ADVICE

Published

Just starting excelsior this week.

Anyone have any advice on test, fcc, cpne

studying advice of websites and study material.

I have been an lpn for 10 years. Being a single mom raising 4 children. Now 1 in college, 1 in military and twins are seniors in high school, i have decided i can now finish my goals.

Have to take a&p, micro, info lit, and math along with the nursing part of the degree

i would love any and all feedback please.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Don't worry about the FCCA and CPNE right now.

Get the pre-reqs out of the way then most of your nursing exams, then start looking at the FCCA and CPNE.

Lots of people seem happy with studygroup101 for study material.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I'm currently waiting on the CPNE so I'll offer advice on everything but that.

Youtube is your friend for Microbiology and A&P.

KahnAcademyMedicine

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJayvjGvKEblkA3KYK1BQQw

Bozeman Science

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEik-U3T6u6JA0XiHLbNbOw

Armondo Hasudungan

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCesNt4_Z-Pm41RzpAClfVcg

For microbiology I used this book...

Microbiology DeMYSTiFieD, 2nd Edition: 9780071761093: Medicine & Health Science Books @ Amazon.com

I also used a website called Educationportal.com but it is expensive. If your tight on money it's tough to pay that much but it is worth it and they're A&P and Micro video series are geared towards EC's A&P and Microbiology courses

For the eight nursing modules I used this...

Study Guides

I highly recommend them. Used properly they will get you through the modules quickly and relatively easy. I suggest buying the whole package for the eight theory exams and the FCCA and CPNE package.

I also used the Excelsior Practice exams. They're an excellent resource and will help immensely on your actual exams. You'll probably fail most of them but don't worry about that, they're harder than the actual exams. BUY THEM! BUY THEM! BUY THEM!!!

Finally, use this as well...

Saunders Comprehensive Review for the NCLEX-RN® Examination, 6e (Saunders Comprehensive Review for Nclex-Rn): 9781455727551: Medicine & Health Science Books @ Amazon.com

Now, for the heart of the matter.

This program is not easy. If you're going to do the nursing theory exams you have to be disciplined or you won't make it and YOU WILL FAIL. I'm not trying to scare you, I'm just telling you the truth. They require dedication and discipline. If you're motivated they will be easy and I really mean that. If you put in the time and work you will think the exams are as easy as eating apple pie. If you're only kind of motivated and do some studying they'll be tough and you might pass. If you're lazy and don't study, don't even bother, they'll eat you alive and leave you walking out with a D or an F and $460 dollars lighter. Roughly 40 hours per nursing theory exam was enough for me. You might do it in more or less time, only you know.

Register for a test and then schedule as soon as you get your Authorization to test. Keep that date in your mind all the time and don't change it. Study and be prepared for that date and then be ready for that date!!!! My advice, make a calender with study days with X number of hours devoted to studying. And know that if you don't study no one is going to chew you out, tell you you're lazy, or care that you're tired, or that your feet hurt, or that your favorite goldfish just took an eternal nap, or whatever other excuse you have for that day. You're only robbing yourself if you don't get it done. I cheated myself a lot during the theory exams and I kick myself for it constantly.

For the FCCA, STUDY!!!!! People talk about how easy it is, well I almost failed it. It's tougher than people let on.

If you want this, do it, work at it, power through the hard parts, and be successful. Good luck.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thank you very much, i have studygroup in my favorites, i hope to keep up with you through out. I am going to attempt to test out of a&p and micro 1st.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

THANK YOU!!! THANK YOU!!! THANK YOU!!! :yes:

YOUR ADVICE IS SO APPRECIATED, I WILL ALSO BE USING YOUR STUDY GUIDE AS WELL.

MY SISTER/BFF IS A PHYSICIAN (DON'T KNOW WHAT I WOULD DO WITHOUT HER) AND YES, SHE IS ON MY BUTT.

THANK YOU AGAIN FOR ALL THE WONDERFUL ADVICE. I WILL KEEP YOU POSTED.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med/Surg, LTACH, LTC, Home Health.
I'm currently waiting on the CPNE so I'll offer advice on everything but that.

Youtube is your friend for Microbiology and A&P.

KahnAcademyMedicine

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJayvjGvKEblkA3KYK1BQQw

Bozeman Science

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEik-U3T6u6JA0XiHLbNbOw

Armondo Hasudungan

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCesNt4_Z-Pm41RzpAClfVcg

For microbiology I used this book...

Microbiology DeMYSTiFieD, 2nd Edition: 9780071761093: Medicine & Health Science Books @ Amazon.com

I also used a website called Educationportal.com but it is expensive. If your tight on money it's tough to pay that much but it is worth it and they're A&P and Micro video series are geared towards EC's A&P and Microbiology courses

For the eight nursing modules I used this...

Study Guides

I highly recommend them. Used properly they will get you through the modules quickly and relatively easy. I suggest buying the whole package for the eight theory exams and the FCCA and CPNE package.

I also used the Excelsior Practice exams. They're an excellent resource and will help immensely on your actual exams. You'll probably fail most of them but don't worry about that, they're harder than the actual exams. BUY THEM! BUY THEM! BUY THEM!!!

Finally, use this as well...

Saunders Comprehensive Review for the NCLEX-RN® Examination, 6e (Saunders Comprehensive Review for Nclex-Rn): 9781455727551: Medicine & Health Science Books @ Amazon.com

Now, for the heart of the matter.

This program is not easy. If you're going to do the nursing theory exams you have to be disciplined or you won't make it and YOU WILL FAIL. I'm not trying to scare you, I'm just telling you the truth. They require dedication and discipline. If you're motivated they will be easy and I really mean that. If you put in the time and work you will think the exams are as easy as eating apple pie. If you're only kind of motivated and do some studying they'll be tough and you might pass. If you're lazy and don't study, don't even bother, they'll eat you alive and leave you walking out with a D or an F and $460 dollars lighter. Roughly 40 hours per nursing theory exam was enough for me. You might do it in more or less time, only you know.

Register for a test and then schedule as soon as you get your Authorization to test. Keep that date in your mind all the time and don't change it. Study and be prepared for that date and then be ready for that date!!!! My advice, make a calender with study days with X number of hours devoted to studying. And know that if you don't study no one is going to chew you out, tell you you're lazy, or care that you're tired, or that your feet hurt, or that your favorite goldfish just took an eternal nap, or whatever other excuse you have for that day. You're only robbing yourself if you don't get it done. I cheated myself a lot during the theory exams and I kick myself for it constantly.

For the FCCA, STUDY!!!!! People talk about how easy it is, well I almost failed it. It's tougher than people let on.

If you want this, do it, work at it, power through the hard parts, and be successful. Good luck.

^^^^^^^:yes::up:

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Intensive Care.

I agree with all of the above. I am not as far as others in the program, but studygroup101 and the practice exams have really helped. These two resources (along with some reference to textbooks that I purchased before knowing about SG101) have helped to keep me focused. Best of success to you on your journey to becoming an RN!:)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion