Massachusetts nurse needs help!

Editorial Team / Moderator · May 29, 2016

I moved your post to the Excelsior College forum to ensure maximum responses.

First, the CPNE is doable. I did it in 2008 and passed on my first try. Do you really want to discard all your hard work and progress because you have read negative stories about an exam?

Here are some links to other programs. You'll have to check to see if they are accepted in your state.

An Online LPN to RN Program at Allegany College of Maryland

LPN to RN Online Bridge | Hutchinson Community College

LPN-BS track - BS | College of Health and Human Services

emtpbill, ASN, RN, EMT-P · May 29, 2016

While I haven't reached the point of taking the CPNE yet, I think you're letting your nerves get the best of you. When you started excelsior you knew the end point of excelsiors program was the CPNE and now that it is approaching your just psyching yourself out.

I really think you are short changing yourself. At least finish excelsior and try the CPNE. What's the worse that can happen, your fear of failing comes true and you have two more chances. But what's the best outcome? You graduate and are eligible to take the NCLEX-RN.

KrissyG · May 29, 2016

From one green eyed nurse to another. I take the CPNE very soon and while I am trying not to psyche myself up too much, I have good and bad days. I have been through a lot in the seven years I have been working at this and I see a beautiful end in sight, most of the time. Sometimes I see a crash and burn, but it wouldn't be the end of the world. I will still live, be loved by the people that love me and I will try again.

I know that many have gone before us and if they can do it so can we. Don't you think? I have been studying and practicing for months, some days I feel like I know exactly what I am doing and some days I think my brain is on vacation. I encourage you to keep trying and research all avenues of help that are out there. Today I think I'm going to pass and I think when your time comes you will too.

Please don't give up.

RNBearColumbus, BSN · May 29, 2016

One and a half years ago I was EXACTLY where you are now. I had one exam left, then the FCCA, and finally the CPNE. And I was scared %$#&less about taking the CPNE. But I told myself that I had come this far, and that I wasn't going to let my fear of the unknown keep me from becoming a registered nurse. I was determined that I would study what I needed to know to pass, and that when I got to the CPNE, I would show them that I was able to function as a new RN. I realized that I was my biggest enemy when it came to the CPNE. I could either let my fears get the better of me, or I could prepare as well as I could and defeat that beast of a test.

So now here I am, a year and a half later, looking at my EC diploma, and taking the NCLEX-Rn in one week.

The CPNE is doable. It takes study and practice, but it can be done. I passed it on my first try, and so have a lot of others. Don't let the negative things you read on line freak you out and keep you from completing your education and becoming a RN. You've come this far, don't let fear stop you now.

MedicFireRN · May 30, 2016

The CPNE is totally doable. I also passed on my first attempt in July of last year. I'm working in the ED as an RN now and I LOVE it. The stress of the CPNE was so worth it. Just think of everything you've taught yourself by self-studying so far to pass all those exams! How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time. Finishing with EC is the same way. Take your last theory exam, then take the FCCAs, THEN worry about CPNE- and even then, take it one critical element at a time.