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Nursing Students Excelsior

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I have been trolling the forum for a long time and thought I would pen my concerns and ask for help.

My story...After a stagnant period of 10 years, I plan to go back to Nursing school and earn myself a degree.I have a health related degree from outside US and I have been looking at various options available for me.

At present, the excelsior ADN program looks like the most feasible program for me in terms of the cost and online part.I inquired with Excelsior, who is willing to give me credit for some of my previous courses.

My only concern is the clinical skills part since I have been so stagnant.Can anyone advise me on how I can get work experience while being on the Excelsior program? I have also heard that the CPNE can be very hard exam to pass.I want to have an edge over it too.Please advise me,as to where and how I can start with a background like mine?

It's probably a good thing that you don't have recent work experience. I've heard for the CPNE clinical you need to learn and do all the skills the EC way from their book and you'll have several months to practice before hand. Lots of people set up lab stations at home and practice everyday. I'm not there yet, but I've been reading up for tips and advice.

Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.

Are you a currently licensed/certified LPN, medic (EMT-P), respiratory therapist or recently discharged military medic? If not, you are not eligible for admission to the a Excelsior ADN program. A non-nursing degree does not meet the criteria. One must have recent clinical skills and most states require documented clinical experience in pedi, adult, obstetrics,psych and geriatrics or a clinical preceptorship is required at applicant expense before eligible for licensing. Some states only recognize Excelsior grads that bridges from LPN-ASN. California does not accept the education at all.

I do not possess any of the above mentioned certification/license.It makes sense to get an LPN degree to acquire the clinical skills in peds, geriatric etc.Can LPN be earned through a local community college?

Is there anything that I can do fast track to RN after LPN? I am highly motivated and want to make up the lost time as fast as possible but at the same time be confident.

Also, full time mom to small children and hence the online programs at Excelsior were highly appealing to me.I have already just crossed my mid thirties(makes me feel old).Any suggestions would be helpful.

Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.

LPN programs require in person class, skill lab & clinical time. If a county college doesn't have a practical nursing program the county vocational school might. Full time a practical nursing diploma can be completed in 10-12 months (as in Monday to Friday, 8am -3 PM) a part time evening/weekend program would take 2+ years usually including summer session. Some practical nursing programs have agreements with the county college ASN programs for advanced standing.

If you have a bachelors that is equivalent to a US bachelors degree you can look into an accelerated BSN program but those are usually full time and complete in 18 months or so And highly competitive for admission.

LPN programs require in person class, skill lab & clinical time. If a county college doesn't have a practical nursing program the county vocational school might. Full time a practical nursing diploma can be completed in 10-12 months (as in Monday to Friday, 8am -3 PM) a part time evening/weekend program would take 2+ years usually including summer session. Some practical nursing programs have agreements with the county college ASN programs for advanced standing.

If you have a bachelors that is equivalent to a US bachelors degree you can look into an accelerated BSN program but those are usually full time and complete in 18 months or so And highly competitive for admission.

My only option is the county vocation school as of now.Thank you for the above suggestions.

I might be ready to do a full time accelerated BSN program in the future.Once I get a degree(LPN/ASN), I might get a job(hopefully) and have someone to look after the kids which might help me do a full time BSN program.

One last question..Does having a online degree vs traditional schools affect a competitive BSN program in the future?

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