I'm fairly new to this site, being this is my 2nd post. I'm in a bind and any advice offered would be fully appreciated. I completed 3/4 semesters of an associate's nursing program but b/c I failed the final by a few points, I cannot progress to my last and final semester. So now I'm on a waiting list to get back in and repeat the course. But who knows how long I have to wait. This is why I'm asking what to do in the meantime instead of wasting a semester. I've considered:
1. Calling other nursing schools but I would have to start all over again and is a waste of time and money. That would be last option.
2. An expensive 11-month LPN program. But does this mean I going backwards? I know if I do very well, it will be easier to bridge to an LPN-RN program.
3. Excelsior Program: I've considered this because a) I have so many credits but no degree to show for it, & b) I qualify b/c I've completed 50% of the RN program. My main concern and fear is the CPNE. I've been reading the posts of students failing for not slowing down the IV push, not microwaving Jell-O. This is a very expensive exam and would hate to fail for any little thing. I've read the workshops are very helpful and the CDs/DVDs from former students are great too. Is it really possible to pass the CPNE with little training? I work as a nurse tech and have worked as a home health aide. The skills I know of are the ones taught in nursing school. Can someone please break down what was asked of you each day when you did the CPNE?
I would wait and get back into your current program.. by the time you did do EC, it would be about 1-1.5 years until your done (I believe you have to take all the nursing concept exams regardless of how much school you have completed). I just passed the CPNE earlier this month. It was worth it for me but if I were you, I would wait on your current program.
I'm going to the school this afternoon to find out how long of a wait. It could be 1 or 2 semesters, who knows. I want to get things moving quickly b/c I do have children and plan on having more. I only work every other weekend and my weekdays are free until the kids come home from school.
AFQN, if you got back into the program, was it suppose to be in this semester, then you graduate in May 2009? Haven't you missed a couple of weeks in class? Will they make you wait till Jan 2010? Just curious because it will probably take you 1 yr to complete the EC program due to the wait but if you really want it and don't mind spending 5-8 grand on the program then I would call EC and get the ball rolling. I took eack test about evey 2-3 weeks. The information is probably still fresh so you could have the test done by June or earlier if you start now. The careplans are wriiten during the planning phase of the CPNE. You have to write two of them with 2 interventions. The EC careplans come straight from Mosbys book. They will be wriiten way simplier than in RN school. There are alot of resources out there to help you pass the CPNE. Lynn Fredrick has a great video on how to do the labs and and Rob has a great video showing you how to do the areas of care. The grid is like a table that you draw on the back of your paper work during the CPNE that you write your mnemonics on to keep you organized when you are with the patient. Again,I understand the pressure of nursing school so whatever you decide we will support you and root you on.In no way is EC an easy alternative but if you have to wait another year and you have the money then it may be a good alternative. Are you eligible to take the NCLEX-PN? Keep us posted and keep bugging them at your school.
I'm in the evening program, so classes started on Monday, Jan 26th. Because I missed a couple of points on the final, I would have to repeat the 3rd semester. So if I were to be in this semester, I would graduate in Dec. 2009 instead of May. I didn't get a call or a letter telling me I could continue, so I don't know how long I'm supposed to wait. That is why I asked for advice on taking an 11-month LPN program or doing Excelsior. I am not eligible to take the NCLEX-PN b/c I'm not an LPN student. At one time in NYS, if one completed 3 semesters of a nursing program, he/she was eligible to sit for the NCLEX-PN, but that was eradicated, I think, in 2006. I have all my nursing books and NCLEX-RN review books so I guess it doesn't make sense on buying the recommended books, right? Same reading material. Unless I go to the library and borrow them.
So for the CPNE, the only thing we bring is the Mosby's book, right?
I'm in the evening program, so classes started on Monday, Jan 26th. Because I missed a couple of points on the final, I would have to repeat the 3rd semester. So if I were to be in this semester, I would graduate in Dec. 2009 instead of May. I didn't get a call or a letter telling me I could continue, so I don't know how long I'm supposed to wait. That is why I asked for advice on taking an 11-month LPN program or doing Excelsior. I am not eligible to take the NCLEX-PN b/c I'm not an LPN student. At one time in NYS, if one completed 3 semesters of a nursing program, he/she was eligible to sit for the NCLEX-PN, but that was eradicated, I think, in 2006. I have all my nursing books and NCLEX-RN review books so I guess it doesn't make sense on buying the recommended books, right? Same reading material. Unless I go to the library and borrow them.
So for the CPNE, the only thing we bring is the Mosby's book, right?
I brought the Mosbys and a drug book to look up meds. Along with Pens, pencils, calculator.
Did you go to any workshops or did you strictly stick with the videos, reading materials, and practicing skills?
I went to a workshop(will not name) but I wish I would have went to EC's worshop. I hear it is great and all information comes from the horses mouth. I also bought Robbs video and anything else I could get my hands on. I also set up a lab in my home and took EC online Documentation and careplanning conferences.
I finished pretty quickly, too, and I also had to take an extra nursing exam because I wasn't an LPN. I studied at least four days/week. I seriously had my nose in a book or study guide all the time. Plus I listened to audio study guides while commuting, which comes out to another 6 hours of study each week. It was pretty intense. My poor husband suffered much neglect, I'm afraid.
Thank you all your responses. I just got back from school and the reason why I haven't heard anything is b/c the committee hasn't met yet and is a loooong process and then I would have to wait for an open seat if they give me the ok. I've decided to go with plan B and do the Excelsior program. I will start filling out the application and have my transcritps sent out. You guys have given me much hope and I appreciate all the advice and support. I hope to do this program within a year. The economy is getting too rough and I need a stable job. One never knows what can happen down the road. It's depressing to see how many people are laid off. I know there is a hiring freeze in most of the hospitals here but at least I will have a degree that could take me anywhere.
changeofpaceRN
545 Posts
I would wait and get back into your current program.. by the time you did do EC, it would be about 1-1.5 years until your done (I believe you have to take all the nursing concept exams regardless of how much school you have completed). I just passed the CPNE earlier this month. It was worth it for me but if I were you, I would wait on your current program.