Feeling Irritated... I Passed the PA. Not Allowed to Take OA!

Nursing Students Western Governors

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

Warning: this is a vent. Proceed with caution.

Earlier today I took and passed the pre-assessment for one of my RN-to-BSN courses with a score of 78 percent, which is a full 25 percentage points above the cut score of 53. My program mentor has always allowed me to go ahead and schedule the objective assessment (OA) if I pass the pre-assessment.

However, within minutes of passing the PA, I receive an email from my mentor basically stating that I need to focus on another course first. My term does not end until the beginning of November, so I have ample time to finish both courses. I usually study for the OA courses for a couple of weeks, then I take and pass the OA.

I realize that my mentor's job performance is partly based on how the students perform, but I have never failed an OA. In fact, I always score in the 80s or higher after studying for only a couple of weeks. I just feel I should be able to take the OA and continue to accelerate through the coursework.

Anyhow, thanks for listening. ?

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Specializes in CEN, CFRN, PHRN, RCIS, EMT-P.

My mentor will approve anything anytime no questions asked. I'd try to switch mentors if you think it would help :)

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That's really strange. Why in the world would taking a break to focus on another class first be beneficial to your performance?

And in that particular class (only one class has a cut score that low!), PA and OA scores tend to be very close - there's no reason to think you're at risk of not passing with a score 25 points above the cut score.

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Specializes in NICU, ICU, PICU, Academia.

You can protest that through e-care

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Specializes in Outpatient/Clinic, ClinDoc.

I agree, that's weird. I know they have been changing courses around and some students in the MSN programs have been told to 'hold off' on a test that might change soon, but have not heard of this in the BSN program. It's your program! I did my classes in any order I wished, but I did consider the advice of the mentor. A little. :)

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

Well, I have a phone appointment with my program mentor later on today, so we'll talk and I'll state my case at that time. If the mentor still won't budge after our phone appointment has concluded, I definitely plan to contest the issue through Ecare.

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I would definitely stand firm. Be polite and respectful, but FIRMLY let them know that you are ready and if you were to fail, it's on you anyway! I don't see any reason whatsoever why they would prohibit you from taking the exam. May I ask, what course is it?

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.
May I ask, what course is it?
It's the information mgmt. / technology course (ATC1).

My phone appointment with my program mentor took place not too long ago, and after some brief discourse, I was allowed to schedule the OA for this course after all. The mentor stated, "I usually don't feel comfortable accelerating more than one course, but I'll add this one to your current term since you've been doing so well."

Now I'll be working on ATC1 and C228 (1st portion of community health) with roughly 11 more weeks to go until my term ends. I plan to have ATC1 knocked out in less than two weeks, and I plan to be done with C228 by mid September.

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Specializes in OB-Gyn/Primary Care/Ambulatory Leadership.

I think it's so weird that there are some mentors who are so resistant to accelerating.

Luckily I've never had to deal with that with either of my mentors (I've never accelerated a class, my problem has always been finishing on time!).

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.
I've never accelerated a class, my problem has always been finishing on time!
You've never accelerated a class? Wow!

I started in May, and so far, have completed 18 CUs. My goal is to accelerate as many credits as possible before the second term starts in November. If I enter my second term with less than 12 CUs to complete, my tuition bill will be readjusted so I pay less.

If I had it my way, I would have gotten it all done during the first term. However, I am starting C228 too late for that to ever be a reality. Anyhow, 18 down, 16 to go.

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It's the information mgmt. / technology course (ATC1).

My phone appointment with my program mentor took place not too long ago, and after some brief discourse, I was allowed to schedule the OA for this course after all. The mentor stated, "I usually don't feel comfortable accelerating more than one course, but I'll add this one to your current term since you've been doing so well."

Now I'll be working on ATC1 and C228 (1st portion of community health) with roughly 11 more weeks to go until my term ends. I plan to have ATC1 knocked out in less than two weeks, and I plan to be done with C228 by mid September.

I'm glad to hear that it was resolved. Speaking of C228, I do know that the Course Mentors recommend doing the Performance Assessment first, as this will help you study for the OA. Just an FYI. :-)

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Specializes in Outpatient/Clinic, ClinDoc.

I had my mentor open two classes at once (accelerated) every time - one PA and one OA. :p But I did the first 12CU in three weeks so I guess she figured I was on a roll. :) At one point just before I graduated I had four classes open (still had four+ months left and it just worked out that way).

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