I feel sooooo disappointed!!!!

Nursing Students Online Learning

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I just spoke to my mother who is an RN. She is telling me that I should not consider doing an online proram for my RN. She feels that you need a school based setting for obtaining the first RN degree. I have a bachelors in another field and am currently in an LPN program. I will finish the LPN program in August 2008 and planned to start Excelsior right way. Out of the 31 general education credits, I have all except for the A&P and Microbiology. My plan was to go through Excelsior for the Associates and then take start their MSN program for people with a bachelors degree already. My mother said her friend who has been an LPN for over 30 years failed the CPNE three times and it's extremely hard. I planned to attend CPNE workshops. This is my dream. I feel that I have wasted enough time already and this would be the fastest and most feasible way to get things done. She says that we young people want to rush through school. Hubby and I plan to move out of NY and I really didn't want to be tied down to a traditional school again after August 2008. I don't know what to do. I am the only child for my mother so what she says really influences me but I REALLY want to do Excelsior.

This board is so supportive. Any suggestions?

I have a question. I know that I will HAVE to take A&P and Microbiology. I see people are talking about CLEP. I'm not too sure what that is. Will I have to take a CLEP

exam to cover these classes? In college I took the easiest science class, which was Geology. I'm sure that won't fall under "Sciences Supportive of Nursing." I also took Psych 101. So will I definitely have to CLEP the Human Development part? Is this how it works? Help please.

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I don't know what Excelsior will make you take. They didn't require me to take A&P, so don't be so sure.

CLEP is a way to take a test of your knowledge for college credit.

Let Excelsior tell you what you need.

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Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.
I have a question. I know that I will HAVE to take A&P and Microbiology. I see people are talking about CLEP. I'm not too sure what that is. Will I have to take a CLEP exam to cover these classes? In college I took the easiest science class, which was Geology. I'm sure that won't fall under "Sciences Supportive of Nursing." I also took Psych 101. So will I definitely have to CLEP the Human Development part? Is this how it works? Help please.

You'll probably have to do Life Span through EC, or take the Human Growth and Development CLEP exam. I also took Geology and Psych (both Intro to Psych and Abnormal Psych) during traditional college, and those didn't cover it for me -- I had to do A&P (my "Human Biology" in paramedic school didn't cover it), and I still have to do Micro, Life Span, and a sociology credit (I'm planning on doing the Intro to Soc CLEP).

CLEP doesn't offer A&P or Micro -- those are done through EC (and some students opt to do them through a traditional college).

Your best bet is to contact EC and ask, though. :)

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I decided to just take A & P at the Community college because after reviewing that study guide for it I felt like I might never pass the test. It covers an entire year of A & P so it's pretty intense. I figured if I ever wanted to get my BSN Id need the lab anyway.

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Wow Pageantnurse. You have me thinking now. The whole "one year" thing. I never looked at at that why . I will be taking A&P 1 and 2 from January to August but it's vocational level not college. I was hoping with that I would be able to pass the A&P exam through Excelsior. I'm aiming for their MSN program for people with a bachelors already. However I must be an RN to do this program so I have to get the Associates first.

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Specializes in Pediatric, Nursery, Postpartum.

Just do it! There is nothing wrong with the online setting. The school that I am obtaining my online BSN degree is Texas A&M Corpus Christi and from what I am hearing, those that have graduated are passing the NCLEX with no worries.

Good Luck on your decision.

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I see instantcert has NC1 listed on their exam list. Does anyone know if I would be able to use this service for the NEW exams?

http://www.instantcert.com/landing.html

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My mother is supportive of me, but I'm wondering, will employers higher you? Do they care if you have gone through Excelsior? I live in Virginia I only know one person who has went through Excelsior and got her RN license. I'm sure there are going to be those people who say that you are not a REAL nurse. It bothers me a little that all states do not accept this program, because it is not easy by far.

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Specializes in Trauma,ER,CCU/OHU/Nsg Ed/Nsg Research.
My mother is supportive of me, but I'm wondering, will employers higher you? Do they care if you have gone through Excelsior? I live in Virginia I only know one person who has went through Excelsior and got her RN license. I'm sure there are going to be those people who say that you are not a REAL nurse. It bothers me a little that all states do not accept this program, because it is not easy by far.

After I got my ASN from EC, I went on to work in the ER, worked as an Asst. Nurse Mgr, and then went to the CCU. My EC education was never an issue. As a matter of fact, it actually helped me get accepted into a BSN-PhD program (just found out today). My interviewers were impressed that I could finish an independent study program, and it showed that I have the discipline it would take to make it through a post-grad program.

Don't worry- you'll be a real nurse when you're done. I'm a real nurse. :redpinkhe

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Specializes in LTC, case mgmt, agency.

Your mom is half-right. The distance learning is not right for everyone. But, my mother told me I'd never amount to anything and now here I am just passed my CPNE first time around with no failures, no workshops attended. However, the CPNE is very hard. The stress is the hardest part. In fact my mother called me Friday night to tell me she knew I was going to fail and should not show up on Saturday to finish the CPNE. But determination is needed in this program and if you have a dream go for it. Show her who's the boss. Anyways, on the negative side, weigh your options carefully and do whats right for you. Research all options and go in with your eyes opened. Good luck in whatever choice you make.:rolleyes:

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If you are adult enough to pay the tuition and fees for a nursing program, then you are adult enough to decide what program that will be. As long as you go to work with your nursing license, you should be able to gain enough clinical experience to help you through the CPNE. There are people with no nursing background who have passed this test in the past and people with different healthcare backgrounds who continue to pass this test, so it can be done. Wait until you have your RN in hand before you bring the subject up again with your Mom. She will be surprised and proud of you.

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Thanks so much for the responses. I have made up my mind to do EC and tell her when I am done like suggested. However I started this thread again because I wanted to know if the NC1 on instantcert.com is for the new students like me? I plan to do the practice exams also but wanted more resources.

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