How to Pass NCLEX RN

Now that you've put in the long hours and completed your nursing degree, it's time for the final step: passing the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). And while that may seem like an overwhelming leap, there are many resources available to help you succeed.

Scrubs magazine published an article that offers helpful advice from an NCLEX insider on how to approach the exam. The insider encourages you to organize your studying around the test plan, which is available on the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) web site. She also warns that simple memorization will not help you pass the NCLEX-RN; you must be able to think critically and apply the information you have learned to various nursing scenarios. Additionally, the expert offers the following tips for test day:

1. Take your time reading each question to make sure you don't miss important words like "not" or "first."
2. Decide on an answer to each question before you view the answer choices to avoid being distracted by the other probable answers.
3. Don't overcomplicate a question by making assumptions or thinking about exceptions; answer each question based on the information that is presented.
4. Don't spend too much time deciding between two equally good multiple choice answers; try to pinpoint a clear reason why one is wrong.
5. Look for patterns in the answer choices for each multiple response question.

If you're ready to start studying for your exam, The College Network offers a comprehensive NCLEX-RN exam preparation package. Our Rx for NCLEX Success is the only test prep bundle developed with the National League for Nursing (NLN), and it includes thousands of NCLEX practice questions, eight comprehensive learning modules and a testing strategies guide.

Happy New Year!!!

Hopefully you had a great 2012 but I want to help you have an even better 2013 by fulfilling one of your biggest resolutions.

Every single year people make a ton of different resolutions:

• This is the year I finally lose that extra 10 pounds
• This is the year I finally stop smoking
• This is the year I finally start flossing (no? Maybe just me)

While oftentimes it is looked at as goal that supersedes a resolution, I want to tell you why this should be the year you choose to finish your online education.

To me, there is nothing more rewarding than learning a new skill or finally mastering something that you have been working on for a while. Rarely, do these new skills tend to lead to you getting a raise at work.

As much as I would love to learn to play a new instrument, here in the field of online education, I'm not going to make any more money for doing it.

What am I getting at?

Well, just by completing your degree and passing your NCLEX-RN you can get a job making up to $20,000 more each year.

While this may seem like a larger undertaking than learning a new instrument or foreign language, I want to assure you that it is not.

When you are learning anything new, how do you get better at it?

1. Practice
2. Practice
3. Practice
4. More Practice

If you are not spending at least 10 hours a week practicing guitar or French, how do you expect to retain it? 

What if you could finish your associate degree in nursing in 18 months solely by "practicing" 10 hours a week?

At The College Network, our online comprehensive learning modules have been designed specifically to make this a reality.

Many people that work on one of our courses spend about 10 hours a week and finishes one course in just over a month.

Now that's progress!

So what are you waiting for? Make 2013 the year you earn your degree, move up at work, and make an average of $20,000 more a year.

Ein Peck, Program Advisor

(800) 307-1006, ext. 4786

Are you nearing the end of your nursing degree program? If so, you've probably began thinking about taking the NCLEX-RN exam. This is the exam that is required by all nursing school graduates in order to earn your license and practice as an RN. Because of the importance of passing this exam to your future in nursing, it is no wonder so many people are nervous to take their NCLEX.

Although there is good reason to be nervous, the pass rate statistics for the NCLEX-RN are pretty reassuring. According to the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN), the percentage of first time US Educated students who passed their exam, so far in 2012, is 91.23%.

If you're unfamiliar with how the NCLEX-RN testing process works, the NCSBN lists the following steps to be completed before taking the exam:

1. Apply to your board of nursing to receive an authorization to test (ATT) and then register with Pearson VUE. It is recommended you begin this process well in advance of your target test date.
2. Locate your test site. Test centers may fill up quickly.
3. Learn about eligibility and apply for licensure with your board of nursing.
4. Register with Pearson VUE and pay the testing fee.
5. Schedule your exam.

If you're planning ahead to take your NCLEX-RN exam, The College Network has developed a Comprehensive NCLEX-RN Exam Preparation Package to help our customers prepare to test. This is the only comprehensive exam preparation package that has been developed with the National League for Nursing. You will be fully prepared to take your exam because the package features cutting-edge technology and provides in-depth study resources.

For more information on our exam preparation package including a pdf and product demo, click here.

 

 

 

 

Do you know someone who seems to pass every test they take with flying colors and with seemingly minimal studying? You, on the other hand, study the material over and over and over again and never seem to do quite as well on your tests. Are you studying the wrong information? Do you just not get it? Maybe you weren't cut out for this after all? Don't go beating yourself up over this, because there could be a very good reason behind your test taking issues-you may have "Test Anxiety."

Test Anxiety is a very real issue that a lot of people struggle with. It is when your anxiety is so bad that it affects your exam performance. People suffering from test anxiety can experience physical, emotional and behavioral symptoms. Here are the main causes of test anxiety according to the Anxiety Disorders Association of America (ADAA) :

• Fear of failure
• Lack of preparation
• Poor test history

If you think you suffer from Test Anxiety there are some things you can do to manage it.

Organize-Organize your time and develop a study plan. Give yourself plenty of time to study before you have to take your exam.

Prepare-Study, study, study.

Practice-Take practice tests or have someone quiz you over the material you have studied. 

Ask Questions-If there is material that you have studied and don't understand, ask someone for help.

Take Your Time-When exam day arrives, take your time to read through the directions and each question thoroughly. If you don't know an answer, skip it and revisit the question once you have finished the remainder of the exam.

Always remember, whether you are preparing to take your NCLEX-RN or an exam for a specific module, The College Network is here to support you and help answer any questions you have when studying. Visit our Academic Support webpage to find out how you can get into contact with one of our academic advisors.

So you want to become a registered nurse. But how do you do it? It seems like it might be an impossible goal. You work, take care of your family--when are you going to find time to go to school?  Here are 10 easy ways you can become an RN with help from The College Network.

1. Call the The College Network to learn more about online nursing degree programs.
2. Set an appointment to meet with one of our Program Advisors. They can answer all your questions and set you up with a program that is right for you.
3. Make the decision to move towards your goal of becoming an RN and get started in your program.
4. Take our Learning Styles Survey to find out how you learn best. 
5. Complete your Academic Guidance call with our customer support team to review your learning style and develop a study plan for your Comprehensive Learning Modules.
6. Start studying.
7. Schedule your first TCN Exam.  Then go ahead and schedule the rest of your exams on your calendar.  This will help to keep you on track and give you a timely goal to work towards. Keep studying and passing your exams. 
8. Enroll with the university and complete any other requirements for your program.
9. Graduate! Plan to walk with your fellow nurses in the graduation ceremony.
10. Take and pass the NCLEX exam and receive your new RN License!

It really be done in these 10 steps.  You just have to make a commitment, set your goals and take action.  We are here to help every step of the way.  Call us today at (800) 39-LEARN and check your first item off your to-do list.  

Congratulations to Leigh W. from Merritt Island, FL!

Leigh, who joined The College Network in August 2010, has recently finished all of his courses and passed his CPNE with Excelsior College for the ASN program. He is now preparing to take his RN NCLEX in January 2012. 

Congratulations again Leigh, and good luck on your NCLEX exam from everyone here at The College Network!

To read about others who have finished the program, visit our The College Network website.

For more information on how to create your own success story, please contact a Program Advisor today to learn about higher education online. 1-800-39-LEARN

Many of you have heard of the Ironman competition.  It consists of a 3 part test of endurance, competition, and will power.  The 3 legs of the Ironman competition, consisting of a swim, bike ride, and marathon made me think of how the LPN/Paramedic to BS in Nursing through The College Network and Indiana State University is its own test of endurance and will power.

Below is a recap of how the Online LPN to BS in Nursing works, and its Ironman equivalent.

Phase I – The College Network (Ironman Equivalent = 2.4 Mile Swim)

•  Study The College Network’s Comprehensive Learning Modules and complete end-of-course equivalency exams to earn credit for your prerequisite and nursing courses (link to program brochure)
•  Experience learning entirely online in our Online Resource Center (link to the ORC demo) which is designed to uniquely compliment various learning styles
• Work at your own pace  (If you can commit to studying an average of one hour per day, you can expect to test out of a course once every 3-6 weeks)
•  Succeed with The College Network. We guarantee you will pass each exam and offer academic support via phone, email, and online chat 5 days a week
•  Take your exams online from the comfort of your home.

Phase II – Complete 4 Customized Study Modules (Ironman Equivalent = 112 Mile Bike Ride)

• Apply and enroll into Indiana State University
• Study the 4 College Network Customized Study Modules (CSMs) to test out of those 4 courses
• Take and pass your 4 CSM Exams Online Directly Through Indiana State

Phase III – Indiana State University and Clinicals (Ironman Equivalent = 26.2 Mile Run (aka a marathon)

• Apply to the Indiana State Nursing School
• Complete 12 remaining nursing courses through Indiana State online
• All remaining courses are online, asynchronous, and based on 16 week semesters with summers off
• Complete your clinical hours with a preceptor at a local facility
• Graduate with your Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from Indiana State University
  • Average completion time for your BSN degree is 3-5 years (Phases I and II are self-paced, whereas Phase III is not)
• Prepare for your state RN boards with The College Network “Rx for NCLEX Success” (link to more info) developed in partnership with the National League for Nursing
• Become an RN and earn up to $20,000 more annually!

So what are you waiting for?  Would you rather compete in the Ironman competition, or get going on your online nursing degree?  Either way, let me know, and I'll be happy to help you get started (at least on the nursing program)!

Kevin Burton, Program Advisor, 1-800-307-1006 Ext. 4734, kburton@collegenetwork.com

Congratulations to both Annette S. from Pawling, NY and Sherry L. from East Berlin, PA for passing the Excelsior College Clinical Performance in Nursing Examination (CPNE), on their first try!

At The College Network, we are always delighted to hear how our customers are doing with their programs and about the progress they are making. So please do not hesitate to call in and update us on your progress!

Good luck to Annette and Sherry on the NCLEX-RN exam. Congratulations again - you have both earned it!

Monday of Product Knowledge Training Week is here.  We are always excited about a class of newbies and today was no exception.  We have four new Program Advisors, interested and eager.  It is a fun day and one the Training Department looks forward to.

Rob Eyler, our SVP of National Sales lead off the morning with a rousing welcome.  He told the group about his experiences with the company and "How to Succeed in Business".  Everyone was charged by his comments.

We talked about life in general at The College Network.  We examined equivilency exams (CLEP, DANTES and Excelsior), how they work and what products we have to help our clients move forward with their educational goals.  We taked about the field of nursing.  We discussed what challenges a nurse faces.  We talked about what is the career progression many nurses follow.  A discussion of what educational goals a nurse might have ensued and how distance nursing programs can help fill that void.

The afternoon was a wonderful introduction to the first of our online courses for nursing, ASN or associates degree in nursing.  An ASN helps an LPN or LVN move forward with their education and gets them prepped to take and pass the NCLEX exam for their RN.   The College Network has programs to help a nurse not only get a degree "at their pace, at their place" with  distance nursing programs like the ASN.  We also have products to help pass required tests like the NCLEX exam.

Day One is down and we cant wait for Day Two.

I had someone tell me the other day that you cannot get your RN license in Florida if they went through the Excelsior ASN program...well here's how it is...

Q: Can I apply for a nursing license in Florida if I graduated from Excelsior (formerly Regents) College?

A: Applicants who have passed the NCLEX and have an active license in another state may apply by endorsement. Complete licensure examination applications submitted will be presented to the Board for review and a decision (pursuant to section 464.019, (1), (c), 1. Florida Statutes): (c) The programs nursing major curriculum consists of at least: 1. Fifty percent clinical training for a practical nursing program, an associate degree professional nursing program, or a professional diploma nursing program.

This is directly from the Board of Nursing itself at

http://www.doh.state.fl.us/mqa/nursing/nur_faq.html#Examination

So the answer is YES, YOU CAN!
 
You will actually end up with TWO licenses instead of one. It's one extra step, no big deal.

The College Network wouldn't even be offering it as an option if you weren't able to go from LPN to RN.

If you are looking for accelerated RN programs, definitely do yourself a favor and talk to a local program advisor.