Need some advice on Excelsior

[Rbeck911, BSN, RN]

Hello Everyone. My name is Rob and my wife and I have been LPN's for about a year and a half. Our goal has always been to pursue our BSN but with out current circumstances of having an infant and me working full time and her part time, our best option is to do an online program. I prefer to do short bursts (makes financial sense) toward our degrees. I had planned on going through ISU for the online BSN program, but now we are looking at excelsior. Specifically, their LPN to ASN, and then would continue to BSN either there or somewhere else.

I am really looking for some advice, though. We have done online classes in the past and have succeeded no problem. We are driven individuals and intelligent enough. I have zero apprehension about doing the actual course work and tests, but the things I read about the CPNE is pretty horrifying. I have read all the reviews online here and elsewhere and try to remind myself that rip off report and complaint forums will naturally attract the failures.

Specifically, I took a job in occupational health right out the gate and am very satisfied with my job. My concern is that I haven't developed the floor skills that would be required for the CPNE. I have no doubt that I can learn them and pass, as I have been an EMT for years and regularly develop new skills on the fly. My wife works in a long term care facility, so she has that advantage.

Please post some reviews, either positive or negative, as well as any advice you have on whether or not the program is worth the risk of washing out by failing the CPNE three times. Thanks in advance!

[NotMyProblem MSN, ASN, BSN, MSN, LPN, RN]

Read my post under the link below...good luck!

https://allnurses.com/excelsior-college-online/considering-online-bridge-914889.html

I'm actually 8 weeks away from completing their BSN program. In my opinion having done both programs, their BSN program, even with all its papers (and there were no more than two per course inside the nursing program), is more doable than I found their ASN to be! Love it!!!

[Rbeck911, BSN, RN]

So I guess the big question is how did you fare on the CPNE? Did you find it to be a ridiculous death trap it is made out to be on some sites? Mind you I have no expectation of it being easy or not doing everything I can to study and prepare. Did you take a one of the prep courses that are offered? What is your advice from experience on the best way to prepare for this clinical exam?

Read my post under the link below...good luck!

https://allnurses.com/excelsior-college-online/considering-online-bridge-914889.html

I'm actually 8 weeks away from completing their BSN program. In my opinion having done both programs, their BSN program, even with all its papers (and there were no more than two per course inside the nursing program), is more doable than I found their ASN to be! Love it!!!

[NotMyProblem MSN, ASN, BSN, MSN, LPN, RN]

I had a private trainer for the CPNE, but she no longer does this. I passed the CPNE on the first attempt even though I failed the first PCS for not placing a carton of milk in the I&O section of the care plan. I recommend finding a workshop and reviewing some of those online to see how it's done, then practice, practice, practice! Also purchase the CPNE supplies for you labs for the wound kit if you can. This is optional but highly recommended. Know those critical elements as this is the correct order in which you will do your assessment. All of these step-by-step instructions are outlined in the study guide. That weekend does not come close to being as detrimental as others make it out to be, especially if you have your nerves in check. I work at a hospital, so being there was my comfort zone. I practiced at home with invisible patients and at work with real patients...they were none the wiser.

[Rbeck911, BSN, RN]

Awesome! Thanks. I have nothing factual to base this off of other than past experience with similar exams or practicals, but I think that a lot of the people who fail seem to be lazy or underachievers. Knowing myself, I will go into it well prepared and as relaxed as I can be.

Thanks for the info! I will look into work shops.

I had a private trainer for the CPNE, but she no longer does this. I passed the CPNE on the first attempt even though I failed the first PCS for not placing a carton of milk in the I&O section of the care plan. I recommend finding a workshop and reviewing some of those online to see how it's done, then practice, practice, practice! Also purchase the CPNE supplies for you labs for the wound kit if you can. This is optional but highly recommended. Know those critical elements as this is the correct order in which you will do your assessment. All of these step-by-step instructions are outlined in the study guide. That weekend does not come close to being as detrimental as others make it out to be, especially if you have your nerves in check. I work at a hospital, so being there was my comfort zone. I practiced at home with invisible patients and at work with real patients...they were none the wiser.