GA BON no longer accepting Excelsior education; Speak up Cont. Updates!!

Pmdc · Jul 21, 2008

I haven't heard anything about this ruling. I checked the minutes of the board's meetings for the past year and found no mention of it. What exactly are the clinical practice requirements?

I will definitely be e-mailing board members to find out what is going on. As far as I know, there have never been any problems in the past. I know quite a few EC grads (myself included), and have always thought EC was a great option for those students with significant clinical experience.

ohmeowzer RN, RN · Jul 22, 2008

can you take NCLEX in another state?

RNsRWe, ASN, RN · Jul 22, 2008

There was something about that here on allnurses about a year ago, I think. Someone was ticked because as of XX date, Excelsior would no longer be considered a valid clinical education, etc etc. Upshot was that if someone graduated from Excelsior, they could get licensed in another State, then after something like two years, could apply for an endorsement back to the State in which they were currently living. Basically, if you graduated from Excelsior, the only option you had was to move out of State, get licensed, work, and then see if you could go home again.

But if I know about that, and I live in NY (and have nothing to do with Excelsior) I can't imagine you had NO indication this would be a potential problem for you? Did Excelsior not tell you anything? How can this be?

RNsRWe, ASN, RN · Jul 22, 2008

Ok, now I'm thinking the State that got rid of Excelsior approvals was Florida. Maybe. I need a nap.

Pipsqueak, ADN · Jul 22, 2008

Not sure if this is much help in clarifying.....the stipulations for Goergia aren't very clear. Obviously the BON is your # one source.

http://www.istudysmart.com/content.asp?cid=70

Pmdc · Jul 22, 2008

Could this thread be moved to the Distance education forum?

I think there are some new grads of EC who are in GA and probably have dealt with the GaBON recently. Maybe they could share their experiences.

James Huffman · Jul 22, 2008

Hey All,
I aM floored. I just received notice from GA Board of Nursing that they denied the endorsement of my MN RN license because I did not meet clinical practice requirements . When I called the board, they transferred me to a their Legal Nurse Consultant who stated that effective July 1, 2008 GA would no longer endorse RN license from Excelsior College students with no previous RN experience. She suggested that I go to my licensed state and work for a while then try again, but she could not give me a time frame.
Has anyone else experienced this. I thought we should at least have gotten some sort of notice/warning before this type of rule be adopted by the board. I am going to file a motion for reconsideration using an Attorney. Before I entered Excelsiors program I called GA Board to verify acceptance. I had been accepted to a traditional LPN to RN bridge program; I could have been almost finished their too. I am so sad right now. I have been crying for two days. I think I will need to see my doctor for Zoloft.
I have been an LPN for over 13 years doing Med/Surg for at least 10. I work on a hospital unit right now. THIS IS SO UNFAIR!!!:banghead:

Others suggested working in another state. That's a plan, but another possibility is working for the VA system. The VA -- being governed by federal regs -- allows nurses to be licensed in any state, and this is an option.

A word of encouragement: I was the first Excelsior grad licensed in NC. I had to fight. You've been crying for 2 days? Fine. Now stop crying, and figure out what you're going to do. You've graduated from Excelsior's tough program, and you've passed boards. You're obviously a smart, resilient nurse, and you'll get through this hassle, too.

RN211037 · Jul 22, 2008

Has anyone heard of GA not accepting EC students after July 1, 2008 without clinical experience as an RN first???? I am so mad! I am taking my clinical this weekend and they are going to come up with a new rule without giving us a heads up? I mean that is thousands of dollars down the drain and a lot of hardwork. This program has NOT been easy route. I am already an LPN in GA and have been for 4 years and they are going to say I need 500 clinical hours in the state I orginally was licensed in before they will accept you. I just feel this is not right without giving currently enrolled students a time frame to finish up! I am going to contact them today and see what they say. If anyone has heard any info on this situation or have recently been licensed in GA, PLEASE LET ME KNOW!!!

BBFRN, BSN, PhD · Jul 22, 2008

You may want to contact your state BON to get the official word on that. Good luck to you.

zimsaint · Jul 22, 2008

Thank You all for the responses especially Huffman, I needed that swift kick in the butt:). To clarify a few things, I knew GA did not let us take the NCLEX. But they stated that they would endorse another state's license. So I took NCLEX for MN but now that I am trying to endorse they are refusing. :confused:

I think I am the first to get this treatment because the Legal Nurse Consultant said effective July 1, 2008. I am going to fight it; I'm seeing an Attorney this afternoon. But I am concerned that it may get very expensive. Thankfully, my employers are backing me and are going to give me reference letters as to my experience and clinical skills.

Just keep me in your prayers, I would really appreciate it. I am not crying anymore; I am over the pity party syndrome. I think this is God's way of humbling me from pride and arrogance. I think my head was getting a little to big, I was getting a little too busy, and he needed to let me know just who was in control and made all of my accomplishments possible. He has gotten my attention:bow: :bow: :bow:. Enough said.

THANKS ALL

gradyrn2b08 · Jul 22, 2008

I have spoke with the GBON and EC and they said they are not aware of the above mentioned requirements. As a matter of fact one women who has worked for GBON for 8 years said there have been no changes as far as EC students requirments in the state of Georgia. I have a friend and co worker who graduated from EC and obtained her Georgia License in Feb 08 and is currently working as an ICU RN in Atlanta. Check with the GBON and they will confirm this information.