losing motivation and confidence :(

Baloney Amputation, BSN, LPN, RN · Jan 28, 2009

It is certainly okay to take a break. I would encourage you to do so, really! You don't want to wear yourself out, which will cause this lull in motivation you are having. Please don't stress about the CPNE right now, either. You just try as best as you can to focus on the test you are on. Even though I failed the CPNE this weekend, the parts that I thought were going to be horrid were anything but! The devil is in the details, but it's not the details of being a supernurse with tons of experience. It's certainly a passable test, but even though it's hard, try not to do that to yourself...yet. However, if you are seriously considering your local LPN-RN program, take a break from EC for a little bit--even a couple of weeks--and think hard about it. However, if it's simply because of this recent stress that you are considering the change, it may not be worth it. I hope you take a breather for a little while! :)

Editorial Team / Moderator · Jan 28, 2009

I never had floor experience, Kelsey -- I'm a paramedic, and I was an ER tech for almost 4 years before finishing EC. Like my favorite Apple said, the CPNE is passable/do-able.

HOWEVER! You sound like there is waaaay too much on your plate. I think you need a break -- if you can't look at a book even with your tests looming, your brain is probably overloaded. My advice -- reschedule your tests for AFTER the wedding. It is better to postpone an exam than to go in and fail it, and have to wait to retest and pay all over again. I'm not normally one to advocate active procrastination, but it's not like you're sitting on your behind at home, eating bon-bons and watching the soaps. *hugs* Hang in there!

changeofpaceRN · Jan 28, 2009

I too think you might have too much on your plate. Planning a wedding is very fun yet stressful in itself and if I were you, I would enjoy these last few weeks (the wedding goes so fast you want to remember these details:D). Applying for the CPNE at the end of Feb instead the beginning of March won't make that big of a difference in the long run especially with the option of a cancellation date. Good luck with it all. The CPNE is doable~ I just passed it earlier this month and I don't think it requires floor nursing to pass. You have people skills and have worked with meds, MARS, and charting so that puts you at an advantage IMO.

Melinurse · Jan 28, 2009

I never had floor experience, Kelsey -- I'm a paramedic, and I was an ER tech for almost 4 years before finishing EC. Like my favorite Apple said, the CPNE is passable/do-able.
HOWEVER! You sound like there is waaaay too much on your plate. I think you need a break -- if you can't look at a book even with your tests looming, your brain is probably overloaded. My advice -- reschedule your tests for AFTER the wedding. It is better to postpone an exam than to go in and fail it, and have to wait to retest and pay all over again. I'm not normally one to advocate active procrastination, but it's not like you're sitting on your behind at home, eating bon-bons and watching the soaps. *hugs* Hang in there![/quote
Some really good advise there. Does sound like too much on the plate. I would definately reschedule for after the wedding. The CPNE can be done like Lunah said, even without " floor " experience. You may want to find a RN there who is willing to show you how to do some things and give you some tips on clinical skills you need for the CPNE, like showing you how she/he does packs a wound or gives a med IV push, etc.

SuesquatchRN, BSN, RN · Jan 28, 2009

ReLAX!

Frankly, I would schedule an exam for after the wedding. What, you get married and all the synapses in your brain short out and you can't pass another test?

Cobweb · Jan 28, 2009

I had a bit of a rough patch like that and what I had to do was narrow myself down. Just do One Thing At A Time. Don't think about CPNE. Don't think about any tests ahead of you. Don't even think about this test. Think only about the subject you are studying today. Break your tasks into bite-size pieces and don't think about the next piece until you've swallowed this one :) That worked for me. And take a break. You won't learn anything when you are so overwhelmed anyway. Mark a vacation on your calendar and don't look at your books until you are scheduled to. Hope that helps!

You can do this!

Kelseyj79 · Jan 29, 2009

Thanks All!! I really appreciate all of your kind words and advice. I really am starting to wear myself thin. I think Im just a little too determined to finish my RN soon.(and now Im paying for it.) I think my body is forcing me to slow down cause now Im sick! Urrrgggghhhhh......

Thanks again, you guys are great!!!!

helicoptergal, BSN, RN · Jan 29, 2009

I Ditto everyones great advice. Truly scheduling the CPNE within a month will not have a big change on when you get scheduled. There is a 6-9 month wait. And depending on your flexibility you can get on a wait list or cancel day and test sooner. And relaxation is definitely a prerequisite to the CPNE. Congrats on your wedding!!!!!

Raggedy Ann · Jan 30, 2009

Good Luck to you with all of your endeavors. Enjoy your wedding. It is such a special time and you need to be able to cherish these memories. The CPNE will still be waiting for you. Traci