frogstomper9762

I thought NC 5 was hardest! Maybe because I don't deal with much behavioral health stuff... or metabolic issues as an RT. I studied about 3 hours a day for 1.5-2 weeks or until I felt comfortable (sometimes I rescheduled for 2 weeks later). I always scheduled my appointment 1 to 3 weeks ahead of time so I would have the pressure to make me study. I would take the test sooner if I was already fairly comfortable with the material, then I would just review and take practice tests. Nate

I had to take every single pre-req because the school I went to for Respiratory Therapy was not the same accredidation as Excelsior.... so I took all the pre-req classes noted by mudwoman and all the nursing concept courses in 7 months. (i did however do 2 CLEP exams Biology and Analyzing and Interpeting Literature) which gave me 6 credits each. None of it was easy but now i'm waiting to take the CPNE!

sorry late reply:) I have taken NC 1-7. failed NC 5 and will re-take in Feb. I also found out I have a slew of pre-req's to take. i am a respiratory therapist working in the east valley. If you have any questions you may want to send me a private message. did either of you take the pre-req's through excelsior? Thanks, Nate

I purchased "study material" for NC 1-7 off Ebay for $60. I also purchased the practice tests for Excelsior $60 also. I took practice test part A then studied the material I needed most work on using notes and reviewed all rationels for answers given on study test. then I took practice test part B, reviewed rationels on that one.....studied "study material" more. Scheduled the test and took it. I have to be honest this process took me about 2 weeks.

I took NC 1 exam today. Wow it was just like you described it. I had to guess on most or pick what I thought was best on them. I passes with a C and calculated my percentages and found out that I only got about 70.3%. Thats a close call. I was wondering if anyone knows if all the NC exams are like this one. Is it just the subject covered that makes this NC1 wishy-washy for me? Or will I need to expect this on all the NC subjects. I feel like the other subjects will be more concrete answers and maybe eliminate some of the guess work.

Did you use it for studying the Nursing Concepts 1-7 or just for the NCLEX?

Ok that should give me some direction. Thanks for all your help!

Thanks for the insight! Did you use both Chancellors and College Network? Someone else told me to get the Mosby's Comprehensive Review for the NCLEX-RN and read it as well.... any experience with that?

I am looking for suggestions on material to study. I work 3-12 hour shifts and have tons of time to study. I just purchased some stuff off ebay for $60 (still waiting for it) and I took the NC 1 pre test (scored 66%) with less than 2 hours of study. I want to get through the NC 1-7 quickly so I can schedule the skills test. I work as a Respiratory Therapist in acute care (ICU, Trauma stuff, NICU, insert a-lines and PICC lines) so I think I have a pretty good foundation. I just need a little guidance. All suggestions will be helpful. Thanks Nate (i really dont stomp frogs just in case your wondering):wink2:

I don't know much else at this point. From what I understand...... Its a good idea to take the "pre test" for the NC courses when you START studying. I started studying and took the pre test yesterday. I got a 66% on it. I don't know how that compares but I have a pretty good idea of what I need to work on. It also gives rationel (spelling?) with each question when your done. It cost $60 to take but it also has a 2nd test that can be taken as well. Im going to wait to take that one until I think Im ready to go. You don't have to schedule it but you have to pay for the test you are taking if you are going to take the pre test. So I paid ($220 i think) but all I need to do now is schedule the NC1 exam. I got some study material off Ebay for $60 which is NC 1-7 I hope it helps.

molsen- Excelsior is legit. College Network is not a school but a publishing company that sells study materials. Go directly through Excelsior! If you want study materials other than "Excelsior Recomended" you can get them on Ebay. Im just starting NC1 but found all this stuff out by reviewing previous forums (glad I did). I have only heard of California (recently) not allowing Excelsior grads to practice as RN's. But Excelsior can give you an idea when you call them or you can call the Alaska BON.

Are you ONLY missing NC 3? did you just skip it for some reason? just currious. I just started NC 1 and I just don't know the routine yet. Also, how do I find a sight for the CPNE?

I work in Arizona (phoenix area). There are several networks here that pay full tuition, books etc. if you are willing to go into nursing. Most require a 2 or 3 year commitment when you are done....... but hey! I work for a hospital here that is willing to pay for your schooling, books, 40 hours of your pay/week and only make you work 20 hours/week if you will stay there 3 years after your done. Many have taken advantage of it and its cool to see them go from the Lab to RN or from Tech or CNA to RN. Its out there you just have to be willing to look hard and possibly relocate to get it.

Im new to Excelsior too! I am an Respiratory Therapist but getting into nursing because of all the different avenues. I would like to know how long it takes to go through the RN program. From what i have read it is as fast or as slow as you want to go. But yet again don't know anyone who has gone through it and their experience in it.