Excelsior A&P study advice

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Hello everyone. I started studying for A & P yesterday feel a little overwhelmed. I am not sure how long i should allow myself to study before taking the exam. This will be my first test with Excelsior. I need Micro after this one and then the nursing courses. Is there anyone out there that can give me some tips on studying and what i can expect from the exams. I am so afraid if i do poorly on my first exam i will get discouraged. I have the excelsior study guide and bought the book --that is another question i got the 4th edition and the guide says the 6th edition --does it make that much difference? Any info or hepful hints would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

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Specializes in Mental Health, MI/CD, Neurology.

Hi Buff and congrats on taking the plunge!!

I would study until you feel comfy. In fact you might want to overstudy since one, like you said, if you don't do well you'll feel discouraged to go on, and two, A & P is a toughy (sorry but it has that reputation --- which I happen to agree with having taken it myself). Once you have a couple of tests under your belt you'll know what study method works for you.

As far as having an old text, I used my A & P text from when I was in school 10 years ago and it did the job. Don't worry about buying the EXACT text that they recommend. Generally, A&P is A&P, med surg is med surg, etc.

Best of luck!! :)

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Specializes in ER, IICU, PCU, PACU, EMS.

Hi BUFF!! You are starting out the exact same way I did! Use the Excelsior free content guide and make sure you know all the points listed on it. Like Spazzy nurse stated, I overstudied on this one because it was my first exam with EC. Once you get the first one under your belt, you'll know what to expect. Micro was straightforward and followed the content guide also. You'll feel a little different with NC1 because they go deeper into nursing and critical thinking. You can't go wrong with those content guides - I've made all 'A's so far and will be testing for NC4 shortly.

Best of luck to you and your studies!!

:balloons:

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I probably spent two weeks studying for A&P, finally I just said right or wrong I can't stand it anymore, I've got to take this test, So I took it and was overjoyed to make a B. Then a week later I did the same thing with Micro and low and behold, made a B. Then I took NC 1 and 3 and made a Bon both of those. I'm taking NC 4 today, praying that I will pass.

The way I have seen best to do it is just plow in and luckily I have been able to rely on a lot of what I learned in LPN school to help me out (have been an LPN 4 yrs.) You would be surprised at how much sticks with you.

I used the EC study guides and cliff's notes for A&P and Micro. For the NC exams I use the EC study guides and my old textbooks from nursing school. Anything I can't find in there I can look up on the internet.

Good luck.

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Specializes in rehab; med/surg; l&d; peds/home care.

hi buff~

i too started out with a&p. i tested in december and i got an A. pm me and i can help you with some notes if you want. best of luck to you!

heather

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