Biting the Bullet with TCN materials....

[kermitlady]

Well, I signed up with The College Network awhile back (like over a year ago), nut fully understanding what it was. Of course, I realized it wasn't what I thought after the cancellation period had ended. But I still have to pay for the stuff and I have several of their modules sitting around collecting dust ...so, I've decided that I may as well get some use of the materials. I've decided that I'll test out of everything that I can and then go from there.

Anyways, I was wondering who else had useful study materials (online links, email-able files, etc.). I found a link to a flash card site somewhere on allnurses but cannot re-find that thread. Anything would be greatly appreciated.

Here's a link to the flashcard site:

http://www.flashcardexchange.com/

(Thanks again to whoever originally submitted this!)

[FocusRN]

Since it is too late for you to get out of TCN, use it. Also get the fundamentals book, from half.com, an old edition for this is okay. I got one from the '90's for .97 cents. If you get a pharm book, make sure it is new, because pharm changes so often.

Go to groups.yahoo.com, search for Excelsior groups. They have many files that are useful for free. They even have the original Lisa Arends notes from back when she shared them free, which has basically the same info she sells on eBay. But beware mot of these files are old. Meaning you should use Google as you nursing school tutor, and Google anything you are unsure about, sounds off, or you know to be false. As you do this you will windup rewriting those notes until they become your own.

And the last study tool is the practice tests from EC, forget about the ones you may find online, as they are often incorrect. You'll get two practice tests/ Use the first one before studying IF you think you have a good background on that subject, then take the second after studying. If you really don't have a good foundation on that particular curse, just save the first practice test until after you've done a little studying.

[scallywags]

TCN has an forum online that can connect you with other students and find valuable information on what others found to be helpful. I took the A&P exam yesterday and found that the Excelsior online tests were very helpful. I also signed up for Mr. Ford's class online, which had many tutorials and videos to guide me through A & P - many of which were linked to youtube. It helped me to have a visual.

What subject are you currently studying?

[kermitlady]

Thanks for the input from both of you!

Scallywags ~ I'm about a third of the way through the abnormal psychology module. Figured I'd start back up with a subject I'm interested in and fairly good at.

[kermitlady]

Since it is too late for you to get out of TCN, use it. Also get the fundamentals book, from half.com, an old edition for this is okay. I got one from the '90's for .97 cents. If you get a pharm book, make sure it is new, because pharm changes so often.

Go to groups.yahoo.com, search for Excelsior groups. They have many files that are useful for free. They even have the original Lisa Arends notes from back when she shared them free, which has basically the same info she sells on eBay. But beware mot of these files are old. Meaning you should use Google as you nursing school tutor, and Google anything you are unsure about, sounds off, or you know to be false. As you do this you will windup rewriting those notes until they become your own.

And the last study tool is the practice tests from EC, forget about the ones you may find online, as they are often incorrect. You'll get two practice tests/ Use the first one before studying IF you think you have a good background on that subject, then take the second after studying. If you really don't have a good foundation on that particular curse, just save the first practice test until after you've done a little studying.

What is the fundamentals book?

[caliotter3]

All of the current recommended texts are listed in each study outline/guide on the EC site. The Fundamentals book is the Kozier and Erb text as I recall. Will look up.

[caliotter3]

The new Fundamentals book is: Fundamentals of Nursing, 6th edition, by Carol Taylor. Another way to find out the recommended texts is to go to the bookstore on the EC website and type in the name of the test you are studying for. A booklist will come up.

[kermitlady]

Thanks caliotter! I was thinking it was a Fundamentals of Nursing book but didn't want to assume anything.

[caliotter3]

In reality, you can use any book. You just have to look up the appropriate chapters in the book you have. It is just easier all the way around for you to get the edition of the book that the school recommends.

[BettyE]

I am in the middle TN area and would like to know if anybody is interested in possibly getting a study group together. I am doing the TCN/Excelsior program.