Kelseyj79

All in all it took me about 1.5 years to complete the program. I took and passed all the exams within 3 months. I was very pregnant when it came time to go to the CPNE (clinical portion, I had to go out of town for) so I took some time off and took the CPNE when my son was 6 months old. My application for the CPNE took about 3 months for me to get a date, I then went about 3 months after accepting the date. Good Luck! PS PM is private message! :)

I actually ended up taking the DSST Ethics in America instead of one of EC's exams. It was not bad at all. I studied for about 3 weeks and passed with flying colors. The only thing I used to study was flashcards online at instantcert.com. I HIGHLY recommend this site if this is the route you choose. Good Luck!!

I just graduated from Excelsior a couple of months ago and am currently studying for NCLEX-RN. I, like you, have a full time job and a family with a small child and couldnt find the time to attend school. This was a great choice for me. You have to be self motivated to be successfull since its all self paced. There is no online class to speak of. The college provides you with the study guide, then its up to you to learn the material, you then go to a testing center and take their exams. The college network and Rue both only supply you with materials to pass Excelsior tests. I did not sign up with either, I purchased materials off of Ebay. (saved $$$$ doing this) I also HIGHLY reccomend purchasing Excelsior practice tests. PM me if you have any other questions about the program. Like I said it was the best choice for my family and I. Before begining this program you need to check with your state board of nursing to verify that they do indeed except Excelsior's degree. There are a handful of states that wont or that require you to have worked for so many hours elsewhere prior to getting licensed. Good Luck!!

Question for LPN's who have taken NCLEX RN...what did you think? How much more difficult was the NCLEX RN compared to the PN test? Did working as a LPN help or hinder when it came to testing? I have been a LPN for 3 years in a busy ER and am taking the NCLEX RN is a few weeks. Starting to get a little nervous. Getting a little worried that my real life experience might actually hurt me while testing. Wanted to see what others thought about going from a LPN to RN.

I took DSST's Ethics in America to complete my humanities requirement. I highly recommend checking out instantcert.com, this is a great website full of other students who are either cleping or taking DSST. The posters on there are full of info and will share notes and tips. Also for a small fee you can access instantcert's flashcards, these are GREAT!! I only used the study materials from this website and passed with flying colors!! Good Luck!!

What do you guys think? Which one is easier? Im not saying I think either one will be a piece of cake but this is all I need to graduate and would really hate to fail and delay graduating. Wanted to get back feedback on both tests and material. Ive already started looking at the ethics material and....its looks SCARY!!! Thanks All!

Thanks everyone! Its been a week and Im still in the clouds! Nursestyle1- I tested at St Mary's in Madison both times. GREAT site! Cool town (Its a college town so lots to do and see after the CPNE), beautiful hospital and I couldnt say enough good things about the CA and CE's there. They were fantastic, really pulling for you and wanting you to pass. Dont get me wrong, they are tough but fair. Good Luck to you!

Wow!! Im still in post CPNE shock. Cant believe its over. I tested last August and was unsuccessful and it haunted me every day until last weekend. It took alot of guts and courage for me to go back and face that monster of an exam again but I did. And I am glad I did it!! Its a great feeling to be almost done with my RN.

Thank you all for your kind words, prayers and thoughts. However I was unsuccessful for my CPNE. My nerves took over and the things I failed on where things I knew inside and out. I do know that when I go back (and I will be going back!) I will conquer this beast of a test. I dont think I will try again until after my baby has arrived. Yes, I took this high stress test while pregnant!! Which I think added to my high emotions that weekend!! Thanks again for everyones messages, it really means alot. I wish nothing but the best for all of you!

I leave tomorrow for my CPNE. Im a little nervous but not too bad. I just want it to be over with already. All of this waiting is killing me. Anyway, I was going to study, study, study today but then I thought "really if I dont know it by now there is no point." So Im just relaxing, getting things ready to leave and am planning a nice relaxing evening with my husband. I could really use to positive thinking, prayers, calming vibes whatever anyone can send my way. Hopefully I will be posting on Sunday that I was sucessful....

(Warning: the following post is a little bit of a freak out, proceed with caution) I cant believe its almost here. I feel pretty prepared. Ive read and re-read the study guide, I know my mnemonics inside and out, went to a workshop (and it was worth every penny), Practiced my labs to the point I think I could do them in my sleep, read the EPN (obsessivley) every day and I have sent several care plan/charting reviews to Dr. A. Whew!! Now I dont know what to do. I know that sounds silly and I should just keep going over all of it some more but part of me needs to "move foward" Can anybody think of something I should be doing or something I need to read to help me prepare anymore? Does it sound like Im on the right path to CPNE sucess???????? TIA Kelly

So I know that I am probably over thinking the whole CPNE process so please bare with me on this one. Was anyone assigned other areas of care like foley cath placement, straight cath placement, wound care etc? Im just trying to fully prepare myself for my fast approaching CPNE. Thanks!!

I applied April 5, 2009 and already have a date!! I received an email last night that my date would be July 17. Can you believe that? Three months after applying!! Needless to say due to work scheduling I couldnt take it. Called them this morning and changed it to August 21-23 in Madison WI. I cant wait for it all to be done!! Its so close I can taste it!! What does everyone think of Saint Marys in Madison WI?

I used studyguide 101 for this test and passed after 2 weeks of studying!!! Just too boring couldnt handle it much longer than that! Good Luck

CONGRATS!!! I am so incredibly happy for you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!