[iheartcardiac]

Can anyone tell me what all comes with the Laura Gasparis Vonfrolio review packs?

I am trying to decide between the DVD's and the audio CD's. I'm thinking the DVD's will give me something more to focus on as I will be able to look at something while hearing, but I feel like the CD's will be more practical and I can listen to them even while driving or working out (and all the computers in the house have CD capability, but only one has DVD capability). But I'm wondering if the CD's come with anything that I can follow along with when I am sitting down to study (like a booklet or slides or something)?

[deeDawntee]

Originally Posted by jennjen512

I am getting so frustrated! My practice test scores are going DOWN! I still have about a month before I take the CCRN, but this is so discouraging.Did this happen to anyone else and what did you do? I have the Pass CCRN book, Vonfrolio DVDs, and CCRN test prep CDs. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

How far down is down? If you are still above 75%, or so, you will be fine. I love this metaphor: you can't play tennis with your eyes on the scoreboard. Just keep yourself focused on what keeps you excited to learn. This process isn't just about passing a test. I believe, you should feel empowered every day by it. You have plenty of time to retain all the information you need for passing, I promise! Turn this around and use this as a time to see yourself as already succeeding, as already having the certification. See yourself as the committed, competent, excellent nurse that I know you already are.

I'm sorry that it took a couple of days for me to answer your post, I've had a tough stretch!

Hang in there...you can do it.

[deeDawntee]

Originally Posted by iheartcardiac

Can anyone tell me what all comes with the Laura Gasparis Vonfrolio review packs?

I am trying to decide between the DVD's and the audio CD's. I'm thinking the DVD's will give me something more to focus on as I will be able to look at something while hearing, but I feel like the CD's will be more practical and I can listen to them even while driving or working out (and all the computers in the house have CD capability, but only one has DVD capability). But I'm wondering if the CD's come with anything that I can follow along with when I am sitting down to study (like a booklet or slides or something)?

Hi iheartcardiac!! Thanks for posting on the thread!! You know, the course doesn't really follow any course. The course does come with a book of pearls (which is great) but not a comprehensive overall review in and of itself. I think it is really up to you. She does have some images that she uses, like a slide show, and she uses a wipe board. So perhaps that is useful. What do other people think?

[jennjen512]

Thanks for the encouragement everyone! I changed the way I am studying to see if it would help and it has. Instead of doing a full practice test each night I am rotating between certain section practice tests (i.e. respiratory, cardiac, multisystem) each day. I listen that section on the CD and watch that section on the DVD and then take the practice tests to find my weakness in that area and concentrate on reading that section in the review books. About a week or so before I take the test I am going to do the full practice tests each night and then see how well I am doing at that point. I think I was just trying to "build Rome in a day" so to speak. I can actually reschedul for a later date if I feel I need more time, but I hope I won't need that. I pomise I am going to hang in there until I have the certification in hand.

[deeDawntee]

excellent advice jen!!!

[icunurse36]

Hey cardiac nurse:

I have both. I know it sounds like a lot but I first bought the audio CD's the first time that I took the exam (I have renewed 2 times by exam, 2 times by CEU) but then I bought the DVD and I learned a lot from that too. I would probably say that the audio CD is more practical for the reasons that you stated. It is easy to pop in the CD player in the car or at workouts. I have listened to it over and over and over. I think that is the key....repeating it over and over. It drills it into your head. I have her book too, to do the practice questions. Of course, you also need to review AACN's Core Curriculum book as the exam is from that.

I have to say that I am a nerd....I have the Pass CCRN book and the AACN's CCRN review course as well. They all give a different experience. The reason I like the AACN's version is that is has a lot of patho, whereas, Gasparis is down and dirty info. You know what I mean?

I like the Pass CCRN book just because it is cool....but it is pretty hard in some places.

Whichever one you choose, just remember what the other posters stated...Rome wasn't built in a day....take your time and keep repeating the lessons.

I gave myself 4 months before the exam to practice each week for 4 hours. I set it aside and did it. No more and no less....that way I could concentrate on it and then go about my life.

Good luck to you!

Chris

[jhns9vl]

I too am studying for the CCRN. I recently bought the Pass CCRN and reading through it. Would anyone who has already taken and passed the CCRN be interested in selling their Laura G-V DVD's? Please let me know.

[nursing 101]

Hi guys,
I have been "mia" for awhile because I have been taking courses towards my masters. But I have decided to study for the CCRN again. I am doing classes part time and online. Do you think it is realistic to study for the CCRN for the next 6 months about 3-4 hrs per week and still pass the test? I am a slow studier and I am allowing myself enough time since I work full time, wife, mother of 2 (18 months and 9 years old), and a part-time master's student.
Am I kidding myself??? Or is this doable??? Also are Laura's DVD's worth the price? And should I get the AACN Corriculum book as well?
Thanks for an answer guys...

[deeDawntee]

Hey Nursing101!! First of all, please accept my apology for not responding sooner, I was mia myself, on a short self-proclaimed vacation from all things work, nursing or inside related!!

Wow!! You have an incredible life and no doubt you sound like the type who can make it all work!! I am sure that you could easily pass the CCRN on that schedule. I do think Dr Laura's course is very much worth every penny and the AACN core curriculum is not so much... but that is my opinion, there certainly is nothing wrong with the AACN's material, it is just dry and boring... Dr Laura brings a passion and a humor to her teaching which meant the world to me. It depends what you need from your sources. Perhaps you don't need to be inspired and entertained (really, I don't mean to be smug...) You know yourself and what you need for your own learning. Don't forget the Dennison "Pass CCRN", the CD of questions is invaluable. Does your facility reimburse you for materials?

Let us know what you decide! YOU are inspiring, by the way, very impressive!!!

[pyramidprincess]

G'Day from Australia. Can you please tell me what the CCRN is? I am comming to the US next year for 18 months as a travelling nurse and wonder if it would be benificial. I am currently studying Graduate Certificate in Critical Care, Cardiac Nursing, will be finished in Feb 2009. Thanks.