LPN to BSN @ Indiana State U...here is the info i got!!! - Page 8

Was that approved list from ISU? Sounds like maybe not...which if not on ISU's list, woudl explain why the folks didn't know anything about the ISU program....was it from TCN? Not in the program and don't represent TCN. Are lists sent out to each student of approved agencies in the student's state? I thought the list changed all the time...so that would be really difficult to keep current?

I had to contact my sister so I can get the facts right! OK, is not clear to me IF you represent TCN. But the link for the list you posted sure appears so. Here's what I know, the link for the list you posted is the same list TCN sent to my sister in a pdf file, about 15 pages, showing “different” states with approved clinical sites. When she contacted the folks, she did not get encouraging response. She then called TCN. TCN advised her to call the school directly. When she called, she spoke to (moderator edit of name), who then directed her call to (moderator edit of name). (moderator edit of name) is the guy that sets up the contract. (moderator edit of name) then sent a pdf file about 6 pages in length, mainly showing IL approved sites. So, as far as whether changes has been made since 2007 is irrelevant in this case, since my sister's application to begin phase 3 of the ISU nursing program had Meadowbrook listed as one of the "approved clinical sites” for contact. It must be known that my point of contributing to this thread is not to debate whether ISU through TCN is the way to go for any student. I was only trying to let a fellow IL resident know of my sister's difficulty in trying to find a MSN clinical preceptor in IL.

We will soon know if it is really possible to complete the ISU program in Chicago area. I have too much time, money, energy invested in this program to give up. I am going to do everything possible to set up clinicals and then will report on here exactly what happened. ISU wants students in their program, otherwise they would not be using TCN to market their distance program, so I have to assume they will do everything to help set up clinicals. How would it benefit them if they get students, but do not end up collecting tuition, because all the students drop the program? Any other Chicago applicants on here looking to start Spring 2010... keep in touch so we can help eachother please.

The link I posted was from ISU's web site..not from TCN. I don't represent TCN..just using web info trying to get accurate info out to those looking for clinical sites. I don't think (moderator edit of name) is at ISU any more...at least no one listed as their employee on http://www.indstate.edu/nursing/personnel/personnel.htm by the name of (moderator edit of name).

If as you said you "trying to get accurate info out to those looking for clinical sites,” is the concern here, I doubt you are really addressing the issue(s). The issue is not finding a clinical site, the issue is fulfilling the clinical requirements as per required by the state BON, for which the student resides.
My sister got an email from (moderator edit of name), in 2007 with the approved clinical sites for IL. Whether (moderator edit of name) is listed TODAY (2009), IS IRRELEVANT! TCN at the time DID NOT have such a list. TCN made it seem like the clinical portion of the program was all set, with the so called “approved sites” they sent via email. Whereas, ISU lets the student know you are responsible for setting up your own clinical site & finding a preceptor….but here's a list of "approved sites" for your state.
Your posting a link for ISU personnel seems rather irrelevant. You seem to want to discredit my statements here on this thread. You have said you are not in the ISU program & not a representative of TCN. Well, the ISU program for the LPN-BSN track at the time (2007) my sister applied was fairly new then. My input on this thread is based on my sister’s experience in 2007, now whether those problems still exists today is a matter for any student going through that track in the state of IL should present.