Can't seem to get back on track

BarbaraNM, ASN, RN · Jun 29, 2013

I have been on this journey for 5 years, it is truly self-paced. Sometimes finances, sometimes fear and sometimes overwhelming subject matter got in my way but you can always pick it up again, at your pace don't worry about what others are doing. I got a CPNE date yesterday and I am going through that fear element again but I'm going to power through at my pace.

GOOD LUCK to you at Grady in August! Interesting journey we are all on... despite the sharing of the journey it is OURS every step of the way! Fast or slow, we get it done...

I love the self-paced aspect, but had a tendency to procrastinate. Now I know that once I schedule and PAY for the exams, that gives me the little push I need... 3 exams done, 4th one scheduled. CAN'T WAIT to be where you are!!

Power through it!!! :)

TiffyRN, BSN, PhD · Jul 3, 2013

Like LYNDAA said, schedule the test and work towards it. My husband went through Excelsior over 10 years ago and he hit on this as a great solution. Worked like a charm. He was (like many Excelsior students I suspect) stuck in a rut and had only taken one exam in over 6 months. Then he decided he had to finish it off and starting setting dates and taking tests.

He went to a CPNE review course (sadly no longer in operation) and set his date for a month after he finished. He passed on his first attempt.

I know quite a lot about his journey as I helped him study for every stage, quizzing him and serving as his sample patient when he would run through CPNE scenarios.

I am in Excelsior's BSN program and did a few exams for credit. I used the same trick and made either "A"s or passes in every exam using this method.

Peterjoy93 · Jul 3, 2013

I also did the schedule the exam trick. I would take an exam, go home and look over the material for the next exam. I would pay for an exam and set a date anywhere from 3 to 4 weeks in advance and not change that date. I think some people feel like they should set a date after they have studied and feel comfortable with the material. This would not have worked for me because then I would not study one day because there was no deadline. Plus after you take and pass a test you are feeling so good you want to continue, that is the best time to schedule the next test.

BarbaraNM, ASN, RN · Jul 4, 2013

I also did the schedule the exam trick. I would take an exam, go home and look over the material for the next exam. I would pay for an exam and set a date anywhere from 3 to 4 weeks in advance and not change that date. I think some people feel like they should set a date after they have studied and feel comfortable with the material. This would not have worked for me because then I would not study one day because there was no deadline. Plus after you take and pass a test you are feeling so good you want to continue, that is the best time to schedule the next test.

Yes, that really works for me, also... plus, at my PearsonVue site, there are many testers for the various institutions, so the slots are very limited. I pay, then schedule... usually 1-2 months out! That is usually the best I can get.... having the DEADLINE gets me motivated! Tonight, I have a 14 hour on call shift, so my plan is to STUDY most of the night.... for my exam in 3 weeks. Repro. Definitely motivating to PASS another exam and look ahead to the next!!

BarbaraNM, ASN, RN · Jul 5, 2013

Great advice, thank you so much, I guess I really already know what I need to do, but learning how others are making it through may help me create a plan that will work for me, and the support is so helpful.
Best Wishes
Mae

Come on, NurseMae... you can do it!! :) We are all here for you and each other to provide support!!

I just scheduled Transitions and ordered SG101 disc to study...

GOOD LUCK!!!

sunshiine:) · Jul 5, 2013

Good luck to all of you!!!