Ready For The CPNE

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Specializes in EMT-P, RN.

So at long last, I've passed both of EC's FCCA's. I took them separately because I really didn't have the time to dedicate to both consecutively. They certainly were NOT easy, but the sense of accomplishment is definitely welcomed. Now...the real game begins.

I qualify for the CPNE. After reading about it, I'm a bit demoralized. Not only is it a one year wait, but it costs almost $2,300 plus travel and lodging. Ouch. Major ouch. I do live on Long Island, though, so traveling to Albany or Orange Regional shouldn't be that hard. But I can't help but feel that I'm simply not ready for this. I've been a paramedic for 10 years and changing mental gears from medic to nurse for a hands-on exam is not an easy task because I'm conditioned to act independently for my patients without being told and without pause. My mind is racing over how hard this is going to be and I don't know what to think. Is it really as bad as people say?

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Specializes in Dialysis RN.

Yes! It is hard. Believe it. BUT, it is doable. Excelsior will provide you with videos and town hall meetings of what they expect of you for your Medication Lab checkoffs on Friday and then the next two days with direct patient care (20 minute checks, AOCs, etc.) Remember your patient safety (including clean hands and identifying patient with each interaction). Practice those videos regularly and ask questions while you wait. Then you will pass. You got this. ?

25 minutes ago, Medic6940 said:

So at long last, I've passed both of EC's FCCA's. I took them separately because I really didn't have the time to dedicate to both consecutively. They certainly were NOT easy, but the sense of accomplishment is definitely welcomed. Now...the real game begins.

I qualify for the CPNE. After reading about it, I'm a bit demoralized. Not only is it a one year wait, but it costs almost $2,300 plus travel and lodging. Ouch. Major ouch. I do live on Long Island, though, so traveling to Albany or Orange Regional shouldn't be that hard. But I can't help but feel that I'm simply not ready for this. I've been a paramedic for 10 years and changing mental gears from medic to nurse for a hands-on exam is not an easy task because I'm conditioned to act independently for my patients without being told and without pause. My mind is racing over how hard this is going to be and I don't know what to think. Is it really as bad as people say?

1
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Medic6940,

Follow CPNE Slayers, a group on Facebook of many students who are currently in your position. its worth it.

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Specializes in Home Health, PDN, LTC, subacute.

I understand the fear. I was CPNE eligible for a while. I went to a bootcamp and all the students there had failed and regaled me with horror stories. It took me a while to get up the nerve to register, but I practiced all the time and passed a year to the day I went to the bootcamp!

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I wish the wait times weren't that long. Maybe ec should try to contract with rural hospitals and do the cpne 5 days a week? I'm not sure what is going on with the wait times and testing sites... just a suggestion and my :twocents:

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On ‎3‎/‎12‎/‎2019 at 9:43 AM, Medic6940 said:

So at long last, I've passed both of EC's FCCA's. I took them separately because I really didn't have the time to dedicate to both consecutively. They certainly were NOT easy, but the sense of accomplishment is definitely welcomed. Now...the real game begins.

I qualify for the CPNE. After reading about it, I'm a bit demoralized. Not only is it a one year wait, but it costs almost $2,300 plus travel and lodging. Ouch. Major ouch. I do live on Long Island, though, so traveling to Albany or Orange Regional shouldn't be that hard. But I can't help but feel that I'm simply not ready for this. I've been a paramedic for 10 years and changing mental gears from medic to nurse for a hands-on exam is not an easy task because I'm conditioned to act independently for my patients without being told and without pause. My mind is racing over how hard this is going to be and I don't know what to think. Is it really as bad as people say?

Congratulations on making it this far, I'm sure you will do fine. I'm inching closer to the fcca faster than I thought I would which is alright with me.

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Specializes in NICU, Psych, Education.

I passed the CPNE so long ago that we didn’t even have the FCCAs, so I don’t have any particularly relevant advice, but I wanted to wish you good luck!

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Just study, you can do it. Throw paramedic logic aside during CPNE. Wisconsin CEs are some of the best!

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