ScudderRN31

Any suggestions on specific study guides to prepare for this exam?

You must be able to keep your nerves under control. You can know how to do everything perfectly and one small mistake due to nervousness can cause one to make a critical error. I think the most important thing is confidence, knowing exactly how they want things done, and performing it under pressure. A workshop can teach you the skills and such but it truly relies on the individual to prove competence. I passed CPNE on first try using only the study guide Excelsior provides. Everyone learns differently so it's per individual basis on which is the right route to take to prepare.

EC was a great program for me as well. It requires a great amount of independence and motivation but I truly enjoyed it and glad I choose that route. Didn't find it nearly expensive as others I looked into. WGU has accepted several credits I obtained through EC. No issues with licensure nor employers.

I understand your point. I'm not necessarily excited about going back to school..again..but the positions I desire require it so to be where I want to be I'll do what I have to do. If you're comfortable in your position and don't plan leaving I agree, why bother. But if you plan to expand your opportunities then it's become a requirement in most nursing worlds.

My plan is 6 months too..taking a little break though. Let me know how it goes! Best wishes

Want it done ASAP and once I jump in will be willing to go full force to make it through. Finished Excelsior's program from start to finish in 11 months which includes a 3 month wait for CPNE

Awesome, thanks! How long did it take you to complete the BSN?

I found it helpful. Plenty of content review and questions. I had already bought the Saunders or I would've saved my money, once I had NCSBN I didn't open the Saunders again. There is different course options based on length of time you have access to the material

Looking into obtaining my BSN through WGU. Just completed an ASN program online with Excelsior so without a doubt I'm up for the challenge of independent schooling. I've spoke to an advisor who I honestly wasn't impressed with. Have a few questions hoping to get answers for before making a final decision and jumping in. 1. Other than the term cost what other costs are there? Have the application done. Any graduation costs or so forth? 2. Which classes have proctored exams and which don't? Advisor couldn't answer that...makes me wonder why they have them speak to prospective students. Amy advice/suggestions or helpful information would be much appreciated. Thanks!

I used Saunders, Lacharity and the 3 week course from NCSBN for $50. Total less than $100 in resources and passed first attempt with 87 questions.

The amount of time while taking the exam doesn't have anything to do with a hold. I took my exam Thursday, 87 questions in 50 minutes. My results were available on Saturday.

I took Excelsiors A&P exam to satisfy mine. Had taken it before at a community college but had been greater than 5 years so it wouldn't transfer

I passed! 😜😱🎉🎊🍹So excited! Best of luck to all the testers out there!

Being in a totally different facility definitely played a part in increased anxiety. Fortunately for Excelsior exams I was able to go to a local community college that has an approved testing center. For NCLEX I had to drive 2 hours for a Pearson Vue site so I was out of my comfort zone. Have still been getting the good pop up..have tried it about every 6 hours. Will get my quick results in less than 12 hours at this point! 😬 Can't wait!!

Thank you! Will know for sure tomorrow when I check my quick results, hoping and praying I did!

Depends more on your graduation date. They start processing things a few weeks before you graduate to complete the process of making you eligible for NCLEX. So if you're like me, I did CPNE Jan 9. My graduation wasn't until March 20. So I had to wait a while to get my ATT. There is a list of CPNE completion dates and when your graduation date will be, that'll give you a good idea of when you'll be able to get your ATT, don't count on it much sooner. I waited a month before taking NCLEX. Since I didn't have anything to do for a while I had to get back into the study groove

So I took the RN NCLEX today and I must say that was by far the hardest test I've taken throughout this journey. Seemed as though nothing I studied was mentioned at all. Entailed tons of critical thinking and prioritization which wasn't obvious..made you think each patient through entirely to eliminate them. Was never so glad for that computer to shut off at 87, I was at a point to where I was ready to walk away..it was so aggravating feeling like I knew Nothing. I'm not sure how I feel about it overall. I know I answered each question to the best of my ability, utilizing every test strategy. It's not like the material was just so difficult I had no idea, it was so general and indirect it was hard to select the best answer. I'm sure most have heard of the PVT in which the "rule" is not to check it until 24 hours have passed. My anxiety level wouldn't allow me to wait so I used a reloadable card with minimal balance just in case it tried to charge me and I'm getting the good pop up so far. Makes me happy but yet still skeptical. I've only read that it wasn't accurate when it allowed someone to reregister when in fact they passed after the second grading. So fingers crossed waiting for 🕜 tomorrow!! Sorry to go on and on but had to vent somewhere and since my story is entirely with Excelsior I found it best to post in familiar territory lol

Agree with previous post. I put that I was ready 2 months out. Once it exceeded that time I began calling for cancellations and quickly accepted the first one offered. The wait is terrible and to me added more stress. It's a complete personal preference. Keep in mind that once you get a date you don't have to accept it if you don't feel ready.

There isn't a specific nursing diagnosis book to use, just that it can't be more than 2 editions old. I prefer and used Sparks and Taylor. Some advisors will suggest Mosbys because they are more familiar with it but it's not required. If they question anything on your careplan they simply look it up in your book the same as you did. I had asked an advisor this and once I passed CPNE a CE notified me that she was the advisor that I spoke to on the phone, she remembered me calling shortly before my date and verifying I could use it..needless information other than to keep in mind you never know who's on the other end of the line and you may just run into them one day! Best of luck!

$50 ish

Plenty of people have..what information are you looking for?

It's luck of the draw, the first morning I called I was told no..sent a message through message center within an hour of the same day, by noon I had a date. Took me by surprise but I ran with it and quickly accepted.

Credit by exam route for me from start to finish including CPNE was 11 months..just missed paying the annual fee :-)

I just completed Beginning Algebra through Aleks to satisfy my math requirement last month. However as others have mentioned I would get approval for the course before completing anything.

You will get the CD of the study guide a couple weeks after completing FCCA. I bought Robs as well, didn't use it a bit...thought it was terrible.