literati7

Hi. Wow, am I glad you posted about the practice tests for NC1. I really didnt understand how EC scheduling/practice tests worked. Thank you for the info. I really need to read up on the Nursing process since things have changed just enough to really mess me up in that area. I've been an LPN since birth too-floor work & pt. care are areas I feel okay about ~not 100% confident about anything until I see a textbook or two, or three. Was the pretest about anything unexpected? I read the outline for NC1 studyguide, so I have an idea of that. What areas are you focusing your studies on in prep for your next test? DId you take your first pretest cold without any prep or studying at all?

Hazellpn...YOU ROCK!!! "...Florence Nightengale was my clinical instructor for med surg. My first paycheck was a chicken..." :yelclap:

Thanks for the encouragement. I am eager to get going because of that exact thing. Momentum & all that, ya know. So, after scanning the Excelsior site for more info on NC1 I downloaded their content outline & have already taken (& passed) the practice test. SO I wonder, ...whats next? [1] Do I have to take this test through Excelsior for my NC1 score to count toward their ADN program? I'm still enrolled at a local community college; [2] wondering if a CLEP exam is the same as this NC1 test? [3] If so, would it be quicker & cheaper to take a CLEP vs Excelsiors NC1 test? Since I've no personal experience with CLEP testing I dont know whats what. Excelsior wont talk to me about this stuff any more till they finish my transcript review in a few weeks & I can't help but think they will probably want me to test everything through Excelsior. Impressions? Thoughts?

I'm >40 & eager to get going with my classes after having completed my prerequisites. I've now applied to Excelsior & await my transcript review. (>30 credits) Am told can take Nsg. Concepts 1-3 prior to enrollment. Anyone done this? Advice please.

Sending sincerest prayers for comfort & care to all who worked or were affected by this horrific tragedy in Minnesota. Nurses...please take care of yourselves & each other too. God bless.

As an LPN it never occurred to me that I could work in an NICU, although I'd worked in an adjacent hospital in a Level II Nursery for > 6 years. I had also acquired multiple advanced certifications in specific neonatal evaluation & care techniques beyond IV therapy & drug administration. When the NICU at the Childrens adjacent hospital (a large innercity multi-University hospital system) recruited me to fill their Discharge Planner position I was both shocked & pleased. I worked in that position while regularly pulled into the NICU for patient care for many years. The work load was tremendous but very satisfying. I was one of only two LPN's employed in this unit. The other LPN had been there X yrs. It was indeed rare for an LPN to be employed in any ICU setting in this hospital group; LPN's were utilized primarily on the floor or in various clinics. I don't want to discourage you; as stated, I worked in NICU while an LPN. However, I agree with the other reply previously posted, it was really an anomoly for an LPN to work in an ICU of any sort. That said-there are things you CAN do to increase your chances: [1]advanced training & [2] active participation in neonatal organizations is a vital starting point. Also, might consider scheduling an appointment with the head nurse of the NICU you are interested in working with. Never hurts to ask. I wish you well with your endeavors.

LPN > 25yrs here & I've found an LPN salary adequate to support a lifestyle which does allow for more indulgences vs. pre-LPN salary; however, with the cost of tuition increasing as much as it has these past two years, you might consider checking with your local community college about financial aide for your ADN vs LPN then make a more informed decision. The more info you can gather, the better. Given the situation with increased demand for all nurses I'd have to say it's really a matter of personal preference as to which degree would be best suited for your own situation. Good luck.

Dear Montananurse, Hello. Wow, you are a hard worker. Well done. I'm a 25+yr LPN currently awaiting my transcript review from Excelsior. They have them, but it's only been two weeks & they will not be in a hurry. It isn't entirely clear to me how to go about taking the Nursing Concepts 1 exam before I've actually enrolled with Excelsior. I'm currently enrolled at my local Community College where I have been re-taking all my prerequisites (cause initially I was planning to apply to their school of nursing & they said all my credits were 'too old') so I have access to a testing center. Since setting my goal of attaining my RN degree I have manage to maintain a 3.9 GPA so independent study seems like a good fit, I think. Are you saying I might be able to test out of Nursing Concepts 1 - 3 & that it will then apply (like any other WEBCT class I've taken so far) toward my AAS via Excelsior? That would be great news. Any feedback?

Hello. I'm new to the site too. I understand the mom of 2 & married issue; me too. I worked as a nursing assistant through my last 6 mths of training which: [1] paid my bills better than working at 7-11 ever could (>2X the salary) [2] showed me in a hands-on manner what the reality of being a nurse actually was and wasn't [3] provided me with a guaranteed LPN job upon licensure (no new job hunt necessary) & [4] really helped me pass my nursing boards. My family has benefitted financially from my career choice; & so have I, as a person. The actual job of nursing is both strenuous & mentally taxing work however, itis rewarding in a myriad of ways. If you aren't sure about this choice of profession; why not talk to your local Nursing school advisor or even your own doctors nurse about your situation. Most of us nurses are more that eager to tell others the truth & will often even assist a newbie along on her journey. Best regards.