Preparing for the cpne via Excelsior ADN Program

Nursing Students Excelsior

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So I am almost done with A&P1. Next is 2 then 4 more pre reqs. Question: what should I expect and how should I prepare as much as possible for the cpne?

My hospital is having a shortage of RNs so they have an externship where you can be hired for the summer and paid as a RN student nurse 1. After the summer, they keep you as you finish school. The problem, you have to have had at least done medsurg clinicals! Well how does that work when your online and clinicals are last vs ongoing like in the traditional programs.

If I double classes starting in phase 1, I will be done by next fall. How can I prepare for the floor?🤔

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

It's a non-traditional program for people who are already healthcare providers of some type — it simply does not align with traditional program milestones.

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Specializes in EMT since 92, Paramedic since 97, RN and PHRN 2021.

Sounds like you are doing the classes instead of testing out, which is completely fine and up to you. You can just take the tests by studying on your own and knock them out as fast as you are comfortable doing. From what i have read in the student handbook, you can take up to 4 classes be 8 week semester. By doing that you can knock all of phase 1 and phase 2 within a traditional school semester. Once you're done with those you can take the FCCA. After you pass that then you can register for the CPNE. I also believe there may be a 6-9 month waiting list for the CPNE, unless you can get an earlier date from someone cancelling.

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@emtpbill thank you for the break down. I'm gonna take my time and master the info I need to learn. I want to get into the CCU. In a few years I want to travel. I have office experience, ltc, and hh. I need that hospital experience to be around less stable people. My concern is not passing the cpne. It sounds tough. Thanks again!

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Sounds like you are doing the classes instead of testing out, which is completely fine and up to you. You can just take the tests by studying on your own and knock them out as fast as you are comfortable doing. From what i have read in the student handbook, you can take up to 4 classes be 8 week semester. By doing that you can knock all of phase 1 and phase 2 within a traditional school semester. Once you're done with those you can take the FCCA. After you pass that then you can register for the CPNE. I also believe there may be a 6-9 month waiting list for the CPNE, unless you can get an earlier date from someone cancelling.

For the nursing courses, you are only allowed to take no more than two per trimester. Either two in one 8 week period or one per 8 week. But it can't exceed two nursing classes in the entire sixteen weeks. (Not sure if I'm making any sense). The reason being (per the advisor), since the nursing courses have a wait list, one student being registered 4 four classes at a time takes away from other students who are trying to get a spot. If it's doable for the OP, maybe you can try to do a combination of courses and exams to try to be done quicker.

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Specializes in EMT since 92, Paramedic since 97, RN and PHRN 2021.

Gotcha, I am one week away from completing my general Ed classes and am gonna start popping away at the tests. I read that for classes it was 4 per but I guess that only applies to general classes and not nursing specifically.

Thanks for the correction! [emoji106]

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