Finally starting but overwhelmed!

[Iheartnursing, ASN]

I have been toying with getting my RN through Excelsior since I passed my NCLEX PN three years ago. Its time to start! I have finished my transcript review and it looks like they are going to make me do A&P and Micro as well as Life Span (human growth and delv). I fully intend on cleping out of Human Growth and development..much cheaper option... As far as A&P and micro go I guess my best option would be the EC exam... I would prefer an online option for this if anyone has any suggestions that are cheaper than the EC online classes I would be eternally grateful! The next online options for these two with EC is not for a couple of months and I don't want to wait! Looks like you have to take these before taking your nursing classes. My hope is to be done the curriculum component ASAP!

I am also ready to start to study for transitions! However I am feeling a little overwhelmed with where to start! Suggestions from the pros?

Also should I wait to officially enroll until I have finished my pre reqs?

Anyone from Maine?

[Lunah, MSN, RN]

You don't have to enroll until you finish your pre-reqs, and once you do enroll it starts the clock ticking on your student service annual fee. But the plus side to enrolling now is that you lock-in to the current curriculum, and future changes to the curriculum won't affect you. For example, the last big curriculum change added the FCCA and changed the number of nursing exams. I don't foresee any huge changes, but those are the pros and cons to enrolling now.

As far as your first exam, download the exam content guide from EC, choose your study materials, and get started! A lot of people have success with a combination of textbooks and notes (usually from studygroup101.com). I highly recommend the practice exams from EC, too.

Welcome to the madness! :)

[judep]

I too have been toying with the idea of starting this program. Hell....I even started studying for transitions but my motivation has just dwindled. I had previously completed my pre-requs at a local college and I was able to do my ap online but had to go to the college twice a week for lab (at night). I found this quite helpful in terms of work, etc...but the course was really hard. I had done all my pre-requs with the hopes of getting into a traditional program. But,,,,well.....you know how that goes. Its nearly impossible.

So...next logical step is this route.

Im not certainif I want to be a floor nurse....after 9 years of lpn work and feeling like a grunt doing the impossible...Im thinking a career in health informatics is more up my alley. But alas...need the rn I think.