CMLPNnowRN

Hi Megan! I answered you from my email last night (in response to the one you sent to my private email :) Let me know if you didn't get it :)

Ashimluv, Let us know how you do :) Study hard, be prepared, take hold of your nerves and you will succeed!!! All the best to you! Claudia

Hi Rozdem, My main resource was the manual. I read it over and over and over again... I don't care for mneumonics. I feel that for me it's just one more thing to memorize. So, I wrote out all the AOC's in order in a way that would be easy to memorize, step by step, and read it, read it, read it. I also recorded those AOC's on my iPhone and listened to my own voice saying each one of them over, and over, and over. I would get a piece of paper and write them countless times each day (from memory). I timed myself doing that and wouldn't allow myself to take longer than 5-10 minutes to write everything down (all AOC's). If I didn't know those as the back of my hand I would have failed the exam. Speed is a big deal when you're testing, because there is so much to do and think about... you can't waste time trying to remember your AOC's and what comes after what. Knowing those steps by heart was key for me to move fast and even still, for my last patient, I almost ran out of time. I researched Rob's materials but didn't feel like they would work for me nor were they accurate (I don't know if other updated materials came up since I tested). I used Excelsior boards like you're doing, the "Let's Conquer the CPNE Beast Together" group on Facebook, and Sheri Taylor's online workshop. I didn't participate in any live workshops (Excelsior's or Sheri's). I simply couldn't take time off work to travel or spend any extra money whatsoever. I feel like if I hadn't used Sheri I probably wouldn't have passed. I didn't fully grasp the lab stations and how to actually do each one until I watched her videos covering them. I kept reading the description on the manual but couldn't quite visualize them, especially the IVPB. Anyway, just that would have been worth it for me, but I also made use of her expertise with care plans and her willingness to discuss each one with me. She corrects them super-quickly and her feedback helps you to see the big picture and avoid certain common mistakes and think on your feet, because as I said, you must be quick with your planning phase when testing. You have to be able to have certain care plans mapped out in your brain and sort of memorized in order not to waste time on test day. I did have a mock lab set up and practiced every single day, over and over again. I also used a big teddy bear as my patient (sometimes used my children too :) and I would make up a whole POC from beginning to end, and do the whole thing (including planning and writing the care plan), and I would time myself. I can't think of anything else right now, but feel free to email me directly if you think of any specific questions: [email protected] All the best to you! Blessings, Claudia

Hi Shulliekendrick!Thank you! You're so sweet :)Pray, pray, pray... I definitely couldn't have it done without my Lord!As far as the FCCA, I can't help you there, since mine was on paper :(Blessings to you as you move forward!

Hi Jerez01!I'm in Florida and, at the time, hoping for a spot in Naples. After waiting for longer that I wanted to and being advised by Excelsior that wait time might still be out 7 months for Naples, I chose Grady for being the one closest to me after Naples.

Hi Mimi!I apologize to all... I actually gave "half" of the group's name... Lol!Correct name is "Let's Conquer the CPNE Beast Together".Just log in to FB and search for the group. If I remember correctly, it's an open group, but if it isn't, just send a friend request to the group and Amy (the one who started the group a few years ago) will add you on. PM me if you have trouble and I will help you figure it out :)Blessings!Claudia

You're so welcome!I wouldn't spend any money on travel expenses just to take the workshop. The online version will give the confidence you need :)

I took it in May. Look up my post about it under "articles".Blessings to you!Claudia

Sorry for the weird-formatted post... Tried to fix it, but couldn't... Not sure what's going on

Hi RTFisher!I felt exactly the same way with the SG until a took Sheri Taylor's online workshop. I couldn't afford to travel to Atlanta for the hands on workshop, but I like to study on my own anyway, so the online one was perfect for me. It was definitely a determinant factor in my passing the first time. Check it out at cpneworkshop.comBlessings to you as you prepare and pass this monster exam!ClaudiaPS: another great source of info was a Facebook group called "Let's Conquer the Beast"... Check it out. Many people there are on the EC board and are also former students of Sheri's (she and Greg - her assistant - are very active in that group giving tips and answering questions)

Thank you both for taking the time to answer :)I'm really excited about getting back to hospice nursing and hopefully this will be a good experience.Blessings!

Wow! No responses?! Anybody from another state willing to give any input? Thanks!

Hi everyone!As my username indicates I'm an RN now (graduated a few months ago), but have close to 10 years of experience as LPN, including hospital, ambulatory surgery, clinical research, home health, and hospice. Hospice has always been my passion since LPN school, and as an LPN I've done mainly crisis care (about 3 yrs experience).I still work PRN with clinical research, but want to get back to hospice. I just interviewed with a local hospice. They were willing to offer me a CM FT position, but i declined not just due to commitment of hours (small children, etc) but I told them I think it would be prudent to work as an RN first, doing visits, admissions, etc, to experience that mindset and skills as opposed to the one i have doing CC as LPN.They cross-train for regular visits, admissions, and crisis care. According to them, they have 2 oncall nurses who only take calls.I'm a bit unsure about pay... They offered 25/hr (this is PRN, so no benes) plus mileage.Do you all think this is fair pay? I'm excited beyond measure! I love hospice and for me it's a ministry, not just a job. But I was just wondering if they're taking advantage of me for being a new RN and in love with the specialty.What are your thoughts? About pay and about transitioning slowly into case management?Thank you so much!

It was the RN :)... I need to change my username now

Just wanted to say THANK YOU to all those who helped me with this journey, with your posts, answers, and prayers. Excelsior is a very hard program, but I'm proof that it can be done.It took me about a year for all nursing courses (except the one they used to give credit for if you were an LPN), A&P, Micro, Dev Psych, FCCA. Another 3 or 4 months for CPNE and NCLEX. I already had a BA so didn't have all the other pre-reqs to do. I worked full time for the majority of this time, then cut my hours when it was time for CPNE and NCLEX. I also continued homeschooling my girls throughout this ordeal.Took my NCLEX this past Monday, shut off at 75 questions. Excelsior does prepare you for it. It was hard, but nothing compared to the CPNE. Today, I'm proud to say I'm a Registered Nurse! Thank you Jesus!Keep at it, guys!!! YOU CAN DO THIS!!!Blessings!Claudia