Tryin to make the most of TCN...Help!

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Specializes in Skilled Nursing/ Long Term Care.

I have read so many threads and blogs the last few days trying to answer some of my questions with no luck. It seems as if they are old and nobody has followed up with their experience. Please fellow nurses:nurse:.... help!

My story....

In 2008 I made the BIG mistake of signing up with TCN (The College Network). I have read where some people have paid $3000, I consider them lucky. They have received $12000 from me! I financed my exam fees. This means that I have $3400 waiting for me to use, but only on exam fees. You have to take an exam and submit your test score before you get the next check. I have not taken any exams. I have the psychology and lifespan psychology modules. My road block is that I have ADHD so it is hard for me to retain what I read. If someone tells me something, I can remember it forever. Here is where I need help. I want to make the most out of what money I have spent so I was trying to find audio lectures on these courses. I was wanting to try and get the info another way and try to pass the exams. Anyone know of a way to do this? I looked up the larends and studyguide 101 (or whatever) thinking that was audio, but it isn't. If I have to invest a few more $ to make it work, so be it. Then after reading the threads I only got more anxiety from the EC issue of not being accredited in every state. My state it is accepted but I would like to relocate...someday. So should I attempt to continue with TCN and if I am able to make it work finish at EC or should I check into ISU to finish? Yikes this stuff is complicated! I would love to hear from any EC or ISU grads and any advise you may have!! Anything you would have done different? Also, doing the clinical part (CLEP?) doesn't make me nervous.

My experience....

I have been a LPN for 8 years. I still work at the same job since getting my license. I am a unit manager in a SNF, and manage 55 beds (LTC & sub-acute).

Thanks for any input!

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Specializes in Psych, LTC, Acute Care.

So sorry your are out of alot of money through the TCN. I do recall a couple of years back another publishing company(Chancellors??) that had the modules on cassette/CD but I really don't recommend them because they are another publishing company that cost thousand of dollars for their study modules. Sometimes self study is not the most ideal way to go if your having problems comprehend the information on your own. Everyone learns differently, thats what makes us unique.:) Anyways try Ebay to see if anyone is selling the tapes/CD's. I don't recommend paying full price for the Chancellors modules because you may not find the tapes very helpful, I actually found myself going to sleep listening to them because they were so boring. I found a few on ebay when I was preparing for my test about 3 years ago but didn't listen to them that much. I sold them back on Ebay. The CPNE studyguide will overwhelm you if you have problems staying focused. Its over 500 pages and you really need to be able to read it a couple of times and comprehend the critical elements and labs instructions to be successful. They do have the critical elements on CD once you get to that point that could help you.Regardless, good luck on whatever you decide to do. I wish you the best.

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

redge03, could you read the study guides into a tape recorder and listen to them later? I know it seems like a lot of work, but ... dang, $12K is a lot of money.

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For auditory learners - I use a text-to-speech program for a lot of my studying. http://www.readplease.com/ I copy and paste the Study Group 101 material into the program and listen. There is a free version, which I used for years, but[url=http://www.readplease.com/english/order/][/url] the paid program worth it since you can read really large files.

A lot of text books have an audio version, like Vango notes, which you can get through amazon or audible.com.

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Specializes in Skilled Nursing/ Long Term Care.

Thank you all for the help. I have looked for hours with your suggestions which I believe will help me. My biggest area of concern is the CLEP exams. I am more of a visual type of learner and psych, sociology, etc... are my most feared. I'm going to try Vango notes and Instatcert.com. Also on youtube UCBerkley has lectures in these classes!!! That was a great find. I even did a test to see what kind of learner I am. Kinesthetic learning is my style which means I have to work twice as hard in distance education, it is actually not recommended for my education but a little too late. I think TCN should review what type of learner you are before selling you something that is useless.... but if that were the case they wouldn't be called a "scam".

Thank you guys soooo much, you have given me hope!

Allnurses.com has been awesome! :[anb]:

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