Most Difficult CPNE Skill...

[leeae85]

Hello all, I was wondering if those who have taken the CPNE can share what the most difficult skills they had to perform while being tested?

And, if they have ever been through a DHEC survey were someone watches them, is this what the CPNE feels like?

Thanks in advance!:wink2:

[Lunah, MSN, RN]

What's most difficult for one student won't necessarily be difficult for another ... this is because we're unique students in that we all have some sort of healthcare background. With that being said, a lot of people fail the lab stations, but I felt that those were the easiest part because they're just like the tests I do every year as a paramedic, and did initially to pass the national registry paramedic exam (there's about 12 stations for that test). I thought the Patient Care Situations (PCSs) were more challenging because they were the unknown -- you can't really practice for a patient you've never met! But you can practice the lab stations and master them far in advance. But I practiced the areas of care on a dummy in my spare room, so I felt pretty prepared.

Honestly, I don't think any of it was difficult, per se ... the exam itself is difficult because it's long and exacting and stressful. But nothing you're asked to do is invasive or difficult, really ... basic nursing management and assessments.

Wow, that was a long answer, and probably more wordy that you wanted. LOL. Sorry, I finally got a good night's sleep after 7 days of working or my ER fellowship, so I'm feeling AWAKE!

[SuesquatchRN, BSN, RN]

Actually, everyone I know who has blown it in the skills lab, including me, has done it on IV push.

[ivanh3]

Hello all, I was wondering if those who have taken the CPNE can share what the most difficult skills they had to perform while being tested?

And, if they have ever been through a DHEC survey were someone watches them, is this what the CPNE feels like?

Thanks in advance!:wink2:

As far as the skills lab went, I felt the wound station was the hardest. Coordination kind of thing. For the PCS the hardest thing I had to do was give a med down the G-tube which I had never done before. That was scary and no fun, but I did it. Just depends on the person like Lunah said.

Ivan

[pielęgniarka, RN]

I felt the hardest skill was staying calm in a stressful environment.

And yes I likened it to DHEC survey except worse because it's your money on the line :-)

Hello all, I was wondering if those who have taken the CPNE can share what the most difficult skills they had to perform while being tested?

And, if they have ever been through a DHEC survey were someone watches them, is this what the CPNE feels like?

Thanks in advance!:wink2:

[ougreene]

well i would not say they were difficult skills, they all are very basic nursing skills, that prove competency....

however to complete the task in the timeframe given, i would say the "iv push" skill took me almost the full allowed time of 15 minutes...i believe i had one minute to spare....

practice practice practice....skills kit really helped me..

gail:d

[Melinurse]

For me the most difficult part was controlling my nerves. My hands were shaking so bad it made performing the skills difficult. :chuckle The skills are for the most part basic, but having someone staring at you and watching your every move was a bit un-nerving to say the least. Just remember, the CEs want to see you pass. Most of them are very sorry to have to someone. ( I used to work at a test site ) Keep your cool. Think positive. Know that the CE is not watching & waiting to fail you. ( they really are neutral ):smokin:It is definately a very stressful time. Breathe.

Most of all, be sure to practice and know your critical elements.:up:Good luck.

[billythekid]

the skills station that I was most apprehensive about was the sterile wound station. Not the most difficult skill in the world, but you have to be careful not to graze the edge of the wound, and yet not be too conservative and neglect to pack the edges. In my group that tested the same weekend, I think one person failed the wound station, but then subsequently passed it on the Sunday re-test.

[Dr. Tammy, FNP/GNP-C]

Hello all, I was wondering if those who have taken the CPNE can share what the most difficult skills they had to perform while being tested?

And, if they have ever been through a DHEC survey were someone watches them, is this what the CPNE feels like?

Thanks in advance!:wink2:

I screwed up on the dressing change station and had to repeat the next day. Once I tossed the soiled dressing into the paper bag, I only folded the paper bag twice--not the critical three times which would have prevented the earth from ending.

All in all, they are pretty much monkey skills. The tough gig, at least for me, was having MSN and doctorate prepared nurses with clip boards watching every move I made. Amazing how 2 1/2 days can feel like three months.

[it's hot in phoenix]

I believe the "hardest" one was the skills lab, not because it was difficult, it's only because it's the first thing you have to do and you dont know what to expect, did it without repeat, but the nerves was a huge issue to control :eek:. After that, I was much more comfortable taking care of patients :up:

[anniemm]

For me it was the wording of care plans. Got me the first time around. But I learned that for my interventions I need to write what I "will" do, not what I did.

[txspadequeenRN, BSN, RN]

i would imagine the wound station and just like i thought i am having trouble packing this wound. i find little parts of the gauze touching the skin and am working real hard to fill the entire wound bed up. if i a having trouble at home with this i can just imagine what it will be like when i'm under fire...