I need some advice with regards to Excelsior College, first let me explain my situation briefly then hopefully it will be easier to answer my question. I am currently an LPN however I already completed a 4 year BSN program with honors only to be terminated at the end because I couldn't pass the hesi exit exam out of the school, we had three shots but I couldn't do it, the anxiety was too overwhelming by the third time and I think I buckled, anyhow I had enough clinical hours to sit for my LPN boards and passed them on the first attempt, needless to say the debt I incurred during those 7 years of school and for going to a private, catholic college has now become a mortgage.
For my question, I am currently enrolled with TCN ( the college network ) and will soon be taking my first NC exam for excelsior's colleges LPN-ASN program. I reside in CT and was wondering if there is anyone out there who had graduated from EC recently and if you have any studying tips or advice to be successful on the nursing exams? The study material that TCN gave me seems very straight forward and the information doesn't appear to be too difficult as I have already gone through a traditional 4 year nursing program. Also I have heard about the difficulties some have had with the CPNE, can anyone recommend a good site and also a good workshop prior to testing? My plans were to go to New York for the CPNE because it appears to be the closest to me. I have taken several online classes so this program through excelsior seems like it would be a great fit for me, working and being a mom etc. and also I can't fathom having to go through another traditional program starting all over and having to redo my sciences again, I have invested too much money and I am not getting any younger.
TCN = The College Network, a publisher of study guides. Some students get into expensive contracts with TCN, only to find they're not really necessary. You can generally find used TCN modules for sale on sites like eBay.
There are a lot of posts in this Distance Learning forum about EC -- the search function should help. Welcome to Allnurses! :)
I'm taking my last nursing exam tomorrow. I've use TCN, Saunders NCLEX review,a Med Surg review book, as well as a few used text books I picked up from a used book store for about $40 (mental health & maternal health) - I've gotten A's in everything except Chronicity...got a B in it. TCN module for Chronicity was not too good...a lot of info on the test was not in the modules, so you may want to get the recommended book for it. ( also you could check out chegg.com if you want to rent a few books instead of buying...it's cheaper!)
Do you have any advice to study for exams? Is material given very helpful on exans for EC?
I absolutely agree. Do not use TCN for anything, likewise Rue Education. The practice Exams available for a fee,are a good resource within Excelsior. Yahoo groups Study group 101 is good,Flashcard Exchange is good. Distance Learning is a very different animal from brick and mortar--requires a great deal of self-motivation and discipline.You won't have 30 other people slapping you on the back saying "Atta boy,bomb it out there and go get 'em!" Be a consumer before you are a student--don't throw more money at opportunistic organizations than is necessary. You'll be lightening your wallet enough as is. I take the CPNE in August. Good luck.
Specializes in Dementia, Developmental Disabilities.
HollyBerry,
Good Luck with EC. I, too, live in CT. I have 3 exams left before my CPNE for LPN to RN. I did the majority of my pre-reqs with EC as well. Luckily, I researched TCN and decided I could go directly through EC. I did pick up a module or two on Ebay, but really found them a waste of time. I purchased older editions of recommended texts for a fraction of the new cost, did the EC practice exams, a must!!! I have gotten all A's and B's thus far. I will probably be about 2 1/2 years into the process when I finish, but work full-time and per diem and have two children. I study slower than some have reported, but hey, it's getting done! Take your time, study at your own pace, test when you feel ready and you'll do fine! Good luck.
You are right I just recieved a C on chronicity. TCN texbook was horrible the exam was tricky , Otherwise I have passed 3 essentials theory courses with a B. I do reccomend that you purchase the practice exams excelsior sells they are worth it. I too got stuck with TCN textbooks and tried to make the best of it but after this C in Chronicity I am disappointed and am considering purchasing used texbooks fo rthe next course.
I've use TCN, Saunders NCLEX review,a Med Surg review book, as well as a few used text books I picked up from a used book store for about $40 (mental health & maternal health) - I've gotten A's in everything except Chronicity...got a B in it. TCN module for Chronicity was not too good...a lot of info on the test was not in the modules, so you may want to get the recommended book for it. ( also you could check out chegg.com if you want to rent a few books instead of buying...it's cheaper!)
Lunah, MSN, RN
14 Articles; 13,773 Posts
TCN = The College Network, a publisher of study guides. Some students get into expensive contracts with TCN, only to find they're not really necessary. You can generally find used TCN modules for sale on sites like eBay.
There are a lot of posts in this Distance Learning forum about EC -- the search function should help. Welcome to Allnurses! :)