LPN to RN

andrewsgranny, ASN, RN · Jun 5, 2002

Thank you so much for the info. I'm glad to know I have somewhere to turn for advice and answers.

biscuit_007 · Jun 5, 2002

Any one can email me if you need any info you need on the excelsior program. I don't have all the answers but i can give a little, very little, insight.

Teshiee · Jun 9, 2002

The only thing I heard is that their clinical is rigid they allow no error. It can be very expensive if you don't pass the clinical.

ryaninmtv, ADN, ASN, BSN, MSN, LPN, RN · Jun 24, 2002

I graduated from Excelsior this spring and got my RN license last month (I still have my LPN license). For my money, it's the only way to go. You have to be VERY motivated and push yourself to finish the classes but if you don't have the time to go through a traditional program it's the way to go.

As a side note, I didn't think the clinical was as brutal as advertised. Just give yourself three months to prepare (seriously) and you'll do fine. I passed it the first time around.,

Good Luck.

bandaidexpert, BSN, RN · Jun 25, 2002

L2: I will be ready to sit for the RN boards in October. I went through Excelsior. I found you have to be very disciplined. (I had to learn this trait, and it was not easy)I work full time. I could order most study guides and schedule and pay for exams online, which really helps. Check to see where the nearest Prometric test center is. Mine was in the next city-an hour drive. Most tests you can take on Saturdays. But, I made it, between dealing with a 17 year old, a home, a husband and working full time oh and I can't forget NASCAR, I made it. Good Luck! :)

Agnus · Jul 2, 2002

As far as the inflexibility of Excelsior (formerly Regents) goes that is a fallacy. I was just talking to an RN educator at Excelsior about a couple of performance exams that I have to take for BSN.

It is very nice because they BUILD in a certain amount of slack into every critical element.

Critical elements are tasks etc that you must perform. For example on one of my exams I might be given a task of examining cranial nerves. (this is for BSN not ADN) I test all twelve nerves BUT I only have to get 9 right.

Every critical element on every exam is like that. The most likely reason to fail is violations of asepsis.

Read your study guides. Know what they say foreward and backward. Be confident when performing in front of another. Do exactly what they say. You may find some procedures are done differently than what you are accustomed to. Do it thier way.

This is NOT nursing school this is a FINAL EXAM. You are being tested by someone who knows you NOT from Adam. This person is going to proclaim you profecient and safe to be an RN or not on one meeting. Think if you were in the testers position. If someone blew thier nose then touched a patient without washing their hands. Think if you saw this person draw up insulin incorrectly. What do you have to go on to know that this is NOT what she normally does all the time. Would you not wonder abouth the things that you did not test her on.

If you need a lot of practice and guidance then go the traditional route. This is not a learning enviorment it is purly testing. Contrary to what you hear these are not "Clinicals" They are performance exams. But after you pass these you get a LOT of college credit for doing just one exam. You study at your own pace and test only when YOU deside you are ready. Too many go into Regents with the idea they will study to pass. Passing is a C. Over study and strive for more than a C. You will not be disappointed. Everyone who has a hard time is just trying to get by with a C.

You must be very disaplined, self motivated and agressively seek out your own learning experience as Regents does not provied it.

Regents is an opportunity to show what you know. It is a way for knowlegeble and talented LPN to prove they really do know RN level knowlege and posess RN level skills, without the insult of sitting though classes on subject that they already have down pat. YOU are in effect testing out of every RN class. Pretty cool! It is a chance to put your money where your mouth is so to speak.

As a new LPN I felt I need a traditional school to get my RN. If I had been experienced I might have felt differently. However, now that I have my RN I am working on my BSN through Excellsior The exams are challanging but very doalble.

I love the freedom to go at my own pace. Keeping on tract can sometimes be a problem though. Once you enroll you can chat online with othere students and with Excelsior RN educators (who make the exams) and advisors. They are great about spending time one on one on the phone with you as well.

andrewsgranny, ASN, RN · Jul 3, 2002

Guess what they have passed at my local community college?

They passed a Federal Funded Grant for LPN's to bridge into the RN program in 18 months. Totally Free regaurdless of your income.

The requirments are tough. You first have to pass the Compass placement test. You can not have to take any pre-req's in this program. Then of those who pass the the compass test they will pick the top 20 to take a nursing test. Then be enrolled into the program. The classes are 6-9pm Mon-Thurs. evenings and 6 hours on Sat. I think this is a good program, and I'm gonna give it my best shot with the compass test. I work Mon- Fri 8-4. My question is when will I have time to study? What do you all think?

I am suppose to take the compass test on Monday 7/08/02 I dread that worse than anything. Then I have to enroll in a chemistry class(if I pass the compass) on 7/09/02. Then the nursing program will start in August. Way too fast huh?

anyway what do you all think? :confused:

NurseAngie · Jul 3, 2002

You go Granny! You can do this. Do not stress about the test. Do your best and be sure to get plenty of rest the night prior to the test. What an AWESOME opportunity. You cannot beat that program. $$$FREE. I wish you the best of luck and I hope you'll keep us posted. Take care.

Happy Nursing~Angie

dd/lpn · Jul 4, 2002

I have friends that have taken the Regents and the Chancellors and loved it saying it was so much easier for them.

I bought the books, took the first quiz and then they sat there for years. I am now applying for acceptance into a college program for my Associates. :-)

andrewsgranny, ASN, RN · Jul 4, 2002

Thanks nurse Angie.

I'll try to remeber not to stress. I havent been to school in such a long time. So I dunno alot of this stuff. But all though I'm a granny

I'm still young enough to go for it.

patchuli55 · Jul 5, 2002

just a comment, I just signed up with RUE to get my RN, I have been an LPN for almost 25 years and the thought of going back to school is scary at best, but going through RUE seams like the best choice and the cost is more to my budget, also my employer will pick up the tab for 3 credit hrs a term. can't wait to get started!!

peachsncrem29 · Jul 29, 2002

Hi, im new here i luv this site ....can someone really be honest and tell if RUE is good place to go through for my RN or should go through Regents????????????????? pleasssssssssssssssse help