VNECC

RE: VNECC

Juliet Drummond DAVN (med) RVN D32/33 — Wed, 08 Feb 2017 10:02:33 GMT

Hi I enrolled on the course in April 2015. I completely understand how much work it is.

As others have said, you will find a great sense of achievement in completing the modules and exam.

Don't forget that you can defer the course for 6months if it's getting too much at once.

I have just deferred my exams to September 2017, as I'm just not ready for March 2017, and I was beginning to really stress about it.

Whatever you do, you don't need to quit the course, it can work around you, I have found Claire maddy and her team to be very helpful and understanding.

Hope it all works out for you.

RE: VNECC

bavaria — Tue, 07 Feb 2017 21:17:47 GMT

Thanks for all the replies, it has really helped to make my mind up. It is a lot of reading and research but as you said, I do as well find it really useful at work and I am learning a lot so trying to stick with it.

Thanks..:)

RE: VNECC

nikki84 — Sun, 05 Feb 2017 18:21:54 GMT

I started the ECC course in October 2015 and am due to sit the exams this March.
I won't lie, the course is so time consuming and I didn't realise there would be so much extra reading alongside all of the provided course notes.
They suggest 5 hours per week but I was spending in excess of 15-20 hours per week on the assignments alone. Plus I was also reading and writing revision notes as I went.
It has been a massive drain, I won't lie. Getting home from a late shift knowing I had to finish my assignments often made me feel like it wasn't worth the hassle.

However..... I completed all 18 assignments and submitted them all on time. None of them failed and I was really proud of myself for putting in the hours and getting it all complete.
I am at the stage of revising for the final exams now and I am again having the feeling of 'there's no way in hell I will ever pass the exams, why did I bother'.

Since starting the course I have learnt a lot and although I don't work solely in a 24hour centre, I find I am using my new knowledge more and more - even to support the vets when they're stuck with a difficult case.
I personally wouldn't quit. You will learn so much and you will use that knowledge.
The course isn't designed to be easy - it is a certificate and that does entail ALOT of hard work.
Try to set yourself a plan - reading and writing notes on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, completing the assignments on Sundays and the other days you have some down time.
You do need a balance where you have time or yourself and you will need to factor it in.

Trial a plan for the next few units, giving yourself some days off to do your own thing. If you're still feeling it's taking up too much time, speak to your tutor and ask to take some time out and then re-join the course later.
I guess the only downside to taking some time away from the course is the fact it will be the same situation when you re-join, the same level of work etc. It may actually make you feel worse?

Whatever you choose to do, good luck!

RE: VNECC

Lisa White — Sun, 22 Jan 2017 13:45:33 GMT

Hi!

I started the course in April 2016 and have only 2 modules remaining. Whilst the site advises 5 hours study a week, I've found to really do justice to the assignments, I'm doing at least 20hrs a week, every week. It's hard to devote that time when we work full time, often 60 hours a week. However, I have really found that everything I have covered has been of practical use in work. I've loved the extra reading, I've really enjoyed putting together my assignments and I really feel its worth the time I've put in. A colleague started at the same time, but stopped before the first assignment was due. She routinely asks how it's going and says she really regrets not sticking with it.

I hope you feel you can push on. It's hard, but nothing worthwhile is easy and you'll appreciate the accomplishment when you finish! If I can be of any help, even just a pep talk or someone to rant at about an assignment, please message me.

Cheers!Lisa

RE: VNECC

bavaria — Sat, 21 Jan 2017 13:44:26 GMT

Glad to hear I'm not alone..!! Well, not good for you but you know what i mean.. Good luck!!

RE: VNECC

Vari Thomson — Fri, 20 Jan 2017 23:01:36 GMT

I am doing it too and really struggling like you are so your not alone!!!

RE: VNECC

Rachel Woodcock — Thu, 19 Jan 2017 19:03:47 GMT

Excellent news!

RE: VNECC

bavaria — Thu, 19 Jan 2017 14:29:31 GMT

Thank for the reply Raceila..

Yes it really helped, that's what I needed to hear I think!! Kind of gave me the boost to continue:)

RE: VNECC

Rachel Woodcock — Thu, 19 Jan 2017 09:00:51 GMT

i did my ecc course a couple of years ago and it was def worth it! The things you learn can be applied to any type of nursing, not just in a hospital environment. It does take a lot of time but in my opinion it's so worth it. It's definitely helped to make me a better nurse than I was and I still refer to my coursenotes todsy, they've also been read by nurses in my practice and have proved so useful. Instead of quitting how about asking if you can take a break and explain your situation, when I was doing the course the tutors were really helpful and supportive so they may be able to offer some advice.

hope this helps!