Excelsior Graduates: Advice Needed

[wildhorse]

Hi,
You have received a lot of good information. I went through this program. I had heard so many horror stories.... I went to a work shop before the clinical. I think that attending the workshop is what helped me pass. I practiced and practiced the lab part until I could do each one in my sleep. As one person stated do not do anything even something simple, the way you always do it. Make sure that each task is done per the nursing program's instruction. Attitude is also important, one student was so sure of himself that he just did everything the way he always did it. He flunked, it was so sad. I went to Phoenix to do my clinical and stayed in the recommended hotel. I was so nervous, but surprised at the level of support from the hotel staff. We had a shuttle to take us back and forth between the hotel and hospital. Even the driver was supportive. It is a hard program and you have to be very self motivated but it is worth it after you pass, as you will have accomplished a hard task. Use that book (guide) that the school gives you. It is a step by step process of what is expected. Good luck!

[hsieh]

they only want you to do what is required. they aren't looking to see how bright or excellent or genious you are. you don't have to prove to them you're better than anyone else. just do the critical elements.

[DASCRN]

I took it in Racine. I could not have passed if not for the workshop I took in Deerfield Beach, FL. I took one from Lynn Fredericks that was a total waste of time and money. The stressfreecpne.com workshop is the one to do. I learned the mneumonics, took that workshop, and passed the first time. Man was I nervous though!

[Maddie]

Guys, I took the exam and did not pass. I had to wait NINE months to be assigned to a hospital. I can't affors to take the workshops, so I went cold turkey but studied hard. I was fairly confident...then I got the first patient assignment from the instructor from hell. She was cold, rude, very short. She made me very nervous and stripped me of my confidence. I was devastated. I appealed the exam and won the appeal. I am headed out tomorrow after waiting another NINE months to do it again after talking myself into it. My main stressor is that I am financially depleted and this is not only my last shot at it but it's my ticket to better my financial situation. I can't see myself doing anything else but nursing; it is my passion. So it's not just the money. I'm not sure how to approach this in a more confident, positive light.

[cali510]

Well, since you are headed out tomorrow nothing left but to wish you the best and send our prayers with you. Don't forget relaxation techniques throughout the test. Good luck.

[Ricu]

As a graduate of the Excelsior program, then Regent's College, I can attest to the rigors of the CPNE. Others have already said so but it's worth saying again that the exam really does just test basic skills. It's my own opinion but I believe that those who don't succeed usually fail for two reasons. First, anxiety get's the best of them. That exam takes an entire weekend and stress causes them to fold. Candidates who go in with some relaxation strategy do better. The second reason is that they lose focus while working through those critical elements. I guess this goes back to stress but I remember frequently hearing "My mind went blank", "I forgot to document xyz" and so on.

Taking that CPNE manual and memorizing those critical elements is a good idea. You can mentally check them off as you do each one; doing no more and no less.

This was one of the hardest things I ever did, but it was the best way possible for me to get into nursing. I will be forever grateful that Regent's was there when I needed it. After it was all over, I burned the blasted book when I got home. I was SO DONE with the CPNE.

The following month, I passed the NCLEX and the rest is history.

To everyone facing the CPNE- Chill out. Stay the course. Good Luck

R



R