EC, "Prep" companies, study guides,

Nursing Students Online Learning

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Specializes in ER and family advanced nursing practice.

I have read a lot of information over the years about people going to EC. One very common issue that comes up quite often are discussions about the various companies that offer some type of study materials and in some cases actual classes. Up front let me say that this is just my opinion and I expect and respect that others will differ. Having said that....

DON'T DO IT!!!!!!! Theses companies are rip offs! They charge hundreds, sometimes thousands of dollars and they are absolutely not necessary.

First and foremost at issue are the study guides. I went to EC. I bought the books they recommended. These are the standard texts. My friends at the local community college used many of the same texts. If you don't want to buy them from EC, just use Amazon and save some cash. I read EVERY page they said to read. Not just once, but at least twice, sometimes three times. Although, by the third time, I will admit I was just skim reading/reviewing. Point is I went over all of the material.

For any given nursing concepts module for EC there are hundreds of pages of reading. Sounds like a lot right? Because it is! There is a lot to learn about in nursing! How many questions are there in a NC exam? 125? 150? So out of 500 pages or more of reading only 150 questions are asked. So how much material, important material, is not covered in an exam? You guessed it: a lot. So people think: I can read a study guide that only covers what I need to know. Well, that is only part of the sentence. It might cover what you need to know pass a test, but they don't cover what you need to know to be professional, educated RN. I hear LPNs and paramedics say all of the time there is not much difference between the training. Uh...yes there is: it is the depth of knowledge that makes an RN different from an LPN and paramedic. Now maybe that is not apparent in some areas of the hospital, but in a busy ICU or ER where the patients are complicated, you bet, depth of knowledge counts.

We scream bloody murder about what is going on here in Georgia and then turn around and want to know about more shortcuts. Do you get what I am saying? You need to know the material that EC suggest that you read so when you show up to work at your RN job you will have the same depth of knowledge that the brick/mortar guys do. Not to mention that when you go on to get your BSN, or even your MSN you will be much better prepared and able to keep up with your classmates. When the doctor and nurse comes into the room of one your loved ones, like say your child or spouse, would it comfort you to know they only read about 1/10 of the material they needed to cover in school?

Not only will you learn more about nursing as you read the material, but your reading, comprehension, speaking, and writing skills will all improve. That is very important because it will help increase your professional image and build internal and external confidence, and again, help to build a foundation for future coursework no matter what direction you choose.

The next issue is structure. People say they like to take the classes because they need the structure. Then go to a traditional school. Take out the loans, go to a community college, and enroll. Waiting list you say? Then wait! You will eventually become a nurse. It might take a year or two longer, but that is okay. The only difference will be that didn't spend thousands of dollars for someone to teach 1/10 of what you need to know as a nurse.

Third and last issue: cost. Rip off! Rip off! Yes I said it. I know some will say I went to this company and I couldn't have passed without them and they were so nice and willing to work with me. My response would be: Yes, you could have passed without them…I am sure they were very nice…For that kind of dough, I would work with you too. I know of people who are spending more than 3000 dollars for these classes. THAT IS CRAZY!!!! Keep your hard earned money and just sit your bottom at home and READ, READ, READ! When you have questions just ask someone. Either at work or here the help is available.

Sorry if this is kind of harsh, I am truly not trying to offend anyone, but in light of the current events in Georgia where the quality of EC nurses is in question I find this to be disappointing.

Good luck and God bless,

Ivan

Specializes in Psych, LTC, Acute Care.

Well said Ivan! I almost got suckered into signing with College Network but thank GOD for KNOWLEDGE. I bought most of the recommended books for all my EC test. Some were optional so I didn't bother. I also bought TCN modules off Ebay and some of the notes put out. I hated the notes because they did not come from myself and did not use them. The TCN modules were pretty good but you better believe I did not soley rely on them. Alot of their information did not go into a great deal of depth so I relied to my med surge text book to get me through.

I agree about taking this knowledge back to your job. I know so much more know. My thinking is starting to change because its hard to get away from the LPN train of thought. I now say to myself If I were an RN in this situation, what would I do? Can overstep my role right now but hopefully by January I can.

Good luck to everyone in their studies and leave the publishing companies alone. If you need support come here or go to the EPN. It takes a special kind of person to do this program. Everyone will not make the cut, but if you give it a 100% effort YOU CAN DO IT!!!!!:redbeathe

Specializes in Hemodialysis.

Hmmm I know that the College Network is quite expensive, however, my work pays 100% of it. So I signed right up. Cant beat that!!!

Specializes in ER and family advanced nursing practice.
Hmmm I know that the College Network is quite expensive, however, my work pays 100% of it. So I signed right up. Cant beat that!!!

Except that in my opinion TCN is one of the worst offenders out there. I bet if your employer really understood how expensive TCN is in comparison to what they deliver: low quality study guides that cost around what? 300 to 500 hundred dollars each? I know people that pay something along the lines of 7000 dollars to those guys for what? Something that looks like it was made at Kinkos for about ten dollars. So that means people are paying around 12 thousand or more for an associates degree? That is ridiculous. It doesn't matter who is paying for it. I would hate to think of what hospitals could be doing with the money that goes to those guys: raises, better/more equipment, training, offset indigent care...what a waste.

And then you still end up only skimming the surface of what you need to learn.

Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.
We scream bloody murder about what is going on here in Georgia and then turn around and want to know about more shortcuts. Do you get what I am saying?

Thank you x 1000. I will freely admit that I foam at the mouth when people a) say they don't know what will be covered on the EC exam, and b) they ask for tips for a certain test. Here's my tip that covers BOTH of those questions: USE THE EXAM CONTENT GUIDE, AND STUDY.

There are no shortcuts. This stuff isn't easy for a reason.

Sorry, I'm really tired (just finished three 12's in a row) and I probably have zero filter between my brain and my mouth/this here keyboard. :D

Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.
low quality study guides that cost around what? 300 to 500 hundred dollars each?

I believe they're about $495 each. I just don't understand how a study guide costs more than the actual exam to which it (loosely) corresponds. That has never made any sense to me at all.

I didn't use anything but the EC guide and the texts, either.

I was always getting into trouble on the floor for "acting like an RN." Bite me.

well ivan everyone has opinion on this. I happen to think each person has to chose what works for them. I used TCN study guides and some textbooks,you do learn alot while in school but so much comes from actually doing some people will be very good nurses while others will be so so no matter how they prepared for test. I have been a good LPN for 22 yrs and I have no doubt I will be a good RN just my opinion Leo2

Specializes in ER and family advanced nursing practice.
well ivan everyone has opinion on this. I happen to think each person has to chose what works for them. I used TCN study guides and some textbooks,you do learn alot while in school but so much comes from actually doing some people will be very good nurses while others will be so so no matter how they prepared for test. I have been a good LPN for 22 yrs and I have no doubt I will be a good RN just my opinion Leo2

I am typing this as I am watching the largest drop in history of the Dow, and I can't help but wonder how many people are paying the TCN money that could be going towards bills etc.

While I do agree with you that much is learned on the job, I will always believe that having a solid foundation in nursing education will only make that hands on training count for that much more. Solid, in depth didactic training will help a good hands on RN become a great hands on RN.

Clearly go with what works for you. I would never suggest otherwise, but I really believe people are selling themselves short if they feel the need to use these guides to pass. Just so you know I have actually seen the guides, so I am familiar with them. They are incredibly superficial. I suppose they are worth using as a review after having read the material the EC recommends, and if (and only if) you somehow obtained them used on Ebay or something, but in my opinion they are not worth 400+ dollars a piece new for review or otherwise.

I am sure you have been an excellent LPN, and I have no doubt that you will continue that excellence as an RN. Thanks for your input.

Ivan

Specializes in LTC, case mgmt, agency.
I am typing this as I am watching the largest drop in history of the Dow, and I can't help but wonder how many people are paying the TCN money that could be going towards bills etc.

While I do agree with you that much is learned on the job, I will always believe that having a solid foundation in nursing education will only make that hands on training count for that much more. Solid, in depth didactic training will help a good hands on RN become a great hands on RN.

Clearly go with what works for you. I would never suggest otherwise, but I really believe people are selling themselves short if they feel the need to use these guides to pass. Just so you know I have actually seen the guides, so I am familiar with them. They are incredibly superficial. I suppose they are worth using as a review after having read the material the EC recommends, and if (and only if) you somehow obtained them used on Ebay or something, but in my opinion they are not worth 400+ dollars a piece new for review or otherwise.

I am sure you have been an excellent LPN, and I have no doubt that you will continue that excellence as an RN. Thanks for your input.

Ivan

Originally Posted by ivanh3 viewpost.gif

We scream bloody murder about what is going on here in Georgia and then turn around and want to know about more shortcuts. Do you get what I am saying?

Very nicely put. I used the EC study guides and the materials and books they suggested.The EC guides are really in depth and cover exactly what is on the exam. That way there are no questions as to what is on the exam.:loveya:

Well I'm pretty ****** off because I am one of the "suckers" who have signed up with TCN. I thought everything was kool because I thought that the study guides were basically all that I needed. So they are not?? I haven't taken any of the tests yet and am currently study psychology. So are you guys telling me that I need to get more study books? TCN's guide wont be enough?

How am I suppose to test myself before I take an exam so I won't screw up? How do I get the information for excelsiors recommended books? Is there any way to get out of my contract with TCN? They have already sent all of my books!

Vonsay,

You can't get out of your contract.

You register for the practice exams on EC's website.

I have no idea what else you'll need, although all I used were the recommened texts and study guides.

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