starting excelsior

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Ok all, i'm taking the plunge and starting with excelsior college. i've been reading the posts on here for a few weeks, and finally decided that d/t various reasons i think the distance learning thing will work better for me than traditional programs. just wondering if there are any other ppl out there who have just taken nrsg exam 1 and want to give me any tips on what i should concentrate on. I know that the study guide gives a list of five books you need to take the exam, but do you think that all five are necessary? i found a copy of larands cd's and have just bought a fundamentals book with peds book. i'd appreciate any and all advice.

I was thinking about going thru Rue, but have decided that i don't want to pay five grand xtra just to make it more convenient for me. does anyone think that it's worth the xtra money to go thru rue or the college network?

thanks-ryan

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Hey - did that one last spring. Most valuable to me were the EC outline and their practice exams. It'll be easier than you think, pretty general and a lot of common sense. A lot regarding the nursing process - know it inside and out.

I am using the College Network and am finding it not worth it. There's a lot of info on this site about those guys too.

Good luck!

Vida

:smilecoffeecup:

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Buy the med/surg and pharm texts. They're the basis of EVERYTHING. As to the others you can buy older editions really cheaply off of www.half.com or www.amazon.com.

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Just a general hint on the EC exams for test day. You can go back and forth between questions as you please, so I usually go through all of the questions at least twice. It's amazing how sometimes on my second pass I will reread a question and see something that I didn't see before.

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Specializes in Psych, LTC, Acute Care.

The fundamental book they suggested is the only book you need for NC1 aka Essentials in healthcare safety. Buy the practice tests. Good Luck!

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Hi NC girl 35, in your post you mentioned a fundamental book, which book is that? I just signed up with tcn and studying from the

essentials of healthcare safety. Where can I find the book you're talking about? I plan to take my first test in Jan. 08 and then if I pass, applying to EC. I just have the nsg to do, so I want to be prepared to take each exam and pass the first time. any advice would be appreciated. thank you

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Specializes in Psych, LTC, Acute Care.

Fundamental of Nursing. 7th ed ISBN 0130455296. EC recommends the 8th ed but the 7th ed has the same info. I got it for $20 on half.com.

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Hi NC girl ,

I thought I found the testing center in my area, but I was wrong. I'll have to call TCN to find the testing center in my area (NJ) so that I can schedule my first test for ess. health safety. I'm currently on chapter 6, and hoping to be finished by christmas day, so I will have at least 15 days of reviewing my notes. Do you think that is a good way to do it, or do it seem like I'm attempting to rush thru? this is all new to me, and I just don't want to drag my feet. It I don't stay motivated, I'm afraid I'll put it on the back burner.

Sorry for rambling!:o

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Specializes in gerontology.

Hi everyone, I just stumbled on this great website. I have been an LVN for only a year now and have been plugging along with prerequisites. I have been debating over Excelsior college and contemporary college courses for my transition to RN. Does anyone have any advice? The hospitals in my area seem to only be hiring RNs so I am working LTC which I enjoy but would like to get more varied experience. The main concern is not enough clinical time and if this will effect my success as an RN. Any advice would greatly be appreciated.

Thanks!

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Specializes in Nurse Tech (Oncol.,Peds & Emer. Room).

Hey fatcat,

Im from the NJ area. I dont know if you are near North Jersey or not. But there is a testing area in Princeton. I wish you good luck :) You may want to use the questions on the CD of Fund. Kozier to help guide your studying. I found it to be a good source along with Saunders Book.

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Do you have any college courses? I would download the EC catalog from www.excelsior.edu and see what classes you will need for the ASN. You can CLEP (test out) of some for unders $100 and take some others through them.

EC was great for me.

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