Indiana State University Online LVN to RN program

RED 28 · May 26, 2011

I found all of my isu challenge exam modules on e-bay so they are availiable online check every day all day they go fast.!!!!!

NurseElf · Jun 2, 2011

I found all of my isu challenge exam modules on e-bay so they are availiable online check every day all day they go fast.!!!!!

What are you typing in to search? I keep looking on Ebay & cannot find them! :confused:

RED 28 · Jun 3, 2011

Type in college network and go through the titles of all there books!!!!!!!!!

LadyinScrubs, ASN, RN · Jun 3, 2011

type in college network and go through the titles of all there books!!!!!!!!![/quote]
the books on ebay are not the challenge exam books. any book is better than none, but why start off with the wrong book? i seriously doubt one will fine the isu challenge ebooks at ebay. to use the tcn isu challenge ebooks, one must log into tcn via computer.
unless the books on ebay specifically mention the challenge exam # and name of the exam, you are buying the wrong books. instead of buying the wrong book, you are better off getting a good nursing text for the exam, rn nclex book with rationales and unit reviews, and a comprehensive review book like lippincotts "get a's in _____". if you get new editions but used, you would save a great deal of money. buy them on amazon under the prime student program, and you get free shipping or upgrade to overnite for $3.99.

Temeika, LPN · Jun 26, 2011

I am in the LVN/LPN to BSN progam at ISU. I already have my bachelors and all my preprequisites so after taking 4 challenge courses, I am enrolled in LPN/LVN transition and an assessment class. Once these classes are over, I will be admitted as a full time student..until then all new students are termporarily admitted until these classes are finished.
I am impressed, so far, with the program. I have been in a brick and motar BSN program and family sickness caused me to have to quit. Quite honestly, the ISU program is more rigorous than a regular brick and motar program. It should not be since distant learning students are learning the same material that regular nursing students learn. Nevertheless, I have been very busy with the program, but ISU is doing all it can to provide a quality program and links to videos, etc. Clearly, their IT dept is excellent. I have never taken any other DL classes, but am quite impressed.
The one thing I would advise others considering ISU is when you are admitted, take only the transition course by its self and then the next semester take he assessment class independently. The first month of the two classes I was slammed with papers, reports, posting on discussion boards, and taking numerous quizes and exams. It was a shock as I am accustomed to only a midterm and final in my previous university classes. I would imagine the surprise was even larger for those students who have little ones and work full time. I wish I had only taken one class the first semester, whcih would allow me to ease into the program.
I actually enjoy distant learning and it gives me the freedom I need, but you must be motivated. As the first two classes have shown, one must keep up and not fall behind. Every week we have goals and must post our work on line before a specific time. Miss that window and you the website evaporates. You will get no credit or points when a deadline is missed.
If anyone needs more info, feel free to contact me.

I too have a B.S. Degree, but having a 9 month old and trying to study for the 4 CSM's, I just dont know where to start, I dont really want to go thru college network, I still have my old LPN textbooks plus my teacher had us in the ATI program for each class so I have those books to use but my baby and my energy level leaves me concern, I know i can do if I was able to go back to class 1 week after having a c section because i was determined to get the LPN program finished so I can get to work. What did you use to study for the CSM's exams?

LadyinScrubs, ASN, RN · Jun 26, 2011

i too have a b.s. degree, but having a 9 month old and trying to study for the 4 csm's, i just dont know where to start, i dont really want to go thru college network, i still have my old lpn textbooks plus my teacher had us in the ati program for each class so i have those books to use but my baby and my energy level leaves me concern, i know i can do if i was able to go back to class 1 week after having a c section because i was determined to get the lpn program finished so i can get to work. what did you use to study for the csm's exams?[/quote]
the wonderful thing about distant learning is that you can do it at home. you have your hands full, and you may want to take things one step at a time. concentrate on studying one challenge exam and when ready, take it. repeat for the next, etc. you are in charge of your life and time. while babies are adorable they are energy zappers. yet, you need to keep your mind active--when you have the energy. a man i respected told me something i never forgot--and i was in a similar situation as you, but a single mom. time is going to go by whether you do anything to advance yourself or not. the decision is yours. if you have concerns about what books to buy, there have been numerous posts about non-tcn books for the challenges. you can go up to the top of the page and do a search using the parameters that fit. even the newest, most expensive nursing & nclex books for the subjects of the challenge exams are a fracton of the cost of the tcn study guides.

AshSo · Jun 29, 2011

how did you find a RN to do your assessment clinical time with??? Do you have to complete all 50 hours with your preceptor??

LadyinScrubs, ASN, RN · Jun 29, 2011

how did you find a rn to do your assessment clinical time with??? do you have to complete all 50 hours with your preceptor??

isu will give you guidelines for preceptors and proctors. my assessment preceptor was a rn who workes with my employer. as for the # of hours that must be obtained--your practice time away from the preceptor is counted as well as the time it takes you to provide the dvd assessment. actually, you will have an excess of the required lab hours for the class. i hit the minimum hour requirement a little after midterm.

Franticoola · Jul 10, 2011

LadyinScrubs,

I am going to start NURS 208 and 304 this coming Fall 2011. Can you give me any advice and run down on how it went? Thanks

LadyinScrubs, ASN, RN · Jul 10, 2011

ladyinscrubs,
i am going to start nurs 208 and 304 this coming fall 2011. can you give me any advice and run down on how it went? thanks

if you do a search on the course numbers and/or the name of the course, you will find i have written a great deal about the class. one blog was about my experience and written at the end of spring's semester.

you can send me a allnurses personal email if you go to the top of my message and click on the envelope. btw if at all possible, get your books now before school starts. last year, i saw that the closer to the start of the school semester, textbook prices started to rise. plus, you can buy good used cheaper if they are still available; closer to start of school semester they get sold out.

Franticoola · Jul 11, 2011

If you do a search on the course numbers and/or the name of the course, you will find I have written a great deal about the class. One blog was about my experience and written at the end of Spring's semester.
You can send me a allnurses personal email if you go to the top of my message and click on the envelope. BTW if at all possible, get your books now before school starts. Last year, I saw that the closer to the start of the school semester, textbook prices started to rise. Plus, you can buy good used cheaper if they are still available; closer to start of school semester they get sold out.

It's not letting me send personal messages yet. I saw your post about your experience. Can you please send me a copy of the syllabus and other information you can share? My email is [email protected]

M&M1985 · Jul 16, 2011

Hey!! I have study guides that helped me pass the challenge exams the first time!