, you are certified after completion of the Milazzo program and successfully passing the examination.

Critical care nurses seeking the CCRN are certified after successfully passing an examination without formal pre-certification education. (One may sit for the CCRN exam after fulfilling the requirements for certification. Experience is required and one who is not actively practicing as CCRN is not eligible for recertification).

The AALNC requires a certain amount of experience under your belt before you can take their program and be an LNCC. There is a reason for that. I have heard of nurses who were challenged regarding the VM program that they had taken to be "certified". When they testified as an expert witnesses, the defense pulls out the VM glitzty advertising materials related to this program, "earn $150 and hour", and they ended up on the witness stand looking like used car saleman, instead of credible Legal Nurse Consultants.

This is incorrect information. The AALNC does not require prior LNC experience before taking the online program.

But, they do require experience as LNC before sitting for the certification.

Any RN who satisfies the requirements of LNC experience, with or without formal education, may sit for the AALNC certification.

As for the statement, "ended up on the witness stand looking like used car saleman", I will not address this.........

Many of us older LNCs did not take ANY LNC program, (because there were none available), and have had successful careers as LNCs.

True. Many LNCs even today do not have formal LNC education, by choice. It is not a requirement to practice as LNC. At least, that is the stand as of today. I look for this to change soon.......

No one, by the way, even asks if you are certified as an LNC, as lawyers want someone who can read medical records, do medical research, read doctors' handwriting, and write reports of findings, and explain to them what went on. By virtue of our experience as Nurses, we can do all that with our hands tied behind our back, and no pricey program was needed to teach us what we already knew.

True. Most attorneys are only concerned whether the LNC can do the job required.

And also keep in mind, that pricey, expensive, programs will not buy you credibilty with an attorney if you cannot do the above things, write well, and be able to support your findings to them with related research, and medical literature.

Absolutely true.

To the OP, cebugirl........

Please contact the Milazzo Institute and see if they have suggestions to prepare you for the certification examination. In the mean time, review the course book. Set aside time every day for this.

Do not be discouraged and do not put yourself down. You can and will do this. You are not the first person to do this nor will you be the last.

If you would like to contact me privately, please send a private message. I care and am here to assist you.

Good luck.

penelope1 · Jun 3, 2007

Dear Cebud girl,

Do not distress. This is only a minor setback in the whole scheme of things. I took the VIP course and passed it with flying colors. I saw the people who did not have the VIP course struggling. It's a lot of info to learn, and I would not have done anywhere near as well if I had not sudied at home. You can now study at home with the additional material and when you take the test again, you are going to do very, very well. I went over the modules twice in the months before the seminar, so the live class was like a review for me. The first time I went over the material, many terms and points of view seemed very foreign. The second time, everything started to click. By the time I took the live course, most if it seemed familiar. I actually studied very little in Vegas.

I am not practicing yet, but I do know something about minor setbacks. I became very ill right after I returned from my test and am just now able to start looking at the material again and think about setting up my business. I was upset about that for a while, but just have to accept the facts. Please give the VM test more time and don't spend additional money on another program. Remember, you are a nurse and nurses can do anything. Good luck. Study. And, let me know how you do. I have great faith that you will do well.

Penelope1, RN, CNOR, CLNC

Aviationurse · Jun 3, 2007

LINDARM, SIRI, PENELOPE...thanks for your advice...i felt pretty alone on this journey and all thoughts greatly appreciated..i drove thru the seminar everyday and studied like a maniac on day one..the reason i did not do the VIP PACKAGE bec i cant afford.....my hosp wont cover for tuition reimbursement..dont recognize this field...i work full time ( 2o plus years exp in dialysis, med surg, LTC, forensic psych, detox, icu, recovery room )and also take care of disabled elderly dad and brother and on top of that bury every body in the family and i am single and all alone on this journey on the road to CLNC. none of my nurse friends working and already retired are not into this...

during the seminar, i asked the VIP CLNC MEMBERS how they afford the VIM CLNC COURSE and how i wished i was on their shoes...heres the response

1. they borrow from grandma:lol2:

2. pay themselves.....

3. received a portion of grant from hosp

4. given money as part of the will of a patient

my co workers thinks the VIM COURSE is interesting and i have recruited them to join me last may so i will have a study buddy and here"s there response...

1. " girl, we dont have that kind of money":o

2. " in order for me to take the VIM COURSE, i have to go to LAS VEGAS and work as a PIMP"...

3. " i feel much sorry for you that you did not pass the 6 day CERTIFICATION SEMINAR..after all that money...geez"

4. " gas in illinois is very expensive"

thanks again and i am so happy i found this website to vent , learn, and hopefully be like u all a "'SUCCESSFULL CLNC". ..i would love to come to my hosp one day on a black stretch limo and CLNC on my belt and walk on my diamond crusted cane and donate money to my unit and throw a party for all the crabby and hard working overworked nurses .

PENELOPE, i hope u feel better and congratulations on your success....

wtkid53 · Jul 1, 2007

Cebu girl,

I understand your frustration and disappointment. I did pass but have been told that the DVDs in conjunction with re-reading helps. Do you know your learning style? It may be that you are a kinesthetic learner and must "do something" in order for it to stick in your head. In the VIP session, Vicki mentioned not reading too much into each question. Did you do the examples in the book and compare with answers in the back of book? Just a few thoughts that may or may not help. Being as busy as you said, maybe you could get family or friends to help quiz you when you feel ready. I am rooting for you.

a21chdchic · Jul 8, 2007

I'm wondering--In the back of the Core Curriculum Book (VMI) are study questions. If you do well when answering those questions, will you do ok on the cert exam?

Columnist · Jul 8, 2007

I'm wondering--In the back of the Core Curriculum Book (VMI) are study questions. If you do well when answering those questions, will you do ok on the cert exam?

The questions in the Core Curriculum book will definitely be helpful in preparing for the test.