rhudo

A good approach is to focus on each area in the content guide......but not too much on reimbursement. Make sure you know how nursing care should be applied in certain circumstances/different units. I'm not sure if each exam is exactly the same.

Congrats! Happy for you!

I was so happy when I was done with the exam, I jumped up and said, "Hallelujah!" Too bad there were other students still in the testing area. The monitor was laughing, that's the funniest part. The best part of the entire situation is the B I worked for. Thanks to everyone who posts here. It's great we can uphold each other. On to health differences!!!!

Hi! I just passed this test with a B this past week. I read on other threads there's a lot of memorization needed and not much application. Just make sure you know different influences on nursing, nursing delivery options, and leadership styles. The test was very LONG for me. I think the practice test would've helped immensely. Others have raved about he practice test. I used studygroup101 also. I then used the Quizlet app to make my own flashcards so u can study on my phone. This was very helpful. Good luck!

Thanks for all this info!

Congrats! Best wishes with the FCcA!

We're in West Michigan. Turnaround time is definitely a huge determining factor. I'm definitely considering all you shared. With all the different study resources out here, it's good to see Excelsior offers successful material also.

And, I totally agree about age. It's all individualized. Learning the "EC" way is imperative to pass this program. It was the same for every other school I've ever attended.

Just a ?....I'm also in MI and was thinking of the MN site. What made you choose NY?

Thanks for this! I find it helpful to hear it first hand. More importantly, Congrats! Way to work through pressure and stress. :)

I believe speaking with your advisor is the best course of action. I too observe the Sabbath, as a nurse, with scheduling exemptions and accommodations from my employer. My boss went as far as giving a time and a half incentive to anyone working what would be my normally scheduled shift. I do not need to do any special tasks or working hours in return. As with everything in my life, when work became problematic, I for on my knees and prayed. God worked it all out for all involved.

Any job will have pros and cons. Look for Medicare ratings to decipher whether or not you even want to apply. Check quality indicators such as safety,falls, multiple meds etc. as a new grad, you can learn a ton in a SNF. Just regard your job a a necessary stepping stone to help establish your career. It IS hard work but can also be worthwhile when you brighten an elder's day.

Congrats! I use SG101 and the required texts. I had read on allnurses recent editions are fine. I found most of the books on amazon or eBay for DIRT cheap Sent from my iPhone using allnurses.com

I'm new to Excelsior also. I've out this off too long. I tried to use the College Network, alternative study materials, and was quite angry at myself when I discovered the easiest way to study. I bought the recommended books, pulled out the syllabus(study guide), and went to town. I'm it saying it is easy, but going against the grain was just making it harder. And , I also feel I have received adequate personal attention at Excelsior. When I've sent a concern or made calls, I am always responded to cry quickly. Sent from my iPhone using allnurses.com

My good friend is a RN recruiter for SM in Grand Rapids. She definitely hires Excelsior grads. Two of my other close friends were first LPNs with Spectrum Health, completed ASN degrees through EC, and had no issues transferring to acute care settings.

Hello, I'm a nubie with Excelsior. I'm really excited about all the support on here! Can anyone provide some studying pointers on strategies and specific material?

Hey all. I found all the textbooks Excelsior recommends on EBay and Amazon. I'm going to use Study Guide 101 as supportive material. The "meat" of my studying will come directly from the textbooks. I found the tests are written from the same material the college recommends. That seems the most reasonable way to study.

When I was 18, quite a few years ago, I passed meds in an Alzheimer's unit after one five hour training session at our county health department. I was pushing Haldol, PRN Klonopin, PRN Ativan, and even Darvocet. Reflecting now....that's scary. I had not one clue what to look for. The RN manager was there during regular business hours only, leaving myself and two other teenagers to care for 15 patients. While this was in the 1990s, the practice has been redesigned and has now replaced licensed health care professionals. It does come down to dollars, but patient safety just makes cents. I'm not insinuating this is completely bad, I'm just skeptical on administering meds without thorough training AND understanding of what one is doing, especially when vulnerable populations are directly impacted.

It sounds like a good new grad experience. Think if this as a way to get solid orientation without all the pressures and commitments of a full time position. Weigh your options for each position offered, but it doesn't sound too bad. Best wishes and welcome to nursing!

I have a couple of thoughts. First and foremost- pain is what the patient says it is. It is completely a subjective symptom. That does not mean, however, nurses should administer medication without caution. If you feel the regimen is insufficient, talk with the prescribing provider. Also, watch for dependency s/s as well as cardiac/respiratory issues. Secondly- I am recovering from ankle reconstruction as we speak. It is not fun being on this end. I was timing a triad of meds post op. If the schedule was deviated, bringing the pain to even painfully tolerable was almost impossible. When I had my baby, a nurse kept me waiting for 1.25 hours for Vicodin, a very long time after a C-section. Hence, personal experience gives a new perception and appreciation for pain. Lastly-my dog, Colby, also takes Ultram for his ACL pain. Another participant mentioned their dog did the same. Needless to say warm milk and analgesics are a way of life around here for owner and dog lately. ?

Thanks, Oneflynurz. I like the smile face. It makes me feel quite reassured. Would you mind if I kept in contact while I journey through this? ?

I agree with ArgentumRN. Being a nurse is primary and being a male nurse is secondary. Actually, I appreciate working with a nice mix of make and female nurses. I know MANY men who are excellent nurses. Concentrate on school and pass those boards. Everything else will fall in order in due time.

When I worked night shift, I was out of sync for days. Nothing flowed right in my system. I would work a 12, sleep for 6, get up and lay around, sleep a little more, and then return to work. Most over nurses were envious I could sleep for 6 straight hours a day. This was with a newborn and two small other children and on weekend option. My husband ( also a nurse) worked days so we didn't need daycare. My parents also helped out greatly. Honestly though, I couldn't get my biorhythm down to adjust to night shift. I would frequently pick up 8s during the week on 3rd for extra $. Despite adequate sleep, overwhelmingly helpful support system, and a family schedule flow, I simply couldn't do night shift. I worked nights 10 years prior, but I was much younger. I attempted the aforementioned schedule for 8 moths with no relief. I eventually switched to second shift, 3-4 days per week. That was much better. We rearranged schedules and just tolerated not seeing each other much. So, I know I'm rambling and not directly answering your question. I would encourage you to break out a pen and paper with all the pros and cons for an "off" schedule. It works for some nurses and not for others. The greatest lesson I learned was my career and family must work together. Best wishes and Congrats! on the baby.

I'm getting the feeling following the Excelsior study guide as a "syllabus" with the Studyguide101 study material will be the best route. Many participants on these boards have also expressed success with the Excelsior practice exams. In the 101 Health Safety study guide, the nursing process is highly emphasized. There's just sooo much info and most of it is repetitive. I'm struggling with narrowing things down.