New here with a few questions

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Hello........ I am currently and LPN (have been for 10 years) and I am seriously wanting to start an accelerated RN program or go through Excelsior. There is a program where I live for just 11 months but the price is very high, and I would still have to work full time. My sister just graduated from Excelsior last fall. I have been reading some of the posts about the CPNE and it terrifies me! That is what I am most worried about. A friend from work is doing the program now and she said she would give me her books (chancellors) when she was done with them for 25 bucks a piece. I actually started studying one of them already! I have to start from scratch, however. The only thing I have under my belt is eng comp. Thats it. I know excelsior takes CLEP exams which are a lot cheaper. Has anyone done the CLEP exams and which ones from their list would you recommend or is appropriate for the Excelsior program and where do you get the books to study those? I know I really like nursing but I am ready to move on and spread my wings and have more opportunities. Any input would be appreciated THANKS!

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Specializes in Med/Surg Nurse, Homecare, Visiting Nurse.

Hey, welcome. Here you would get all the information you need you can start by searching through the threads. CLEP whatever you can, set deadlines...you (we) can do this. Good luck.

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I would spend $65 to apply and you will be told precisely what you will need.

It's really the way to go, IMHO.

I failed the CPNE, BTW. My nerves did me right in. That was the last week of May. I am taking it again on 8/1 - 8/3. Just know that that's a year away, AND that you already have the requisite skills. The only thing that you won't have done already is an IV push.

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Specializes in LTC, case mgmt, agency.

:wlcmghrt:I think it is awesome that you have someone close by to help you out. We all freak out a bit when it comes to the CPNE.I passed mine with no repeats. However, I should say, I was SCARED TO DEATH!!! OMG! Anyways, CLEP exam when you can and use this forum and sticky threads from other nursing student sites here. :up: Lots of wonderful people here with great support and always ready, willing and able to answer questions.:spnngwlcm:

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Well since you already know that the only GE you have is English, let me suggest that you Clep Human Development and Sociology instead of taking them through EC. Best of luck in your choices.

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not iv certfiied either......didnt have it when i went to school but after watching so many be inserted i could probably do it! :)

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Thanks for the replies...... I am thinking about doing cleps....... also the humanities too which is 6 credits, which i m hoping is equivelant to the 3 and 3 you need in humanities and humanities core from EC. SO much cheaper. Wishing you the best suesquatch on your next try!

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Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.
not iv certfiied either......didnt have it when i went to school but after watching so many be inserted i could probably do it! :)

Don't worry -- you won't have to actually start an IV on a patient at the CPNE. The closest you get to IV anything on a live patient is to hang an IV med (piggyback/minibag), or perhaps to flush a saline lock with some normal saline. The IV push is done at a lab station on a dummy arm. :)

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Specializes in Trauma/ER.

Lunah,

I am a respiratory therapist so the whole Iv thing really bugs me out because even though I've seen them I've actually not done them in my line of work. I already know how to draw labs and give injections but no Iv experience. Do you recommend anything?

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Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.

I have a lot of IV experience, but one thing I can think of -- Taylor's Guide to Nursing Skills, the student CD-ROM. It's 17 CDs that cover basic nursing skills, including IVs, meds, g-tubes, and all kinds of fun stuff. :) I bought mine used on buy.com: http://www.buy.com/prod/taylor-s-video-guide-to-clinical-nursing-skills-student-set-on-cd-rom/q/loc/106/203243268.html

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I found EC to be the least expensive choice for me, and the most convenient. You need the self-discipline to do it. You have your sister, which should be a BIG help. And, you have 10 years! of LPN, right? That is what i needed, the clinical. I didn't have it and passed the CPNE with no repeats, so... if i could, you can!

I've posted my story elsewhere on this site (search under my name) and i think it cost me $6000 and 3 years. Go for it.:twocents:

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