In need of practical steps to start studying for CPNE

BrillyD · Dec 4, 2012

I started setting up a practice station - there's a thread that's titled something like 'pimp my cpne' with all kinds of great tips and advice.

sharonp30 · Dec 4, 2012

While I have not gotten this far yet, I can tell you what I have done in the past when faced with huge amounts of paper that totally overwhelmed me.

I would start by breaking everything down into sections, and staple each section. If there is an instruction sheet for that section, clip it to the top. I then add a blank sheet on top of that in which I write the title of that section.

It is amazing how much easier it is to tackle it once you realize that you can do one section at a time, and everything is right there together, no digging around for what you need.

It sounds like maybe you are afraid to take the next step. Just dig in and push through, you have worked too hard to give up now.

Good luck.

chiromed0 · Dec 5, 2012

It's been a couple of years for me but what I would tell you is that the CPNE study guide turned out to be my best resource. They will hold you to that standard, know that material inside out. If they try to fail you b/c of something that's not in there YOU need to know that for your defense.

I got videos for the labs and walked through it dozens of times. Took a week off of work and crammed. Since you probably have 10 months or so it's easy to procrastinate. DON'T. Know that lab stuff cold so it's not a big deal to you. I made a few mistakes (dumb ones) and had to do it over but passed. The patient care part is difficult b/c of the stress, the environment and someone watching your every move.

It's an emotional roller coaster and I am NOT an emotional person or young or uneducated. It will surprise you at times.

So I'd get on ebay, get some videos or that guy on the net (forgot his name). I would suggest do a seminar or workshop, just knowing others information first hand helped. It's an expensive test so try your best to do it only once. I had 10 or so in my group and two of us passed. Before that weekend I had never set foot in a hospital other than to visit someone. It's doable.

I wouldn't get ahead of yourself. Take one challenge at a time. The NCLEX is another monster..not b/c it's hard it's just very different and very unpredictable. So get a plan, cover the bullet points of what your supposed to know and do something every day. You need to make that mind/body connection so it becomes second nature to do some of the things. Autopilot and instinct can save you sometimes. I had to argue twice with the same nurse examiner and got her decision overturned both times to pass.

Good luck.

Nascar nurse, ASN, RN · Dec 5, 2012

I don't even "feel" like reading through that nonsense.
I'm just tired of studying,(loss my motivation)

There is no magic secret here. The best way to break this down is to start on page 1 and go steadily until you reach page __ (end of study guide). Once you do that, I suggest you reread page 1 and go steadily until you reach page ___ (end of study guide). If you still have time...it's back to page 1.

Probably last thing you want to hear but it worked for me. Passed first time and no retakes. I did drip rates on plants, chased the cat around to get her heart pumping then counted apical pulse (since I had no experience counting baby heart rates that go fast), did daily neuro assessments on my perfectly healthy kids. You gotta want this and now is not the time to give up. You've come to far. Now go hit page 1

I just gotta add...I did read the study guide cover to cover several times before my test in 2005. At the time there was a blurb in there about how someone had once failed because they dropped their pen on the floor, picked it up, then touched the patient. They failed this person on infection control procedures. I get to the test and what do you know...my pen hit the floor. I tried to subtley kick that pen under the bed and pulled my spare out of my pocket. The clinical nurse just smiled at me. Thank God I had read that part of the study guide!

joanna73, BSN, RN · Dec 5, 2012

I spent 4 days a week, 4.5 hours a day for 7 weeks with a detailed study outline pertaining to my RN exam. Read every section of the 960 page guide and then some. I passed my exam the first time with minimal difficulty. Why? I was very prepared. Do you want to succeed on your first write? If I were you, I would "feel" the material. The investment is well worth your efforts. Good luck!

N1colina · Dec 6, 2012

I know it seems like a lot to tackle, and it is! You need to read the whole study guide, because you can fail if you miss one critical element. Break it down, as someone suggested, if you have to. That will help. Also, I suggest taking a workshop if you do not work in a hospital setting. I would recommend Tina Logan's workshop in PA. She will break down all the steps to passing the CPNE, and allow you to practice everything from assessments, documentation, and each lab requirement (IV push, piggyback, SQ/IM, and sterile dressing change). She is awesome! She will really push you, and critique your every move to fully prepare you for what's ahead. I tackled the CPNE in March, 2011. Feel free to PM with any more questions! Good luck!

nursewithskills · Dec 6, 2012

Thanks everyone, I've gotten encouraged reading each reply and will enjoy reading anymore to come.

I know it's not about how I "feel" but sometimes that play a big factor in getting started.

I was so motivated with the nursing theory exams but started to lose it around the FCCA and

now just about completely lost all motivation. Mostly due to the affordability of the CPNE and amount

of pages to go through. I'm taking each advice and putting them into play. I really want to be successfull

and pass the first time and I know I can do that. Coming from work drains my energy level as well, soooo sleepy after wok.

Knowing the CPNE study guide like the back of my hand seems to be a reoccuring advice and it makes sense...

I need the kick-in-the-butt replies too

nursewithskills · Dec 6, 2012

I know it seems like a lot to tackle, and it is! You need to read the whole study guide, because you can fail if you miss one critical element. Break it down, as someone suggested, if you have to. That will help. Also, I suggest taking a workshop if you do not work in a hospital setting. I would recommend Tina Logan's workshop in PA. She will break down all the steps to passing the CPNE, and allow you to practice everything from assessments, documentation, and each lab requirement (IV push, piggyback, SQ/IM, and sterile dressing change). She is awesome! She will really push you, and critique your every move to fully prepare you for what's ahead. I tackled the CPNE in March, 2011. Feel free to PM with any more questions! Good luck!

Thank You!

I'm in PA and will look into Tina's workshop. Had no idea there was a workshop within PA.

I'll be in touch too!

joanna73, BSN, RN · Dec 6, 2012

The studying is not easy, but it's not meant to be an easy exam. If you really want this, you'll spend the time. Remember that your future is bright, AND that you need to understand these concepts to practise. I had sticky notes covering my walls and stacks of books everywhere during the entire summer of 2010. Who wants to study when the sun is shining?! Not me! But, I made the sacrifice and spent the time. Yes, I was sooo sick of all the study that I wanted to vomit. But the day that I received that congratulation letter in the mail....one of the happiest days of my life. You will soon see that too.

mrstookielpn · Dec 6, 2012

Thank You!
I'm in PA and will look into Tina's workshop. Had no idea there was a workshop within PA.
I'll be in touch too!

I am also in Pa and believe that workshop is no longer available.

N1colina · Dec 6, 2012

I am also in Pa and believe that workshop is no longer available.

Aww that's too bad! Thanks for the update though.