Just Starting this Journey

[Little Panda RN, ASN, RN]

I just finished orientation and will starting classes on April 1st. I have 37 units to complete for my RN to BSN. I have to take History, Biochemistry and Statistics along with the nursing courses. I was looking through the history class and am freaking out just a little. It looks like a lot to remember and it feels a bit overwhelming. There is a review guide with each chapter that has questions you are supposed to answer and it states to fill in your answers before printing and to do this by e-text but it won't let me type in the form.

How the heck do you type in it? This history class has 19 chapters to read, flash cards to study, videos to watch and questions to answer along the way. Gosh I hope I am prepared for this 😋

Also does anyone have any words of wisdom on navigating through these classes. Like I said I am feeling a tad bit overwhelmed at the moment.

[klone, MSN, RN]

Okay, first - deep breath.

Second, how many tasks are there for this class? Are they objective assessments, performance assessments, or both?

If it's just an objective assessment (proctored exam) - take the practice test or pre-assessment, see which areas you need to focus on, and then focus on those areas in the e-text or course of study. Schedule your exam, then just do it.

If it's performance assessments, then go to taskstream (you may not have access to the classes through taskstream just yet) and read through each task and what is required, then do it. You may or may not need to even look at the course of study, depending on your current experience and knowledge base. You are not required to use WGU's references and texts to complete your assessments, and you are not required to go through the course of study and do all the busywork therein.

The key to getting through this program in an expeditious and non-overwhelming manner is to just DO THE TASKS. After the very first class I did, I didn't really even look at the course of study (COS). Just went right to Taskstream and read through the tasks, then did them.

[Little Panda RN, ASN, RN]

Okay, first - deep breath.

Second, how many tasks are there for this class? Are they objective assessments, performance assessments, or both?

If it's just an objective assessment (proctored exam) - take the practice test or pre-assessment, see which areas you need to focus on, and then focus on those areas in the e-text or course of study. Schedule your exam, then just do it.

If it's performance assessments, then go to taskstream (you may not have access to the classes through taskstream just yet) and read through each task and what is required, then do it. You may or may not need to even look at the course of study, depending on your current experience and knowledge base. You are not required to use WGU's references and texts to complete your assessments, and you are not required to go through the course of study and do all the busywork therein.

The key to getting through this program in an expeditious and non-overwhelming manner is to just DO THE TASKS. After the very first class I did, I didn't really even look at the course of study (COS). Just went right to Taskstream and read through the tasks, then did them.

Hi Klone,

I really have forgotten a lot of history so I will have to study for this one. It is an objective assessment so I guess that means a proctored exam.

So under each chapter it lists things you need to do, like watch video and take quiz then submit quiz. So I am thinking I have to do those tasks. Do we have to do all the tasks as it lists them. I am sure I will figure it out along the way, it is a bit as I said overwhelming.

I know I will get in my groove after I get started. Oh yeah I can access the course but not sure I can do anything in it yet.

[klone, MSN, RN]

You do not need to do all the stuff in the course of study (COS). Is there a practice test or pre-assessment? If so, do that first off. Then see which areas you are weak in.

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

I never watched any of the videos or worked through the course of study for any WGU courses that were objective assessments (OAs). I simply took the pre-assessment (PA) and reinforced any weak areas.

You will be wasting precious time working through the course of study when none of that work is graded. WGU differs from other schools in that time is money, so it behooves you to cut to the chase and schedule your tests as soon as possible.

The OA is the only part of the course that matters. Focus on that. Do not get caught up in the busy work. Your mentor will suggest you complete the COS because (s)he does not yet know your abilities, but doing it is optional because none of this work counts toward your grade.

[Sheryl18]

I agree, do the PA first, then study all of your weak areas using the coaching report. It is not necessary to do all the review guides, writing in journals etc that the COS tells you to do. Only focus on what you need to pass the class. Good luck!!

[lovetosleep]

Yes, I agree with everyone else. If you spend your time going through all of the material they provide, you will never get done. Take the PA, then study your weak points and take the OA when you are ready.

If the class just had tasks to do, just jump right in and do them, especially biochem! You will figure out what you need to know along the way.

[Little Panda RN, ASN, RN]

Thank you everyone for all the advice. I know I will have to do some studying of the content I don't know but will use the advice given. You guys rock 😀

[HannahmK98]

Hey I'm new too. Started yesterday... I'm took the PA for DPV1 and failed by points. Going over coaching report. Is the OA hard?

[klone, MSN, RN]

Hey I'm new too. Started yesterday... I'm took the PA for DPV1 and failed by points. Going over coaching report. Is the OA hard?

Generally speaking, they are pretty comparable to the practice exams.

[HannahmK98]

Generally speaking, they are pretty comparable to the practice exams.

Thanks Klone... I took it at 11 after working haha. I'm having a hard time trying to figure out how to study. I'm reading the ebook which feels like review... not sure how I feel about the activity questions. I guess I'm trying to get a feel for the school. Any tips would be appreciated!

[klone, MSN, RN]

I have a couple tips, which took me a while to figure out.

First, with performance exams - FOLLOW THE RUBRIC. Literally, every section should have a heading with the title of the rubric point (with the exception of things like APA format, etc). Answer the question, give enough details, but you don't need to ramble. They appreciate clarity and succinctness.

Remember, this is pass/fail. It doesn't have to be perfect. It simply has to demonstrate competency and understanding. If you're a perfectionist, let go of that. It's okay to submit something you feel is maybe a bit off the mark, or not quite right. Because they will give you feedback, and if it's not acceptable, they will tell you EXACTLY what needs to be addressed or fixed.

Good luck to you!