FCCA info...

Ok, I don't know if this violates the honesty pledge so if it does I understand if the "POWERS THAT BE" take this thread down. I really had a difficult time finding enough info on the FCCA so I submit this in hopes that someone else can be enlightened

Here are some easy answers since I couldn't seem to find any when I was researching the FCCA:

When all your requirements are met (last grade shows on your test scores), call you EC advisor just to "inquire about :cool:" when you will be FCCA & CPNE eligible. My advisor told me he would take care of it, and the next day I got the notification from EC.

You then go online to fill out the FCCA app, and then have to call the special FCCA number and give them your $270 by credit card...more money!

You will then receive a notification (next business day) stating the day you should receive the packet by UPS. Mine was by May 4th. It arrived May 3rd. And I think I had to SIGN for it! Be sure to ask when you call so you can be home to sign, if necessary. You have 10 days to finish and mail it back from the day you receive it.

With sweaty hands you nervously open the UPS letter packaging! Inside you will find about a 6 page packet with 3 separate parts. It only has 3 parts, but each section has two scenarios.

The first was the hardest for me. Turns out, I PASSED but I did the first part all wrong! You are given multiple patients and have to assess, and use the nursing process for each one. I came up with nursing diagnoses! Wayyyyy overdid it! Really, they give you minimal instructions so you have to kind of guess at what they are looking for .

The other two sections are much clearer and much simpler! You are supposed to do it all in pencil because it has to be hand written. Pencil was a good choice because I messed up lots. The WHOLE shebang took me about a total of 10 hours. I did it over two days, but I just really wanted to get it out of the way. You are REQUIRED to use Mosby's Guide to Nsg Diagnostics THIRD Edition so if you don't have it, hurry and get it($$). I had to order it online 'cuz my local B&N never carries it. You can also use any other textbook you choose, you just have to list the books you use at the end of the packet. I found my Fundamentals book a big help, and I looked online to research of few of the pt diagnoses just to understand them better (don't write the online stuff in the packet!).

I choose to not keep the darn thing to mull it over (evidently I should have:idea:). They enclose a SASE from UPS so you just have to seal it up and take it to a UPS store. Don't tell anybody this , but compared to the EC Exams, I found the FCCA kinda easy!

A few other quick tips:

I called EC FCCA number about questions I had when I started my FCCA. I was soooo nervous, I wasn't clear, and the answers I got were not what I needed. My fault :nuke:

Start working on your CPNE app NOW! NOBODY TOLD ME ABOUT ALL THE PAPERWORK THEY NEED! And that paperwork takes at least a week to gather!!! And then you submit the documents and wait to see if they are accepted! Background check (more $$$), medical history signed by your MD ($$), passport size photo ($), and some other stuff. You can look it up online on the My EC page. It's under MY DETAILS then PREPARING FOR CPNE on lower right then APPLICATION & PAYMENT on the left side then REQUIRED DOCUMENTS. I haven't paid for the CPNE so far because my background check isn't finished yet !

Also download NOW, and start reading through the CPNE Study Guide. It is NO JOKE 538 pages !!!! I am going to a workshop this weekend, and the leader advises us to have read it throughly before we arrive. I'm only at page 312...

I got my FCCA passing grade about 6 days after I mailed it back. Actually, I got an email from the person who graded it explaining that I did PASS but I did the first part completely wrong and to be SURE I fully understand all instructions given to me at the CPNE and to do it correctly! Ugh...so embarassing :sofahider

Ok, that's all I can think of for now. There is NOTHING you can do to study for the FCCA, so just relax your brain while you wait :monkeydance: and enjoy the break!

I hope this helps!