I am a LPN who works in a Rehab/LTC facility. I love my job, I feel like I am doing what I am meant to do. I have recently started becoming interested in working towards my RN. I do find the thought of working in the ER interesting, but I think I should keep my focus in long term care, as I find my most fulfillment in providing care on a day to day basis. I enjoy getting to know people, beyond their diagnosis.

I think if I become a RN, I would most likely focus on wound care and prevention. Skin care and wound prevention is a big deal in a good long term care facility. I also like the idea of being a treatment nurse because you still get alot of patient interaction.

So what I want to know is.....What are your thoughts on the LPN to ASN program? What are the pros and cons on doing this online? If you are a nurse who managed a home, child, full time nursing job, and school, what was it like? Also what advice do you have to offer?

Peace and Blessings

~~Lezlie Faye~~

I am almost finished with the Excelsior ASN program and it suits my busy lifestyle of raising 12 kids, working part time, homeschooling, and running a small home-based business. It involves a strong commitment to studying and staying on track with taking exams. You will have to make it a priority for at least 15 - 24 months. I should be graduated within 2 yrs of starting the program. It is challenging but also very doable.

I would advise nurses considering Excelsior NOT to go through TCN or any other facilitators. Save yourself some money and go directly through the school. I've observed TCN course modules to be very inadequate and certainly not worth the extra you pay. You can purchase the necessary books on amazon and give yourself the appropriate knowlege base.

I am a LPN who works in a Rehab/LTC facility. I love my job, I feel like I am doing what I am meant to do. I have recently started becoming interested in working towards my RN. I do find the thought of working in the ER interesting, but I think I should keep my focus in long term care, as I find my most fulfillment in providing care on a day to day basis. I enjoy getting to know people, beyond their diagnosis.

I think if I become a RN, I would most likely focus on wound care and prevention. Skin care and wound prevention is a big deal in a good long term care facility. I also like the idea of being a treatment nurse because you still get alot of patient interaction.

So what I want to know is.....What are your thoughts on the LPN to ASN program? What are the pros and cons on doing this online? If you are a nurse who managed a home, child, full time nursing job, and school, what was it like? Also what advice do you have to offer?

Peace and Blessings

~~Lezlie Faye~~

I am currently in the Excelsior LPN to ASN program. I work full time 40 to 50 hours per week. The excelsior program is very challenging and it requires a lot of committment. I only have 5 credits left plus the clinical to finish. I have been working on this program since 2008. I finished all of the nursing tests in one year and I have had some medical problems since then. It has been hard trying to get myself back on track. This program requires a lot of self discipline. There are a lot of study tools through excelsior and different programs on-line , study groups , etc. It is very possible to finish this program in 18 to 24 months if you stick to it and stay on track. As for as cost I think that it is reasonable compared to other institutions. Good Luck !

Just one warning about the Excelsior ADN program: there are several states in which you will have to meet additional requirements in order to be licensed or endorsed as a RN. You will not be able to gain initial licensure in some states; you will only be able to endorse in. Also, there are two states (CA and MD) where you will not be able to obtain RN licensure at all, either by NCLEX or endorsement. Fortunately, that leaves 37 states where there are no additional issues that Excelsior graduates must deal with.

For more info: State Board Requirements - excelsior.edu

Before enrolling, make sure that you will be able to obtain licensure in your desired state. You don't want to spend time, effort and money on a program for two-three years, just to find out that you can never get licensed in the state you want to work in.

Best of luck with your plans.