distance learning/ study guides-companies

BBFRN, BSN, PhD · Jan 19, 2004

Hi, you can do Excelsior without spending all that $ on publishing companies. I belong to several EC RN study groups, and we post free study materials on all of them. I have never purchased study materials and have gotten 4 As, 1C, and a B on my nursing concepts exams. I have 1 more exam next Saturday and I'm done. But, if you're determined to go with a publishing company, I hear Chancellor's is the best: http://www.chancellorsonline.com/home.html

And this company offers 5 practice exams per course for $30:

http://208.187.139.62/INTERNET_SIGNUP/PRACTICE_TESTS_PROMO.HTM A lot of people in my study groups are starting to use this- it's new, so I can't vouch for it personally.

One of the best things you can do is to get at least 1 NCLEX study disc that divides everything into sections. NCLEX3000 is a good one that I use. The NCLEX study discs are good, because the EC exams are very close to those type questions- a lot of nursing process questions pertaining to various conditions.

Also, almost every EC recommended textbook offers a companion website. These often have quizzes and self-test questions for each chapter.

The EC EPN (Electronic Peer Network at the EC online services website) is also an excellent resource- they have live chats with instructors every now and then, and you can find a study buddy there, too.

You really can find study help for free if you go to the right sources. Here are links to the study groups- you'll find most EC RN students belong to these:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/rnstudygroup/

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/allexcelsiornurses/?yguid=137656833

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/nontradnurses/?yguid=137656833

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/RNstudentsforum/?yguid=137656833

Once you join, you'll have access to the files with the study materials. rnstudygroup has been hands down the best resource I've had in doing this program.

Good luck!

BBFRN, BSN, PhD · Jan 19, 2004

Hi, you can do Excelsior without spending all that $ on publishing companies. I belong to several EC RN study groups, and we post free study materials on all of them. I have never purchased study materials and have gotten 4 As, 1C, and a B on my nursing concepts exams. I have 1 more exam next Saturday and I'm done. But, if you're determined to go with a publishing company, I hear Chancellor's is the best: http://www.chancellorsonline.com/home.html

And this company offers 5 practice exams per course for $30:

http://208.187.139.62/INTERNET_SIGNUP/PRACTICE_TESTS_PROMO.HTM A lot of people in my study groups are starting to use this- it's new, so I can't vouch for it personally.

One of the best things you can do is to get at least 1 NCLEX study disc that divides everything into sections. NCLEX3000 is a good one that I use. The NCLEX study discs are good, because the EC exams are very close to those type questions- a lot of nursing process questions pertaining to various conditions.

Also, almost every EC recommended textbook offers a companion website. These often have quizzes and self-test questions for each chapter.

The EC EPN (Electronic Peer Network at the EC online services website) is also an excellent resource- they have live chats with instructors every now and then, and you can find a study buddy there, too.

You really can find study help for free if you go to the right sources. Here are links to the study groups- you'll find most EC RN students belong to these:

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/rnstudygroup/

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/allexcelsiornurses/?yguid=137656833

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/nontradnurses/?yguid=137656833

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/RNstudentsforum/?yguid=137656833

Once you join, you'll have access to the files with the study materials. rnstudygroup has been hands down the best resource I've had in doing this program.

Good luck!

exnavygirl-RN · Jan 21, 2004

The yahoo groups are an awesome source.

I finally mailed my application off today. I have already gained tons of info from this board and the groups.

Today Chancellors e-mailed me a price list and "contract". I have already decided not to use them unless I feel I have to. I figure I could always buy some used. Ebay seems to have a pretty good selection once and awhile.

Chancellors has something called the CarePlan in Indiana. What is that exactly?

I have already started studying for the Lifespan test. There is a Prometric Testing center in Mobile Al which is about an hour and a half from where I live. How much does it cost to take the test?

Hope everyone has a great day!

BBFRN, BSN, PhD · Jan 22, 2004

Congrats!!!

Lifespan is $125 and is 3 credit hrs. If you go to the EC Nursing Undergrad page, you can find all the info on exams that you need. Go to the online services for enrolled students page and get a sign-in name/password so you can get more info, too.

The Chancellor's CarePlan is their CPNE workshop. It's a 5 day workshop, and you don't have to buy their study material to do it. I've heard good things about it, but I think I'm going to do the EC workshop- it's a 3 day workshop, and they have them all over the country, so more options there.

And if you have any specific questions, feel free to ask at the study groups- they've been so helpful with any questions I've had, and you'll get a prompt reply from people who have already done a lot of the things you're considering so you can weigh your options as to what's best for you.

exnavygirl-RN · Jan 22, 2004

Originally posted by lgflamini
Congrats!!!

Lifespan is $125 and is 3 credit hrs. If you go to the EC Nursing Undergrad page, you can find all the info on exams that you need. Go to the online services for enrolled students page and get a sign-in name/password so you can get more info, too.

The Chancellor's CarePlan is their CPNE workshop. It's a 5 day workshop, and you don't have to buy their study material to do it. I've heard good things about it, but I think I'm going to do the EC workshop- it's a 3 day workshop, and they have them all over the country, so more options there.

And if you have any specific questions, feel free to ask at the study groups- they've been so helpful with any questions I've had, and you'll get a prompt reply from people who have already done a lot of the things you're considering so you can weigh your options as to what's best for you.

I registered for a username and passcode a week or so ago but really haven't used it to browse around. I will give it a try. I have already downloaded a few of the publications, too. I'm going to follow your lead and just stick with EC's material. I think I'll be better off doing that.

Did you ever take any CLEP exams? I think I may have to take History. My husband is military so I can take CLEPs on base. My brain is in overload right now. I have been researching EC for the past 6 months to make sure it is for me. After reading the boards I'm sure I'm doing the right thing.

Thanks for your advice

Christy (sorry to babble)

BBFRN, BSN, PhD · Jan 23, 2004

I have a couple CLEPs to take when I'm done- I'm within the 8 gen. ed credit requirements left to take the CPNE, so I'm taking those while I wait for my CPNE date. Are you taking History for the Humanities credit? If so, might I suggest CLEPping "Analyzing and Interpreting Literature?" I'm CLEPping that as a Humanities credit (counselor said I could do that). It's pretty cut and dry. You read a text, and they ask you some questions on how to interpret the text- kind of like Reading Comprehension. I had a lot of Humanities credits, but they were more than 5 years old, so I have to do 1 course in that area. If your reading comprehension is good, then you won't even have to study for that CLEP. It could make getting that requirement out of the way much easier.

Spazzy Nurse, RN · Jan 30, 2004

Lgflamini hit the nail on the head----- the yahoo boards are a GREAT resource. I was a permanent fixture on those boards for quite a while--- especially Rnstudygroup. They are a fantastic resource to know about and use.

I had heard good things about Chancellor's workshop also, but then I talked to a friend who attended one and said some wrong info was given out. Granted these things were relatively minor, but I didn't want to take ANY chances. I wanted to get my info. straight from the people who wrote the rulebook, so I went to an EC workshop. If when the time comes you have the funds available, I'd definitely recommend going. I am SO glad that I did.

BBFRN, BSN, PhD · Jan 30, 2004

Hey, Spazzynurse!

I think it was you who suggested the study groups to me when I first started. It was the best advice I ever got on doing this program. Thanks a million! You saved me a lot of time and effort!

exnavygirl-RN · Jan 30, 2004

Originally posted by lgflamini
Hey, Spazzynurse!

I think it was you who suggested the study groups to me when I first started. It was the best advice I ever got on doing this program. Thanks a million! You saved me a lot of time and effort!

......probally saved a lot of $$$$$$$$$$, too! I know they have me.

Christy

Spazzy Nurse, RN · Jan 31, 2004

Lgfla---- I think it was me too! Glad you listened to me. Please tell my almost-3 yr old to start doing that too. :chuckle

It was the best advice I got when I first started out, too. Not only are there great study tools, but it helps so much to have other people to go through everything with.

Plus...... out of the 6 of us taking our CPNEs the weekend that I tested, 2 of us passed, and we were the only 2 of the bunch who knew about the message boards. Coincidence? Who knows. I think hopping around on the boards gives you a leg up on the people who don't. When it comes your time to start preparing for your CPNE, you are already somewhat familiar with it because you've read so many other people's experiences. AND, the big bonus in my opinion is that you have already gotten the feeling of sheer terror out and feel more ready to start working towards yours. That's how I felt anyway.

And Christy is right. Saves money. Gotta love that since we don't have much while going through this program.

Betty_SPN_KS, LPN · Feb 15, 2004

Thanks for telling us about the study groups. :)