thinking about excelsior- encouragement needed

Nursing Students Online Learning

Published

Hi all :-):

I was enrolled in a traditional, brick and mortar program this year. Long story short, I finsihed most of my year 1 ADN clinicals, now have to wait another year before I can repeat 1 class and move on to my 2nd year. I'm really getting burnt out on all the commuting and poloitics of my traditional program, but love nursing to pieces!

I am thinking about Excelsior's online ADN program. I'll be eligible to enroll by the end of next spring, and can go back to work and move out of my parents house with this option. It seems like a dream come true, but I'm scared. I am a good test taker, and prefer to self-teach. Are there any excelsior ADN student out there that can give me advice?

Much love,

Rae

Specializes in Med/Surg Nurse, Homecare, Visiting Nurse.

Caliotter, EC was my plan A never had a plan B. It worked out for me and for many. What's the "nature" you speak of? Please don't take offense to me asking.

Read the many posts about Excelsior. Not everyone is enamored of it, nor are they successful. Many years ago, I read online the extensive writings of an individual who had a negative experience. She wrote a very intelligent and detailed rundown of why EC did not work for her. Everyone should read that before making the decision. Unfortunately, EC was able to have all mention removed from the internet through legal proceedings. I do not intend to rehash the experiences of others when anyone who cares to do so can read about Excelsior on this forum. They can also read the glowing reports of those who have nothing negative to say about EC. EC is a good program for some, not all. Those who think EC is everything roses can not speak for those who are not so fortunate. I do not believe it is wise for someone who has a place in a nursing program to leave that program, whether for EC or not.

Specializes in Telemetry.
Read the many posts about Excelsior. Not everyone is enamored of it, nor are they successful. Many years ago, I read online the extensive writings of an individual who had a negative experience. She wrote a very intelligent and detailed rundown of why EC did not work for her. Everyone should read that before making the decision. Unfortunately, EC was able to have all mention removed from the internet through legal proceedings. I do not intend to rehash the experiences of others when anyone who cares to do so can read about Excelsior on this forum. They can also read the glowing reports of those who have nothing negative to say about EC. EC is a good program for some, not all. Those who think EC is everything roses can not speak for those who are not so fortunate. I do not believe it is wise for someone who has a place in a nursing program to leave that program, whether for EC or not.

More to the point, I think YOU are they one who is/was unhappy with the program and you take every opportunity to post obscure reasons for why that may be. I'm sorry, but I have to say that if you cannot succeed in Excelsior's program, the chances are pretty high that you won't succeed in a traditional program. Unless someone can give specific reasons why Excelsior's program should be a plan "B", I have to remain skeptical of that persons motives. I believe most people who have done the traditional route or Excelsior, can give specific reasons why they liked or disliked their particular program. I know for myself the thing I HATED about Excelsior was the fact that even though I am extremely self confident, that CPNE turned me into a blob of quivering jello. BUT, I also remember feeling like that during LPN clinicals when our instructors would do one on one observations of our skills. The fact that I could bang out all my Excelsior exams in 9 weeks is something I am extremely proud of because after being a nurse forever I didn't think I should have to take an LPN "bridge" course AND go to school forever to learn things I already know. If I went the traditional route I would be graduating in December of 2012 instead of this month! Yes, that was my projected grad date at my CC, DECEMBER OF 2012!! If that's not enough of a selling point for EC, I don't know what is!

Specializes in Med/Surg Nurse, Homecare, Visiting Nurse.

Very impressive. I really applaud you and your quote, I agree with if you can't make it at EC then making it at a traditional program will be difficult as well. In a traditional program you have to meet deadlines not placed by yourself. In EC's program you meet your own deadlines, what's better than that. Some people are just not self motivated which makes this program impossible to complete. Good luck to the OP in whatever you decide, you have my stamp of approval if you choose EC.

Specializes in ED.

Caliotter is a long time poster and is being truthful. I have withheld posting in this topic as there is a search function and it should be used. One should have specific questions when posting. Ec is not for everyone for many reasons. Some people move unexpectedly to places where it is no longer accepted and then blame others the school, posters who gave them advice, and everyone else for their inability to be licensed.

In my opinion if you aren't willing to do the research than any consequences are your own fault. I am in a state where I will have to fight for licensure. I understand that and have some back-up plans that will go into full effect if necessary when the time comes. There is literally no way I would be able to do a b&m program in California so doing one out of state I would have the same luck of the draw at fighting for licensure. In fact I was told by the state of California BON that the program I almost did in Nevada wasn't acceptable for licensure.

Summary: It's not for everyone, research and see if it suits you and your needs and whether or not you are willing to withstand the consequences later in life and most importantly MAKE YOUR OWN CHOICE.

I also whole-heartedly agree that: I do not believe it is wise for someone who has a place in a nursing program to leave that program, whether for EC or not. is a totally accurate statement. If you have a program that can cause less hardship down the road then stick with it.

Specializes in (Aspiring) FNP, LNP.

@MissingErica and BetterME29: I am in total agreement with both of you. Traditional programs are not any easier than Excelsior and it all boils down to being prepared. Excelsior program gives you the opportunity to BE PREPARED because YOU decide when you take an exam....Traditional program doesn't give that! I have now being on both side of the fence. HOORAY for Excelsior! Wish I did it a year ago. CPNE is very doable IF you follow the guide and PRACTICE. see my earlier post here!

Specializes in Telemetry.
I do not believe it is wise for someone who has a place in a nursing program to leave that program, whether for EC or not. is a totally accurate statement. If you have a program that can cause less hardship down the road then stick with it.

Just trying to understand that logic. I was enrolled in my CC nursing program would have started my RN bridge program this summer and graduated in December of 2012. I decided to quit the CC program and enroll in Excelsior's program last May because of the wasted time I would be spending trying to pursue a 2 year degree. I actually keep a copy of my CC education planning sheet that maps out all my courses and semesters and shows my projected grad date in 2012. I love looking at that and knowing that when everyone thought I was crazy for dropping out of my traditional program, I went with my gut and now I'm just waiting for my authorization to test for NCLEX and I've already started my BSN classes! I also love that I have $0 college debt to pay back. No program is for everyone but Excelsior should not be thought of as only a plan "B". I think that's a back-handed insult to the many graduates of this great program. Most of my friends are nurses and nurse educators, so I'm not for or against any one way of pursuing an education.

Specializes in ED.

My logic lies in if you have the ability to do a nursing program that does not put limits on where you can practice if there is any possibility you may ever move(which is always there for everyone) it would not behoove a person to have such limits on their practice. If someone is already enrolled and doing well they are more likely to complete a program that is not self-paced if there is a bump in life. If they are free to just reschedule they could take 7 years to do what could have been completed. Everything is not black and white there are grey tones in the situations. Someone just wanting to be done sooner and "try their luck" at distance learning and self-pacing is not logical, what if it's not a good fit for them and they come back and are disgruntled regarding their lost money and time then having a hard time getting back into their previous program. Most who do well in distance learning/self-pacing don't need someone to help them pull the trigger just to get started.

Specializes in Med/Surg Nurse, Homecare, Visiting Nurse.

MissmyErica, wow I applaud you again. Just think you'll be getting your BSN while your fellow B&M cohorts will be just finishing their two year RN program(unlicensed).

Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.

Although I am an EC success story, I also encourage people to keep it as Plan B for the reason MsPC said -- the restrictions on practice in some states. If that isn't an issue, great. If you think you might ever ever ever want to practice in Cali or Maryland, for example, then EC is not a good idea. Also, distance learning is NOT for everyone. This takes a great deal of motivation, and not everyone can learn on their own. There is absolutely no shame in that as we are all different people. So there you have it ... YMMV. :)

+ Add a Comment