studying for CPNE on a budget??

Nurse Blondie, RN · Nov 29, 2011

Congratulations! I am almost at the point you are now and starting to think about preparing for the CPNE. Like you, the $$$ scares me! What is "Rob's Video?"

Nervous1 · Nov 29, 2011

Sherri Taylor's online workshop is $149 a month, I would plan on doing it for at least 1 month prior to the CPNE, although I (myself the needy one) will probably do it for 2-3 months unless I can get to her in person workshop.

Rob has a package on Ebay for his videos at a discounted rate I believe. You can also check out a FB group called "lets conquer the cpne beast" and someone may have posted that they need to sell some of their material. Also, the EPN frequently has supplies listed for sale.

Nurse Blondie, RN · Nov 29, 2011

Thanks Nervous1 for all that invaluable info! Where is Sherri Taylor's in-person workshop located? $149/month doesn't sound that bad, I will probably do the same as you. When are you scheduled to take the CPNE? Do you have a date yet? I am studying for my last exam LS3 which I would love to take next week and then start getting ready for the CPNE.. Yikes!

Nervous1 · Nov 29, 2011

Thanks Nervous1 for all that invaluable info! Where is Sherri Taylor's in-person workshop located? $149/month doesn't sound that bad, I will probably do the same as you. When are you scheduled to take the CPNE? Do you have a date yet? I am studying for my last exam LS3 which I would love to take next week and then start getting ready for the CPNE.. Yikes!

Sheri is in Atlanta. I think its $600-700, but a flight for me from VA is extremely cheap, like $180. I'm not CPNE eligible yet, I'm testing for LS3 this week and have LS2 and Chronicity left to do, failed Chronicity last week I've asked for the wait to be reduced by EC so I can finish all exams before Dec 31. I have LS2 scheduled for Dec 20something, can't remember the actual date, I skipped over it because of the endocrine and mental health junk.

I've been studying for LS3 for almost a week, this weekend I studied 12 hours each day, everyday!

Nurse Blondie, RN · Nov 29, 2011

Sheri is in Atlanta. I think its $600-700, but a flight for me from VA is extremely cheap, like $180. I'm not CPNE eligible yet, I'm testing for LS3 this week and have LS2 and Chronicity left to do, failed Chronicity last week I've asked for the wait to be reduced by EC so I can finish all exams before Dec 31. I have LS2 scheduled for Dec 20something, can't remember the actual date, I skipped over it because of the endocrine and mental health junk.
I've been studying for LS3 for almost a week, this weekend I studied 12 hours each day, everyday!

Good luck studying for LS3 this week. I'm just starting that process. LS2 was the hardest one for me so far. I passed with a C, but the test was so difficult I thought I had failed. I was relieved to have a C. I don't recall Chronicity being that bad (in my opinion). I remember reading a lot of posts on here that made Chronicity sound tough so I expected it to be, then I got an A. Strange how you can't predict these things. I've studied the same amount and with the same strategy for each exam. For LS2, I remember it was important to know and understand ABG lab values and the differences between Metabolic and Respiratory acidosis. Also, there seemed to be a lot of focus on the liver/pancreatic disorders and their symptoms. And definitely review your insulins and their peak times. I think I focused mostly on studying the Psych because that was supposed to be the majority of the test and maybe that was why I found it to be so hard.

Even $600 for Sherri's workshop sounds much better than the $2000 that I think I read the cost for the CPNE Excelsior Workshops are. Thanks again for your info. Good luck on the exam this week. Post and let us know when you pass!!!

BeachieRN84 · Nov 29, 2011

I am beginning to study for the CPNE and have quickly realized that I do not have extra money to attend a workshop. Just coming up with the CPNE fee is difficult, let alone the transport, lodging (yikes, best not to think about it.) I work for a hospital whom is gracious enough to let me borrow all needed simulation tools down to a dummy, wound, and IV supplies. I am looking for the best, cost-effective home study or online CPNE preparation. I am a visual learner, so am planning on purchasing Robs videos but didnt know if anyone had other suggestions as well. Thanks for your imput. It is just that i am in the inital stage of shock (have only been eligible for less than 96 hours) with the amount of material and all of the money needed. Yowser!!! Also, personal thanks to Lunah whom has wonderfully commented on my posts related to the CPNE.

I did not have the extra $ either. Read the SG about 4 times, I used a home lab (and all the materials I got from a student who had previously passed on here for nothing but a promise to pass them on), Rob's CPNE videos and Sheri Taylor's online workshop. I studied with a buddy 1-2 x a week and that made all the difference. Passed on the first try with no repeats!

The lodging and airfare to where I went was not too bad. I was in Syracuse, NY and I was able to find a flight nonstop from Orlando on special for about $150 each way. My friend had a buddy pass and I think he paid $75 total so if you are OK with being on stand by ask around to your family and friends to see if they have buddy passes! The hotel I stayed at was $300 less than the actual rate with the EC discount, it was beautiful!!! But check around too, because you may find a cheaper hotel than the ones EC recommends.

Good luck!!! :-)

lvn2rncali · Jan 10, 2012

Hi there. I passed the CPNE on the first try with little bedside background and a very limited budget. I did not take an in-person workshop. I bought Sherry Taylor's Study Guide and Rob's CPNE. Honestly, I didn't learn all that much from Sherry, but did get a little help from her book with regard to the care plans. Rob's was a great help, very cheap and really worth every dime. I highly recommend it! My advice is to study the Excelsior Study Guide until you can't anymore; knowing your Critical Elements is the key to your success for your weekend test. Good luck!

LoopsRN2 · Jan 10, 2012

You are off to a great budget if your hospital provided you with sim lab supplies! That is great!

I did have Rob's videos and I thought they were a good tool to get started with, but fine tune them with the 18th edition of the study guide, and make sure you get all of the updates to the videos because they are a bit dated and have some errors (for example, not supporting the joint in ROM).

I did Tina Logan's online care plan workshop for 2 months, at $50/month. Tina covers a lot of ground, and really fine tunes documentation, care plans and critical thinking. She is the drill sergeant of care plans

I made note cards with all of my mnemonics, formulas, conversions, and nursing dx and I took them EVERYWHERE with me and studied every chance I got.

Re-read that study guide a few times in your timeline of study. It is amazing what jumps out at you that you missed the month before.

Wishing you all the best on your CPNE!