Should I try to find Floor Experience to Pass CPNE???

Published

Hi--I'm a new grad doing Private Duty at a couple different cases and want to start my articulation rigt away in the fall. Someone who just graduated from Excelsior told me that you really should have floor experience, such as at an ECF, to pass CPNE. Any thoughts?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Home Health, Podiatry, Neurology, Case Mgmt.

I'd like to know about this too...because i've done home health, podiatrics/orthopedics, about 6mo in LTC, and now a year teaching CNA classes...i'm thinking i'm really going to need to get back on a nursing unit before i finish this program!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.

I had no floor experience -- I was a paramedic, and worked in an ER -- and I passed on my first try. What you're asked to do in the CPNE is basic assessment and basic management -- nothing too fancy. :) There are a lot of non-floor folks who do just fine!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Home Health, Podiatry, Neurology, Case Mgmt.

ahhh Lunah...i FORGOT you were a paramedic and not a nurse to begin with...sigh that just shows you what a great nurse you have become! =) thanks!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.

Awww, thanks! I'm still a medic ... I still love it! I'll never forget my roots, yo! :D Sometimes it's soooo nice to drop the patients off and say, "Buh-bye!" LOL

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Floor experience is not necessary and may hinder you if you have years of doing something a different way than what the EC test evaluators are looking for. Old habits are hard to break. West coast Tina provides good instruction in how to do the PCS and gives you plenty of time to practice during her workshop. Many people who take her workshop are able to pass the CPNE the first time even though they may have limited patient care experience. I highly recommend that you check out this workshop to help you prepare: http://www.cheducation.com

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I only had long-term care experience and that was quite rusty! Lunah is right, it's all about basic assessment skills and knowing right from wrong.

Having tight care plans and documentation is also a must.

Also, I did it without any in person workshop. I'm pretty happy to have the extra $2000 sitting around right now. :) Living in Michigan, the travel costs to attend a workshop were ridiculous.

It was stressful and tough. I didn't 'breeze' through it by any means, but staying focused on the task at hand is key!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thanks for the encouragement everyone. Sounds like pretty straight forward to just do everything exactly the way they say to and I'll be fine!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion