any medics in excelsior?

Sheri257 · May 7, 2005

The clinicals were tough in that I when I flew into Albany and if I forgot to do a critical element like wash my hands before seeing a patient, I would be sent packing.

If you're referring to CPNE, I thought they gave make up exams if you failed portions of it. Or, at least, that's what threads like these seem to indicate. This person failed part of the exam but was able to pass on a make up. It doesn't sound like they were sent packing ...

https://allnurses.com/forums/showthread.php?t=71041&page=1&pp=10&highlight=excelsior+cpne+failed

:confused:

MedicGram · May 7, 2005

True for selling yourself...ego? I think those few can speak for themselves. I think it's that para-G attitude that ruins the profession. I've run into a few, usually a newbie. After about 6 months of being 'out' more than being 'in' on a 24, they settle down.

I'm not sure if a previous post about the conventional edu vs the distant learning was directed to me but if so... Yes, I've been there and done that- with five children, on my own. All I did was work study and commute with no time or energy to whine about it. I Finished the first year with good grades and started the second year when I decided to withdraw before the deadline date and go with EC.

The reason being that, after I moved, my commute was almost 2 hours one way. sleep??? what's that? drug cards, exams, stress? I may have whined a bit but only during rush hour while I had time to talk to myself. For the most part, I used the standstill time stuck in traffic jams to study drug cards, listen to tapes, etc.,

I forgot to mention I was also caring for my infant grandson who came by emergency C-section the night before my first year finals. The program went through most of the summer.

Yes, a year of hell...but, who cares?

:beercuphe

-stay safe

Don't get me wrong- I'm sure his skills will be fine, this is the route that I am taking, but if you can't sell yourself and get a job, I guess skills don't matter. I have been around medics for 15 years and sometimes we have a problem keeping our egos in check, that's all :)

Medic2RN, BSN, RN, EMT-P · May 8, 2005

If you're referring to CPNE, I thought they gave make up exams if you failed portions of it. Or, at least, that's what threads like these seem to indicate. This person failed part of the exam but was able to pass on a make up. It doesn't sound like they were sent packing ...

I don't know what the requirements were in the 1980's, but in 2005 the CPNE consists of 5 PCSs (patient care scenerios). 2 are pedi and 3 are adults. You must pass 2 adult scenerios and 1 pediatric scenerio perfectly, otherwise, you are sent packing. You have 2 chances for peds & 3 for adult. Yes, if you do one thing incorrect, you will fail that PCS. You can always try to reschedule the 3 day exam if you fail, but that would mean you would also have to pay the testing fee again.

You mentioned that you are attending a traditional school - why are you so interested in Excelsior? I'm curious.

To the OP: if you would like any advice or suggestions about attending EC from a Firefighter/ paramedic's perspective, please feel free to PM me.

Have a good day

:balloons:

chip193 · May 8, 2005

Hi I am new to excelsior.I am starting from square one. I am working on my
prereqs right now .I will be taking my 3rd test this wed. I would like to know if there are any medics in this program? so far everyone seems to be an LPN.
I have been a medic for 17 years.Will that help me when I start my nursing
concepts.My experience is full time firefighter.Part time Cc Transport.PRN
in a level Trauma E.D.Any advice or help Tips would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Matt

Graduated 4/04...worked as a medic for 14 years prior. Now doing ER in a Level II Trauma Ctr.

It wasn't so bad to get through the program, except that the CPNE is a truly nerve racking experience! Even with EMS practical exams for the last 14 years, it still drove me nuts (and I passed all stations/patients on the first try!) - probably due to the cost pressure.

Good luck - I did it in 9 months, but wouldn't suggest going that fast unless you've really had enough of doing ambulance calls.

Chip