I'm back from Racine

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Specializes in LTC, Acute Care.

Sue was right about the not good feeling. It seems that most of us in Racine didn't pass. I was a casualty as well. I'm actually not upset or frustrated. I also know that my failure wasn't a measure of how good of a nurse I am or can be. I failed on Sunday, so I did get through the labs and passed one PCS. I did know my mnemonics, and the areas of care were pretty easy. It came down to things like ice. (That was my final PCS failure). The first one I failed because I missed initialing one med on the MAR, but I initialed all other meds. That was totally my mistake, but I would have caught that at some point if I had been working the floor rather than having spotty access to the chart. The second failure was because my apical pulse on an infant was off by 14. Ouch! Here's the thing, though. I had no idea we had a limit on how many times we could listen. I placed the steth on the baby twice but lost my count and verbalized it both times, which they counted as auscultating 4 times. (I verbalized this after about 30 seconds each time and definitely before a minute.) I made an educated guess on the apical because of that. The last PCS I failed was over ice. However, other things were going on that weren't my thing but were a distractor, but I messed it up, plain and simple.

The scary thing is that I could have passed, no doubt, but you just never know what you'll get, had it been different patients, different CEs, etc., etc. I was comfortable with all my AOC. It wasn't that. I also know that it would cost me the same amount of money to pay my continuation fee, the CPNE fee, the graduation fee, and the traveling/lodging fee to just do the local LPN-RN program. I don't feel like reapplying now for the CPNE. I haven't made that decision yet. I don't know if I will. It's not that I'm down about it--it's because I don't know if it's worth it. I made a lot of people's lives hell for this thing.

I also think this test can be passed without a workshop. That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

You guys rock. :heartbeat

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Oh, reapply. Someday - before you have to pay another year's enrollment.

I know another really good nurse who failed it the first time.

:)

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Specializes in Psych, LTC, Acute Care.

((Hugs to you Apples)). I without a doubt know you are a good nurse. I definetly say try again when the time is right. Consider Utica NY. They are great and my CE's were not nearly as picky as you discribe. Good luck and let us know what you decide.

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Apple I am so sorry that it didn't go well for you. Take some time, no rush, decide what to do. The up side is that it is now a known entity that you won't be nervous for the next try. The money issue is huge. That is my biggest fear; using what little was left in the savings account has left us just about broke. I don't think that I would try it again if I fail in Feb but that is just me and my circumstances. I am almost 52 yo and I have to deal with my son's college tuition soon.

Grieve a little, read a non-nursing novel, watch some good movies and let your mind and heart recover. PM for TLC if you feel down.

Maureen

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Specializes in LTC, case mgmt, agency.

I am so sorry to hear that you did not make it this time. Like Sue mentioned though, I would reapply before you have to pay for another year. Jump right back in. It is so worth it!!!! Those people who have been supporting you emotionally will still be there for you a second time. And not to mention your support here. You can do this and will pass. I agree with what you said about not needing a workshop to pass the CPNE, but I do think it gives the extra confidence. Take a break and regroup then reapply and go kick some CPNE butt. :icon_hug:

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I'm sorry to hear the news- it no way shows the type of nurse you are and I'm glad you realize that. It sucks about the mistakes but they are just that- mistakes ( I almost did the same with the meds but I counted 5 initials and I knew I had given 6 so I saved my butt at the last minute). Take a break, relax and let your brain take a vacation. You have shown that you can do this test since you did pass a PCS and all the labs- that says a lot right there. And it is true that it all depends on what kind of patient you get on those specific days. I had a peds substitute so I never had to do an apical on an infant.

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Specializes in pediatric, geriatric.

After everything you have been through I truly am sorry. I know you were prepared for this but it is just those circumstances and small things that got in the way and nothing to do with your skills.

Thank you for the encouragement even after what you are feeling right now. I have a little baby and can only get away the weekend of the actual CPNE and cannot do a workshop so it is good to know you feel that it can be done.

So thank you!! and I wish you the best in whatever path you choose to take.

Can you explain further about the ice situation? Was it in water and hard to tell or ?

THANKS!

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Specializes in ICU, PICC Nurse, Nursing Supervisor.

:omy: i am so sorry...i hope that you will reconsider and reapply. i know that in the end you will succeed and be a very successful rn....you are smart and very talented..please don't let this get you down...we all run into road blocks ...you can either take another road or plow through it....much luck to you sugar....

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Specializes in LTC, Acute Care.
After everything you have been through I truly am sorry. I know you were prepared for this but it is just those circumstances and small things that got in the way and nothing to do with your skills.

Thank you for the encouragement even after what you are feeling right now. I have a little baby and can only get away the weekend of the actual CPNE and cannot do a workshop so it is good to know you feel that it can be done.

So thank you!! and I wish you the best in whatever path you choose to take.

Can you explain further about the ice situation? Was it in water and hard to tell or ?

THANKS!

She wanted her can of pop with ice in it. I forgot the amount of ice I put in the styrofoam cup and I didn't have time to look again. There was a specific reason I didn't mess with going back in to look. The cups have markings on them, but you can't see through them. At that point, though, I was really exhausted and just wanted out.

I will never again dis microwaving Jell-O for real, though it is still kind of funny. After this weekend, though, I bet it would have been a point of failure without being the proverbial straw that broke the camel's back. Now I know that sometimes it isn't all hugs and loves and "We really want you to pass!"

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Specializes in LTC, Acute Care.
:omy: i am so sorry...i hope that you will reconsider and reapply. i know that in the end you will succeed and be a very successful rn....you are smart and very talented..please don't let this get you down...we all run into road blocks ...you can either take another road or plow through it....much luck to you sugar....

you go rock it next month, okay?

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Specializes in pediatric, geriatric.

Thank you for explaining the ice situation further!

I think it is easy to put your guard down after hearing "all you need to know is your mneumonics and aoc's and you will pass" on the boards. That isn't reality for many people. I would rather go in being prepared for the unexpected and work my butt off in the time it takes for them to schedule me in.

Thanks for telling it like it is and letting us know of your experience.

Again, I do wish you all the best.

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

I am so sorry you weren't successful. :( As many have pointed out, it doesn't reflect on your nursing skills at all. *huge hugs* I hope you reapply!

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