NC1 - Too Chicken to take it

chris_at_lucas_RN, RN · Jan 7, 2004

This is me! I could've written this same post!

As to the material, everyone I have talked to that has taken it says they didn't find anything unusual or new on it that wasn't covered in the book or in the study guids.

Also, I joined a bunch of Yahoo nursing student groups, and there are files with notes, practice questions, etc., there. I've downloaded them and made a notebook for NC1, and I use that to help myself study.

Okay, here's what I'm doing about the anxiety. First, I talked it over with my DH and realized that part of it was my fear of failing--which is probably not likely. I mean, we didn't get this far because we were stupid, right?

Second, I realized I was afraid to cost the extra money--we too are out of work, and although I can come up with it, the DH is anxious, and I am sympathetic. So, I took to heart his observation that nothing is ever lost. Even if I fail the first time, I will have gained test taking experience, and probably learned some info, just from going through the process.

Third, the sooner I take my exams and do the CPNE (which I got over being afraid of when I found out all it is is working for 2-1/2 days with an RN tailing you--I can do the work!), the sooner I will be making money working.

That last one got me over worrying about failing, because by not taking it, I could see that, in a way, I am losing money.

Tell you what--I'll take it if you will. Let's plan on a day next week, we can register to take it the same day, and even though we will not be at the same center, we'll be together in spirit. Easier to do things with someone than alone!

Lemme know--but in any case, you aren't alone!

kimlpn · Jan 7, 2004

You guys can do it! I took it back in October. Follow the EC study guide and you will be fine. Also use the SETH test as a guide to find your areas of weakness. Know your nursing Process and how to apply it. Their recommended text--The nursing process--can't remember who it is written by is GREAT!

Kim

chris_at_lucas_RN, RN · Jan 7, 2004

Okay, what and where, exactly, are these SETH tests?

Thanks!

kimlpn · Jan 8, 2004

They are practice questions. You can find them on the different yahoo study groups. You may also want to take the practice exams offered on the Excelsior site--I did this for both NC1 & NC2. They did help me strengthen my weak areas.

Good Luck to both of you!

Kim

Sadbulldog · Jan 8, 2004

Thanks everyone for your responses!!

Hey - that sounds great! Lets both sign up for it next week and we'll both go and take it. I might try to find some extra $$ for that practice exam first. I'm just SO nervous. I know I'll be alright with the following exams - its just not knowing the format that is freaking me out!!! KWIM?

Let me know what day you are signing up. . I'll do the same. We'll get this done!

chris_at_lucas_RN, RN · Jan 11, 2004

Okay, I did a couple of things.

First, I went to the nontrad site and got a copy of the "SETH" test for NC1, then I took it with my study buddy. We found about 6% of the answers were wrong. (Looked them up to make sure it wasn't just us.) It was great practice because we now have 100% of the right answers....

Second, I got ahold of EC and paid for my tests. They said I can register for an exam as early as Monday (yikes! tomorrow!) Like you, I want to do the practice tests first, and I have one more to go for NC-1, and both of them for NC-2 (see next para--makes more sense).

My study buddy isn't ready for NC1 yet, so I'm probably gonna get ready for NC2 (which she doesn't have to take, since she's an LVN) and do that one first.

HOwever, a first test is a first test. I can be ready for NC2 a week after my Chancellor's gets here, which should be pretty darned soon. Shall we aim for, say Friday, January 23rd to take a first test? Regardless of whether it is NC1 or NC2?

Lemme know--anybody else want to join us, hop on in. We can be like those "polar bears"--city people who get into their bathing suits and swim on New Years Day regardless of the ice and snow.

BTW, as to the cost of the tests, etc., don't forget the sooner we get our RN's the sooner we make the big (or at least bigger) bucks--I figure each hour is worth about $10 over what I can make without the RN, so that's $120 in a 12 hour day--and that means my two practice tests just paid for themselves if it means I am going to get to work even a day sooner than I would without them.

kimlpn · Jan 11, 2004

Good for you!!!! Glad you have made the appointment:) I am taking NC 7 on the 31st of this month! I have NC 3, 4, 5, & 6 to go. I completed all my generals at my local community college where I still am taking classes that will apply to a Bachelor's degree when I finish this. So I am currently preparing for NC7 and my other two classes (american history & greek and Roman humanities) start on monday.

I think the NC1 was pretty straight forward. The book the nursing process--can't remember the author--covered the material for this test well. It is one of the recommended EC books.

NC2 wasn't too bad...but I did think it was more difficult than NC1. It did follow the content outline as to the percentage of questions from each area.

The practice exams on the excelsior site are very helpful--more so the NC1 (at least for me).

Good luck!!! I know you can do it!!!

Kim

BBFRN, BSN, PhD · Jan 19, 2004

Originally posted by kimlpn
I am taking NC 7 on the 31st of this month! I have NC 3, 4, 5, & 6 to go.

Kim- I'm taking NC7 on the 31st too! I'm taking it at 1530. What time are you taking it?

After this one, I'm done, except for CLEP Biol. and Soc.!!! Woohoo!!!

kimlpn · Jan 20, 2004

That's funny! I am taking mine at noon. I feel this info seems fairly straight forward--but I could be wrong. The laws, history, ADN pratice...I thought it was all pretty interesting actually. I will let let you know how it turns out! Good luck to you:)

Kim

BBFRN, BSN, PhD · Jan 20, 2004

I think it's interesting, too. Have you gone here yet?:

http://connection.lww.com/products/ellis8e/src.asp

It's got some really good study review Q&As for the Ellis chapters.

The book is really cartoon-y, but it has some interesting info in it, eh? And I like how each chapter has relevant websites listed.

I heard this exam was more memorization than anything, so maybe it won't be so bad.

Good luck!

kimlpn · Jan 20, 2004

Laura--

Thank you for the web site....I will definately use it. I just rescheduled my exam to this friday the 23 vs sat the 31st. I feel pretty confident that I know the material. I will take these last few days just reviewing and doing practice tests. I will be taking it this friday the 23rd at 5:30pm. I will let you know how it goes!!!! Thank you again for this site.

Kim