Distance learning RN degree

cjp · May 22, 2001

I too looked into distance learning for my ASN. I chose the traditional route.I worked full time as an LPN and went to school at night.I also had a family at home. I was a zombie for two years. I still don't know how I did it.I took a couple of CLEP exams but that required self study, but there was never any one to ask questions of. Some of the exams,such as english comp, was a nightmare.( The college I was enrolled in only excepted a score of 500 on the exam. I received a 490. The school wouldn't except the grade, I failed) I guess my point is. If you can manage to take the classes with an instructor do it! The instructors will be there to answer any of your questions no matter how stupid you think they are. The instructor will guide you when you are not sure of something and have you thinking in ways that you may not have thought of. The instructors can give advise when needed and will also see how hard you are working to acheive your goal. They will also push for you to pass. The clinical instructors will see your personal side. The side distance learning instructors won't. They will see your passion for nursing and caring for people, your interactions with patients and your determination to reach your goal. They will encourage and at times be your personal nightmare. But they are doing it for you. For you to be the best.

You have to do what is right for you. I thought long and hard before I decided not to choose distant learning. For me it was the right decision. You have to do what you feel in your heart is right for you. I wish you luck and success in what ever path you choose. The doors of opportunity will swing wide open once you have your degree in hand.

res04lly · May 22, 2001

I have chosen distance learning vs the tradtional learning for the following reasons: I work and could not afford my hours being cut, I have 3 kids 22,12,10 and all keep me going in different directions, I compared the cost of lost wages, all the little extra's, text books, uniforms, wear and tear on the car. I liked the idea of not having an instructor over my shoulder (i have been out of school for 17 years) and the additional stress that it causes me.I liked the fact i could sit with my feet up in my PJ's studying and I set the time frame for completion of a course, not someone else.I liked the fact that i could sleep in the morning instead of being at a clinical site at 7 am. I have a great support system at work that will help me if i run into something that i am unsure of or need a clearer explaination of what ever it is.Distance learning is what i chose if you want to talk with me more on this and who i am dealing with just e-mail me and i'd be glad to give you my contact person to talk with.

MickeyI · May 23, 2001

I started out the traditional way, going to regular classes, but I already had the prereg's due to nursing being a second career choice. It worked well for me, as I could not afford not to work and it was difficult to have a job and plan classes, find time to study etc.

It is not the easiest way however, and it requires alot of committment to study and find all the educational material needed. Also you do miss out on having the experience of the instructors to help you out, but since you are already an lpn, you shouldn't have as much trouble as some others.

Then also being an lpn also hinders you in that you already have a routine of doing things, and as your are already aware there is a by the book way and the real life way of doing things. If you can have an open mind and be flexible to change then you should not have too much trouble.

I think it is harder to go the non=traditional way, and people who are not familiar with it may not afford you the respect you deserve, but after it is all done and over with it really doesn't matter how you get there as long as you do get there.

Good Luck!!!

:cool:

kennedyj · May 28, 2001

I have heard that regis offers a program that is tailored toward testing out of classes and with online study.

I am currently obtaining a grad degree online. I find it a little harded than in class. You get less student support (no face to face only emails or phone discussions or forums). You also have more weekly assignments to make sure you are keeping up. I am currently in germany so this is the only I can complete my degree. I think we are lucky to have these options. Education is definately becomming tailored to the working students with families.

good luck,

Jared

GInurse · May 29, 2001

I agree Jared. I was an LPN and put off going back to obtain my ADN degree for 5 years. I still wouldn't have been able to do it if it were not for the distance learning program. I took ALL my pre-req's via telecourse or internet, with the exception of the classes which required a lab. I even took the nursing courses online at home. The only thing during nursing that I had to "show up" for were the clinicals, which I did from 3-11 two days per week.

I just left work early those two days and went. It left me working my job about 40 hours per week instead of 50-60, but then I spent two nights a week doing clinicals too. It is exhausting to say the least. I really didn't know any other way to educate myself because I had taken all my pre-req's on my own. I wouldn't really be able to differentiate between the experiences of classroom learning to distance learning.

With my husband being a nurse working 12 hour shifts and having two children as well, this was really my only choice!!!

It worked for me.

mkoonrn · May 29, 2001

I chose to go through Regents College (now Excelsior) to obtain my RN. I had already done my pre-req classes (except micro) at the local college. I had to complete 6 nursing classes and micro, and the clinical weekend. I believe there are 7 nursing tests to take now. I purchased study guides from an independent company. The total cost for me was approx. $5,500 to $6,000 for everything. I bought the study guides at the end of August, took my first test the beginning of December. I was really afraid of the results, but I got an A. The tests are given at Sylvan learning centers, and the results print up as soon as the test is completed. I finished all of the tests and the clinical weekend by the next September. So in less than a year I had finished my degree. The hardest part was the clinical weekend. It was nerve wracking!!! The cost of the clinical test was $1250.00. If I had failed the test I would have to pay again to take the test again. I could not afford to pay for the test again so the pressure was on! There were 5 people in the group I tested in and 3 of them had failed before. If I had not worked on step-down from ICU for 4 years as an LPN I don't believe I would have passed the test. I had been away from the step down unit for approx. 2 years (working in OR) when I took the clinical, so it was a little more difficult. If anyone chooses this route to get their RN, here's a little advice: 1. Take it one step at a time -- looking at the whole thing can be overwhelming 2. If you don't have it, get hospital experience -- there's no substitute 3. Don't expect the folks you work with to instantly see you as an RN -- you have to prove yourself all over again because people will be watching you 4. Expect some of the folks you work with to look down on the way you got your degree -- it's like the ADN, Diploma, BSN argument all over again, but with a twist. If you have any other questions I might be able to answer, just send me an e-mail and I'll see if I can help you.