The hard part

As a non nurse going through this process (me that is), I absolutely recommend you concentrate on the care plan/documentation portion. That stuff can be really time intensive if you don't practice it well. Although I'm not sure which workshop you're attending. The only one I know about is NE workshop and she absolutely covers care plan/documentation very well. Don't know that any hospital preceptoring is going to get that experience.

I'm not sure just what you're looking for -- hands-on practice, or careplans?

Careplans for the most part. I've been doing this on my own for the last 2 1/2 years while performing various clinical tasks. This is the first time I've come into contact with other nursing students and my communication skills have room for improvment.

Here's a list of what I have done.

1. Vital Signs

2. SOAP notes

3. Documenting care using the CHCSII format

4. IVs

5. Setting up a sterile field

6. Basic trauma care

7. CPR certification (zero experience)

8. Urology (foley catheters, assisting with proceedures)

9. ROM excerscises as physical therapy assistant

I'm using the CPNE study guide in conjunction with a clinical skills book to go over the proceedures I should know. I've never seen a nursing chart or performed the nursing process in any situation. I'm assuming there are forms that guide this process, and I really need to get a sense of familiarity with them. I'd rather ask someone with more experience on the matter before I just start practicing with any old form. Plus I don't want to just walk in the hospital like a fish out of water and ask the crazy stuff I'm asking here. Short of telling me to quit, I'm taking any advice I get here seriously.

Rttobern, I was planning on going to the NM workshop. How far in advance did you schedule yours?

Also, Tina Logan---a wonderful EC graduate (she also runs a workshop) has some pretty nice resources (Care Plan guide and critiquing). Go to her site at http://www.necpneworkshop.com/. I know for a fact that she is a wonderful woman and will do all she can to help you pass. Good luck.

Felicia

Careplans for the most part. I've been doing this on my own for the last 2 1/2 years while performing various clinical tasks. This is the first time I've come into contact with other nursing students and my communication skills have room for improvment.

Here's a list of what I have done.

1. Vital Signs

2. SOAP notes

3. Documenting care using the CHCSII format

4. IVs

5. Setting up a sterile field

6. Basic trauma care

7. CPR certification (zero experience)

8. Urology (foley catheters, assisting with proceedures)

9. ROM excerscises as physical therapy assistant

I'm using the CPNE study guide in conjunction with a clinical skills book to go over the proceedures I should know. I've never seen a nursing chart or performed the nursing process in any situation. I'm assuming there are forms that guide this process, and I really need to get a sense of familiarity with them. I'd rather ask someone with more experience on the matter before I just start practicing with any old form. Plus I don't want to just walk in the hospital like a fish out of water and ask the crazy stuff I'm asking here. Short of telling me to quit, I'm taking any advice I get here seriously.

Rttobern, I was planning on going to the NM workshop. How far in advance did you schedule yours?

The workshop I attended was the necpenworkshop.com The above posters are talking about Tina who happens to run that workshop. And yes, you will leave there loving her also. She is awesome. I had contacted her in April when I had become CPNE eligible and discussed various options. I sent my deposit the beginning of May for her August workshop. After you leave she continues work with you with careplans up until your cpne date. lol She's a fiend for the red ink. Which is what I need.

Good luck and keep asking questions. We're all here to help each other.

Whoops ... that should be http://www.necpneworkshop.com

haha thanks. I've been typing my fingers off with Tina's careplans actually.

I think my fingers are numb. seriously.

Their study guide is still in the mail, thanks for the link though, I have it pulled up in the other window, i'll read it twice.