FCCA 274A

Students Excelsior

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I failed the test 2 times and I am taking it for the last time this week. Does anyone have some helpful tips. I see that I am struggling with the nursing process and picking the correct answer.

Editorial Team / Moderator

Lunah, MSN, RN

14 Articles; 13,766 Posts

Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.

I have no wisdom, I just want to wish you the best! Please let us know how you do.

dloiseau

5 Posts

Thank You !!!! I feel way more confident than the last 2 times. I used study group 101. Which I have nothing bad to say about them but I wish I read my book. I saw alot of students on here use study group 101 and I have used them in the past for a class that I clep and passed with flying colors. However , I do not find them personally good for the FCCA 274A . I used them for 274C . I feel like for A at least for me they are a good supplement in addition to the required reading. The Basic nursing is like the bible. I saw alot of questions I struggled with on the test right in the reading. I was so angry with myself.

Lesson learned do not try to take a short cut. Also this time I stopped working for the 1 month. I am a single mother of 2 and found it rather overwhelming because after you cook dinner and get the kids in bed your exhausted. I realize I am not superwomen. Also this time I focused on my weak points and I am very weak in nursing process and care planning which is very ironic because I use to be a unit manager and an assistant director of nursing and care planed day and night. The only wisdom I can can say to anyone reading this prioritize in your test and in your life. When you do too much something will fall off or lack. I was not ok with that something being my religious beliefs , kids or school. Everything else is somewhere in the clouds I dont now the last time I did laundry lol.

Things that helped me .

I brought Basic nursing online from the fa davis website ( can product book key) which gives you assess to an online book. Also all the test and quizzes for each chapter and alot of other resources.

I got a academic coach from the college which helped me with time management and reassurance.

I called excelsior and went over my problem areas on the test when I did not pass. (they will not give you the answers or tell you exactly what you got wrong )

I know can pass and so can everyone else. I hope my story helps. I will keep you posted after the test!

Specializes in Med/Surg, LTACH, LTC, Home Health.

Good luck!

Specializes in Emergency Medicine.

One of the biggest issues with the FCCA is that people don't read the assigned chapters. I tried SG101 and didn't like their notes, I know it worked for some people but to me there is no substitute for the actual textbook. These exams help build your foundation for future success during the CPNE which relies heavily on both the Nursing Process and Care Planning. Study hard and ask a lot of questions. Good luck and remember to breathe.

Editorial Team / Moderator

Lunah, MSN, RN

14 Articles; 13,766 Posts

Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.

How did it go, OP?

dloiseau

5 Posts

I PASSED !!!!!!! I literally had to pull over to the side of the raod and screamed lol . but i will not make the same mistake no offense to study group 101 but for the CPNE I am sticking to excelsior study material only. The waiting list is 7 to 12 months now.

Editorial Team / Moderator

Lunah, MSN, RN

14 Articles; 13,766 Posts

Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.
dloiseau said:
I PASSED !!! I literally had to pull over to the side of the raod and screamed LOL . but I will not make the same mistake no offense to study group 101 but for the CPNE I am sticking to excelsior study material only. The waiting list is 7 to 12 months now.

Congratulations! That is awesome news!

Neese80!, LPN

81 Posts

Specializes in Adult Medicine; OB/GYN.

Congrats!!!

veggieLPN

41 Posts

I just want to say that I found this thread SO helpful.

I also use an academic coach and I find it very helpful.

I am currently studying for both FCCAs. Many people have said studyguide 101 will get you through it, well I find it lacking, not horrible, but lacking.

I got a hold of the Basic Nursing textbook immediately after reading this thread and I feel so much better.

Specializes in EMT since 92, Paramedic since 97, RN and PHRN 2021.

Unfortunately the wait is going to be ATLEAST 12 months with a high probability of 12-18 months. I wish it wasn't so but I speak from experience.

I failed the fcca The first part twice did the reading, bought 101 study guide and not a fan, I’m confused do not know what to do.. any feed back will be helpful, I am desperate.!! And I a more scared now to take the second part the C one. I don’t know what it’s wrong with me

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