StudyGroup101 Notes - Concerns

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Specializes in Emergency, Occupational, Primary.

Hi All:

Please forgive the cross-post, but I didn't scroll down far enough when I joined to see this more appropriate section for distance students...

I saw a thread or two about this topic but they're fairly old so I thought I'd get a fresh opinion.

I'm a paramedic in Excelsior's RN program (pre-2007 enrollment). I just purchased the entire 1-7 nursing study guide package from studygroup101.com. I went straight to the cardiovascular practice quiz in NC 4 since that's the next test I'm taking. I know it's early yet, but I have some real concerns.

Does anyone know how accurate and in-date these study guides are? One question asked about bretylium. Bretylium, for gosh sake! The only reason I knew the answer is because I've been a medic for 17 years and remember when we actually did have bretylium in the protocols.

There are multiple spelling errors and the grammar is like it was written in the 3rd world somewhere...I'm somewhat incensed at paying $55 for something that seems to have basically no proof-reading. They also don't resemble Excelsior's practice exam for the module.

But, the important thing is to find out if these things are accurate study guides. If they are, I can handle the poor formatting. But I don't want to be studying from something that turns out to be badly researched or outdated.

Can anyone advise?

Thanks much!

--Equusz

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Hello Equuz,

While I am familiar with study group101 notes, and find their customer service good. I simply preferred Lisa's notes... When put to my test Lisa's notes ALWAYS came thru!!!! When put to the test study group 101 let me down...Specifically, on the exam you mentioned in your post... I would add however, that having all the recommended text IS necessary regardless to which ones you choose! While studying from the text books, if something didn't make sense, I refered to Lisa notes which usually made things ALOT CLEARER FOR ME! Having said that, I appreciate all who reached back to help another aspiring nurse along the way.... In addition, I would suggest buying Lippincott's question and answers along with their NCLEX REVIEW BOOK, these books helped me alot as well!!! I hope this helps!!! I am sure you will Ace this one with your Medic history.

Best Regards

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Specializes in Emergency, Occupational, Primary.

Thanks pancakes. I do have the texts and an older version of NCLEX-Review plus the CD. I'm just trying to make the switch from the paramedic line of thought to the RN line of thought - the approach is very different! I'll try to get Lisa's notes but with 4 tests to take in the next 7 weeks, I can't wait for them to arrive...wish she had downloadable files like studygroup101.

Fortunately, I'm completely off work and can study nonstop. It's gonna be interesting! I passed the first 3 with minimal study time but I know they get harder each test.

Thanks again,

--Equusz

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Specializes in Psych, LTC, Acute Care.

Your taking a gamble if you study the notes alone. Some people swore by them but I rarely used them although I bought most of them. To me they catered more to the olde curriculum vs the new, even though they said that they were revise. Still its not a bad investment to buy them. I think they are helpful in some ways.

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Specializes in Med surg and Psych.

I liked the studygroup 101 notes, but for this exam I dug out some of my text books from LVN school. For some reason this was the toughest exam for me. I was really freaking out. I pulled a B, and I was happier with that score than I was with A's on other exams taken. I was also off for this exam, and I studied non-stop for 2 weeks, so it was like having 4 weeks not having to work or anything. All this being said ...YOU CAN DO IT !!! Traci

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Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.

I know, I laugh every time I see something about bretylium, but it does crop up on tests every now and then. Wacky, but there it is. It was on something recently ... the CEN review from the ENA, I think.

I thought SG101's notes were fabulous for the price, and their spelling was better than some of the others out there (I am seriously OCD about spelling). Just take them for what they are -- notes! I don't remember any glaring errors in their material. But if you're finding issues, email the SG101 peeps and let them know -- I'm sure they'd appreciate constructive feedback.

I highly recommend doing the actual EC practice exams, too, if you haven't already -- well worth the money. Regarding NC4, I knew that, as a medic, it would be pretty easy for me as long as I nailed the abnormal cellular growth material. I was right. :)

Good luck!! :)

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Specializes in Hospice, ER.

I found SG101 to be very helpful - they boiled down everything for me. I also used my old LPN books. The practice tests are the best. And you will see some pretty outdated things on tests, but it prepares you for the NCLEX, the mother of "what the h......" tests.

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I also found SG101 to be a useful addition for some of the modules. I was satisfied with the additional focus on the topic they were able to provide me.

Texts, Lisa, and SG101 were used by me for successful completion of all theory exams on first try.

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