Info on EC, I live in Illinois

[ER Jerry]

Hey Guys,

I posted this on another thread and was directed to this forum...Here is my original post...

Hey Guys, I am new to the board/forum/site. I have a few questions about the Excelsior Program. I am currently not an LPN. I am starting my LPN program in Feb. of 13, and will be done in Dec. of 13. I was previously an ADN-RN student at my local community college, a 4 semester program. I initially failed my 3rd semester, went back repeated it-passed went on to 4th semester. I ended up withdrawing from my 4th semester 3 weeks prior to graduation. I was under the impression that by withdrawing I would be able to pick right back up at another school in my area... Not the case. After reviewing my options, doing a 9 month LPN program and then bridging back to RN looks to be my quickest/ cheapest option. I was planning on bridging back through a local community college. But I found the Excelsior LPN-RN program. And as I father of 4, working full time as a Emergency Medical Specialist/ Trauma tech in our level one trauma center, I just feel like the Excelsior program will be a better fit. Now on to my question... I am going to copy and past directly from the excelsior site,.....

Effective January 1, 2012, applicants who have completed 50% of the clinical credit hours in an associate, bachelor's, or RN diploma nursing program are no longer eligible for direct admission to the School of Nursing. Individuals who have completed at least 50% of the clinical nursing credit hours with a minimum grade of C within 5 years of enrollment into Excelsior College will be reviewed on a case by case appeal basis. This appeal process requires submission of the undergraduate application, fee, official transcripts, and letter of appeal indicating where and how clinical skills are being practiced in a health care setting. Only applicants who are currently employed in a clinical capacity and maintained good academic standing (minimum grade of C in all nursing courses) throughout their nursing program will be considered in this appeal process.

So... My questions is. Since I will be a new grad LPN, but since I have had RN clinical experience, am I am still eligible to apply?

Also, I am in Illinois... and it looks like there are some extra requirements in regards to NCLEX.....

Pre-Admission State Board Letter is needed.

Endorsement: All graduates must endorse in with two years of RN experience.

what does that mean?

Thank you for any and all information anyone can provide, It is greatly appreciated!!

Jerry

Someone responded that I would have to work in another state for 2 years before Illinois would endorse my license. why wouldn't I just be able to obtain an out of state license after graduation and then apply to take the NCLEX in Illinois?

[RN34TX]

From the description it looks like you need to be working as an LPN when you apply. As far as IL is concerned, you will need to get licensed in another state and work as an RN for two years there before you can endorse into IL as an RN.

[tnmarie]

Have you tried contacting Ec with your questions? Your situation is pretty specific so that would probably be your best bet. Good luck! Ec is a great program.

[RTFisher]

Jerry, how far are you from Indiana or Wisconsin or any other bordering state? I would recommend you apply for licensure in a bordering state, get a job there to get your RN license experience. Illinois board will not accept your LPN experience as nursing experience. Not sure about the applying for Excelsior and what you posted meant. It could be that some of the courses were exempt to students that had attended a nursing program prior to EC. I think Health Safety was one class. GL

[ER Jerry]

I live in springfield IL, so I am about 45 min or and hour north of St. Louis, Mo. Relocating to another state for 2 years isnt really an option, as I have 4 small children and my wife has her career here. If it was simply working for a few months say 6 months or so, I would make the drive, just so I can endorse back to Illinois. It just seems like such a hassel. I have been going back and forth between the EC program and the LPN-BSN at Indiana state. I really like the idea of the EC program, because I could be done quicker, and it seems like it would be less expensive then bridging through my local Community Collge.

[traumaRUs, MSN, APRN]

I'm in IL too - best advice is to skip EC - in IL you will have hassles. Look at the IDPFR website - it lists (as you have stated) all the requirements for EC.

[RTFisher]

Jerry maybe you can apply for license in Missouri but work in VA hospital in Springfield. Most fed run hospitals only need you to have one license in the US. Since commuting doesn't work for you.