Indiana State University BSN students

chaxanmom · Feb 26, 2008

TCN is offering a "deal" right now that for the month of February, they will match your down payment and give you one module free. Have you seen these "deals" before? The last time I met with him, they didn't have this and I am questioning whether or not to sign with less modules so that I can take advantage of the "deal".

When I signed with them I got all 4 of my ISU modules for $1000 so that was a great one although I think matching your down payment is either an all the time thing or at least frequent because they had that when when I did my contract too. I'd probably hold out for a better deal if I were you. You rep should tell you what next month's deal is too!

chelleRN38 · Feb 27, 2008

No, unfortunately I did not take a foreign language in high school. I guess I will just attempt an online Spanish course....doesn't sound like fun but my choices are limited.

lholland · Feb 27, 2008

In regards to ISU. I know that the fee that I am paying TCN goes for phase I and II but is phase III strictly through standard means (student loans, grants, etc.?) through the college? Oh and Chax.....:bowingpuryou've been an awesome resource here.

lvnandmomx3 · Feb 27, 2008

I think I have decided I want to use TCN for my degree but I want to try to do a few of the CLEP tests on my own with the CLEP study guides to keep costs down. Is this a crazy idea? Or will the rep look at me like I have 3 heads?

Your degree will come from either ISU or Excelsior TCN just publishes the books and they are only study material. TCN is a publishing company and nothing more. It is not crazy to try to use your own choice study material there are a few ppl on AN that are doing that including me. I would tell that directly to the TCN rep thought. I would just meet with them listen to what they have to say, I didn't sign with them but got lots of info from them.

lvnandmomx3 · Feb 27, 2008

In regards to ISU. I know that the fee that I am paying TCN goes for phase I and II but is phase III strictly through standard means (student loans, grants, etc.?) through the college? Oh and Chax.....:bowingpuryou've been an awesome resource here.

From what I understand phase III is eligable for student loans,grants and ect. I'm hoping Cal grant as well, since it is a brick and mortar school, and you are registered in the program at that point, not just testing out for credit.

lholland · Feb 29, 2008

I have found that I can probably do most of my phase I without the help of TCN but when I get to Phase II, do I need them for the 4 CSM's? When I called ISU, the rep told me that they are the only ones that have these for this program, is that true?

lholland · Feb 29, 2008

Also, for the CLEP tests. Do you feel that the study guides they provide to be sufficient to pass?

lvnandmomx3 · Feb 29, 2008

I have found that I can probably do most of my phase I without the help of TCN but when I get to Phase II, do I need them for the 4 CSM's? When I called ISU, the rep told me that they are the only ones that have these for this program, is that true?

From what I understand TCN is the only one that publishes the study modules for phase II. But there are 2 ways around this 1. you can actually take the classes online through ISU,this will take alot longer than testing out so have to weigh options (also may not be much in savings since you have to pay for books and tuition), 2.If you live near the ISU campus someone said they have the modules there and that you can copy them (they can not be checked out).

lvnandmomx3 · Feb 29, 2008

Also, for the CLEP tests. Do you feel that the study guides they provide to be sufficient to pass?

I only have one actual TCN study guide(information systems) I have looked through it but that is about it. I bought passyourclass study guides and REA(research & education association) study guide. I have not tested out of anything yet, so really cant say if any of the material I have is sufficient. I do plan on going through the material that I have then using instacert for more study questions.

fuerza757 · Feb 29, 2008

Hi Everyone,

Quick Question:

1. Has anyone made it to the clinical portion, if so how does it work and how are the sites chosen?

2. Has anyone actually finished their program, specifically LPN-BSN.

Thanks

chaxanmom · Feb 29, 2008

Hi Everyone,
Quick Question:
1. Has anyone made it to the clinical portion, if so how does it work and how are the sites chosen?
2. Has anyone actually finished their program, specifically LPN-BSN.
Thanks

I''m in the clinical portion now. You send the guy at ISU the contact info for the site. He makes the contact and handles the communication until a contract is established then passes it over to you and you make arrangements with the preceptor as far as times/dates that work for both of you. I like the control of arranging my own experience. If you aren't independent or you are shy about arranging things then it's not the program for you. You have to be pretty self-directed. The control freak in me loves that though. lol!

I haven't finished yet. I'll be done May '09. :yeah: So far I love doing it this way. I compare it to the advantages of homeschooling. If you are in a traditional program then you are sort of like a public school class on a field trip...you are part of a crowd and get herded along as such. Doing this independently is like a homeschooler going to the museum when everyone else is in school and having the place to themselves. You learn SO much more. You work directly with the hospital staff (making contacts for after graduation!) and it's the nurses, nursing supervisors and doctors that show you stuff and you get them all to yourself.

Example, the other day I watched a few ECT treatments for psych. I didn't have to rely on an instructor to set it up, I simply asked my preceptor and she arranged it. I'm in charge of my own experience. It's WAY better than traditional programs! There was a traditional nursing student and she just sort of lurked around awkwardly but I was right next to the doctor who let me put the leads and electrodes on the patient (with supervision of course). Like the homeschool/public school comparison, studying independently makes you more comfortable jumping right in and being part of the staff rather than slinking around waiting for an instructor to tell you when you can go pee or blink. :nurse: :up: :yeah:

fuerza757 · Feb 29, 2008

I''m in the clinical portion now. You send the guy at ISU the contact info for the site. He makes the contact and handles the communication until a contract is established then passes it over to you and you make arrangements with the preceptor as far as times/dates that work for both of you. I like the control of arranging my own experience. If you aren't independent or you are shy about arranging things then it's not the program for you. You have to be pretty self-directed. The control freak in me loves that though. lol!
I haven't finished yet. I'll be done May '09. So far I love doing it this way. I compare it to the advantages of homeschooling. If you are in a traditional program then you are sort of like a public school class on a field trip...you are part of a crowd and get herded along as such. Doing this independently is like a homeschooler going to the museum when everyone else is in school and having the place to themselves. You learn SO much more. You work directly with the hospital staff (making contacts for after graduation!) and it's the nurses, nursing supervisors and doctors that show you stuff and you get them all to yourself.
Example, the other day I watched a few ECT treatments for psych. I didn't have to rely on an instructor to set it up, I simply asked my preceptor and she arranged it. I'm in charge of my own experience. It's WAY better than traditional programs! There was a traditional nursing student and she just sort of lurked around awkwardly but I was right next to the doctor who let me put the leads and electrodes on the patient (with supervision of course). Like the homeschool/public school comparison, studying independently makes you more comfortable jumping right in and being part of the staff rather than slinking around waiting for an instructor to tell you when you can go pee or blink.

I had no idea the clinical set-ups could possibly result in an one-one clinical situation. I could see where that would beneficial. Thanks, and best wishes.

One more question are using a program for the classwork portion? Like TCN?