just scheduled NC1 and need advise on studying

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Specializes in Geriaterics, RN Student.

Hey all need advise and input. I just bit the bullet and scheduled my first NC1 test for 10/30/08 and am not feeling extreme anxiety. There is so much to study!! I have study group 101 notes, the EC outline, and the books BUT am feeling completely overwhelmed. I will also be using saunders edition 4.

Now what I need is practical advise on how to conquer this beast. The first time is always the hardest and I have put this off for a year. I do better with deadlines so am hoping my 3 hrs a day study schedule and all the supplimentals will work. How did you all stud6y for this test?

Edith

crazdmomof4

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My best advice is to start with the study guide. Read through it. As you get to stuff you know you know, cross it out so it's one less thing to reread. Go through all the topics and see where you weak areas are and study those. If it mentioned something about diets, interventions or a certain med, know those things. Pay for the practice exams on EC's website so you can see where you stand. I usually took one at the beginning of my studying to know how much work I had ahead of me and the last one when I was about ready to take the test. That way, I could narrow down any last minute topics to study. Lastly, relax, you CAN do this.

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Specializes in Med/Surg Nurse, Homecare, Visiting Nurse.

First, purchase the practice exam, take form A. See where you stand, the exams are divided into different areas.

What I like to do is grade each area individually which is what EC does....what ever you score below a 70% in review that section.

After you've done the studying followed the content guide, go back and take form B...if you score over a 70% in each area and overall then I'd say go for it.

Sorry my method is a little confusing but it's worked for me so far. Just giving you some encouragement you can do it!!!!!!:D

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1) Pay for and schedule the exam.

2) Take the first practice test.

3) Stick post-it notes on each chapter you need to read. If you need to re-read something, re-read it. Remove the note when you've finished the chapter.

And go for it.

:)

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Hi,

I was just wondering did you recently get accepting into there program. If so, how long did it take for you to hear? Also do you know if you get to pick your exam date or do they pick it for you?

Thank you and best of luck.

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Hi,

I was just wondering did you recently get accepting into there program. If so, how long did it take for you to hear? Also do you know if you get to pick your exam date or do they pick it for you?

Thank you and best of luck.

You pick your own date and site.

:)

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Specializes in Geriaterics, RN Student.
Hi,

I was just wondering did you recently get accepting into there program. If so, how long did it take for you to hear? Also do you know if you get to pick your exam date or do they pick it for you?

Thank you and best of luck.

There is no wait list for excelsior, which is why I chose this route. There pre reqs are similar to traditional schools, with the exception of chemistry. You pay the fee for the tests which for me was about $250 actually I think it was less that that about $230. I paid that back in May, then you schedule your test for whenever. There is a nine month period that you are able to test within once you have paid for the test. You can also have the test broken down into 2 payments, which I did. Yesterday I went to the pearson vue website and scheduled my test date for 10/30 and that was it. I am looking forward to getting this over with. I work with another nurse who is on her 5th NC test. So far I have no issues with my decision. The only thing that is somewhat daunting is convincing and educating others about excelsior. It helps though that our director of nursing is an excelsior grad. She's my hero.

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I also am working on the Health and Safety exam...my first exam. I am using StudyGroup101 too. My question is...do you have to set up a test date before you can axcess the practice tests? AND can you print the quiz off, either before or after, to use it as a study tool?

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Specializes in Nurse Tech (Oncol.,Peds & Emer. Room).

Jenniferlynn, no you cant print the practice tests, however you have access to them for 120days to go over them, you will have to register to take the exam and dont need to have a date to access the practice exams...:)

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Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.

You have to at least register/pay for the test through EC's website before you can purchase the practice exams. You cannot print the practice tests (besides being unable to print from that page, it's a violation of their terms), but you can access them for 120 days.

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Hey there! I'm so excited to say that I finally took NC 1 today and got an 'A'!!! :D

I used the EC practice exams, Lisa's Notes and ATI's Fundamentals of Nursing & Pharmacology. I used my errors on the practice exams to guide my studies and it paid off!! :typing

Now after a good night rest :zzzzz.............I shall attack NC 3!!!!! :specs:

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Yay for you, determined!

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