NO more Madison CPNE!

Nursing Students Excelsior

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I am so mad. I did all my pre reqs and was starting to study for exams. The only reason I was going this route is because I live in Madison.

Does anyone have any opinions on ISU lpn to bsn. Looks like that's my only other option in order to not have to go out of state! :(

Here is the response I received from the school when I asked them directly.

*

After September 30, 2015 we will no longer be testing in Madison, WI. The estimated waiting time to take the CPNE is about 7-8 months from the time your completed application is received. Please keep in mind that this is just an estimation and there are many factors that contribute to the fluctuation of the waiting times.

Thank you,

Alyssa M. Smith

NPAC Scheduling Coordinator

Excelsior College *

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Why a testing site is stopping you from doing excelsior? Are you willing to travel?

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I traveled for the CPNE and found it to be a decent experience as far as the trip itself and the hotel stay were concerned. However, the site was great for my needs and they no longer utilize that site for testing. I couldn't see me getting excited about travelling to some of the other sites as I've seen them described. As for living in that city, that is a bad situation. I agree with you. And I see that as a valid reason to seek another program, all things being equal.

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Well I guess that is why MPAC was merged with NPAC, only the Lubbock site is left from it (which I heard is only doing it every other weekend).

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

EC is working on establishing new sites - I believe there is a new one in Texas, not sure when it will be opening though.

It takes a lot of people, time, and coordination to keep a test site up and running. You need a bunch of MSN-prepared nurses to act as the CA and CEs every Friday-Sunday, so that means that you need a pool of people - this is not a full-time job for them, and they need days off as well. Then you have to have a willing hospital that will provide space for EC to have its labs on Friday and some sort of area for students and the CA/CEs on Saturday and Sunday, not to mention that allows students from a non-affiliated program to come in and interact with its patients. It really is quite a production. You know that there is a nursing faculty shortage? This is reflected in the difficulty finding enough MSN-prepared nurses to run test sites. EC is always hiring on their site for this position.

The Wisconsin sites had a great run - they have been around for a long time, all things considered. But people move away or change jobs and next thing you know, there aren't enough CAs/CEs to staff a site. Some places hold CPNEs only on select weekends, sometimes due to the hospital and sometimes due to EC faculty availability.

I have seen sites come and go - there was one in Florida briefly, also Plano, TX, and where I tested - Mansfield, OH. Hopefully EC will be successful in opening new sites, which will help alleviate the extended wait times students are seeing.

knurse2B, lots of students travel for their CPNE weekends. I drove from Virginia to Ohio for mine. But if it's a dealbreaker for you, then I guess that makes your decision easy. Just be aware that there are states that don't recognize ISU's LPN-BSN program: LPN-BS track - BS | College of Health and Human Services

Best of luck!

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I guess maybe its a good thing in my case, since most places are looking for BSN. ISU isnt accepted in 12 states compared to the 15 for Excelsior...... not that I plan on moving to any of those states, but it is good to know.

Thanks

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Specializes in M/S, LTC, Corrections, PDN & drug rehab.
EC is working on establishing new sites - I believe there is a new one in Texas, not sure when it will be opening though.

Where's the new site in Texas?

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Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.
I guess maybe its a good thing in my case, since most places are looking for BSN. ISU isnt accepted in 12 states compared to the 15 for Excelsior...... not that I plan on moving to any of those states, but it is good to know.

Thanks

15? Not sure where you are getting that. As an EC grad, the only place I cannot endorse my license is California. All other 49 states and DC are options for me.

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Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.
Where's the new site in Texas?

I believe it is in Alice, TX. I have heard rumors to that effect, anyway.

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Specializes in M/S, LTC, Corrections, PDN & drug rehab.
I believe it is in Alice, TX. I have heard rumors to that effect, anyway.

Alice!? Woah. If it's true I might just have to sign up for EC. That's in my backyard. Finger's crossed!

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Just be aware that there are states that don't recognize ISU's LPN-BSN program: LPN-BS track - BS | College of Health and Human Services

Best of luck!

So those states will never recognize it like California and Excelsior, or will some states accept it with some stipulations (hours worked, additional training etc).

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Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.
So those states will never recognize it like California and Excelsior, or will some states accept it with some stipulations (hours worked, additional training etc).

I am not sure - they aren't exactly transparent with that information on their site.

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