Isu nurs 328 and 224 challenge exam help

LadyinScrubs, ASN, RN · May 26, 2011

In response to your private email: "Can you offer any tips? Once in Phase III how may classes can you take a semester?

thanx"

The challenge exams are the first hurtle. There is no tips--you must know the material and understand the rationale. Get a new RN NCLEX book with question rationales--if it is has a system review, that is helpful.

If you are fearful, take your time and get to know the material; review all the NCLEX questions that the book has for the section. When you are confident you know the material and how to answer the questions, register for the exam. Get a good night's sleep before the test and try to take it when you are rested.

When you review the material for the challenge exam, you are essentially doing what those enrolled in distant learning are doing in the program--they are studying the book/info alone. Distant learning is challenging and requires self motivation. This is the first hurtle and is preparing you for the next step--it does not get any easier. Remember, you are about to start the BSN program and will be expected to perform at the same level as other BSN students.

As to how many courses to take after you pass all the challenges, that is up to you, the rules established by your state BON, and ISU. You must pass Transition and Assessment before you are admitted as a full time LPN to BSN ISU nursing student. Some take both transition and assessment at the same time; some, to their surprise, find that the pace for both courses is too fast and many drop one class. Note transition is two classes in one--transition course and a pharmacology course. Whether you take both is up to you but both transition and assessment are rigorous. My suggestion is to take only transition first; but many, me included, want to cut down on the amount of time to get the degree and took both in one semester. Your choice; talk to the dept when you pass the challenges.

RED 28 · May 26, 2011

In response to your private email: "Can you offer any tips? Once in Phase III how may classes can you take a semester?
thanx"
The challenge exams are the first hurtle. There is no tips--you must know the material and understand the rationale. Get a new RN NCLEX book with question rationales--if it is has a system review, that is helpful.
If you are fearful, take your time and get to know the material; review all the NCLEX questions that the book has for the section. When you are confident you know the material and how to answer the questions, register for the exam. Get a good night's sleep before the test and try to take it when you are rested.
When you review the material for the challenge exam, you are essentially doing what those enrolled in distant learning are doing in the program--they are studying the book/info alone. Distant learning is challenging and requires self motivation. This is the first hurtle and is preparing you for the next step--it does not get any easier. Remember, you are about to start the BSN program and will be expected to perform at the same level as other BSN students.
As to how many courses to take after you pass all the challenges, that is up to you, the rules established by your state BON, and ISU. You must pass Transition and Assessment before you are admitted as a full time LPN to BSN ISU nursing student. Some take both transition and assessment at the same time; some, to their surprise, find that the pace for both courses is too fast and many drop one class. Note transition is two classes in one--transition course and a pharmacology course. Whether you take both is up to you but both transition and assessment are rigorous. My suggestion is to take only transition first; but many, me included, want to cut down on the amount of time to get the degree and took both in one semester. Your choice; talk to the dept when you pass the challenges.

I have been very focused on the material an know it quite well however I am very anxious I panic. For the different areas of study many find other sources of learning ex. Kaplan books e.t.c. I was just wondering about other sources of study material that others have used to help prepare for the exam. Many have stated that the moudels for these classes did not help or cover all materials needed to pass the exam.

Thanks for the info

LadyinScrubs, ASN, RN · May 26, 2011

The TCN study guides are the only 'modules' that are available--other than the regular nursing books as well as condensed study guides, i.e., the Lippincott guides I suggested.

Being anxious is understandable. Go over the study questions in the corresponding NCLEX study guide chapters and review the nursing books/study guides. Being prepared will reduce anxiety. There are no shortcuts. You know how you get to Carnegie Hall....practice, practice, practice.....and that advice goes double for passing nursing exams.