Are there any Excelsior grads working in Colorado?

CraigB-RN, MSN, RN · Oct 30, 2004

Funny, I've got a CO license in my pocket. And I'm an Exelsior (Regents) grad.

BBFRN, BSN, PhD · Oct 30, 2004

Why did you call the CO BON if you live in TN?

Jo Dirt · Oct 30, 2004

Why did you call the CO BON if you live in TN?

Called the BON in Colorado because we will likely be relocating there in the near future.

This is so good to know, because I was getting a little worried. I've decided I do want to go through EC. I just don't understand why that woman at the CO BON was so snooty and insistent that they don't acknowledge EC graduates as RN's.

I'm going to press on with EC.

opalmRN · Oct 30, 2004

Why did you call the CO BON if you live in TN?

Lgflamini you must have read my mind!!

BBFRN, BSN, PhD · Oct 30, 2004

Lol...Opalm.

Here's the thing:

I contacted MY BON prior to starting with EC. The Ky BON accepts EC grads with no strings attached.

I've had NO problem finding a job, because I already have one. Everyone else I know who has graduated from EC has had NO problem finding a job. In fact, one of the reasons I decided to do the EC program was that I already knew some working RNs who had done it. And in case you want to know, they are all good nurses.

Financial aid problem was solved with tuition reimbursement through my job. And with a scholarship which I received from my BON to do this program. Since these were good options for me, a Title IV program wasn't a necessity for me. My total cost was under $5000 for the whole program.

I don't plan on ever moving to CA, FL, or IL- so problem solved there. FL is the lowest paying state for nurses, anyway.

I started my RN education in a traditional program. Once my grandfather became ill (and subsequently passed away- I was taking care of him), I decided that working full time and going to school 4 days a week was taking a terrrible toll on me. Now I can work, have time for my family, and finish school (which I have done). Again, the best option for me was EC, because I was not on a timeline. I could go at my own pace.

As for the CPNE- I have lots of acute care LPN experience, and was smart enough to seek educational support when I needed it. I passed the CPNE on the first try with 1 lab repeat (got nervous- it was my very first station) with no workshops or publishing companies. The CPNE is only as hard as you make it- by either not being prepared, getting too nervous, or not having much clinical experience.

Has anyone questioned my abilities because of my educational choice? Only on here. No one that I work with has, because I am already a good nurse and have a good reputation at my hospital. If someone here would have a problem with me taking care of them because I went to EC, oh well- their loss, really.

If you're too scared to go to EC because of things like rumors, then don't do it. Go to a trad. school- it's as simple as that. No one should have to be talked into any program. you're an adult- make the best choice for you.

CindyJRN · Oct 30, 2004

Has anyone questioned my abilities because of my educational choice? Only on here. No one that I work with has, because I am already a good nurse and have a good reputation at my hospital. If someone here would have a problem with me taking care of them because I went to EC, oh well- their loss, really.

:rotfl:

Can I send you a HUGE HUG, a big AMEN and ok a Hell Yeah just for good measure. Actually, some people thing I am some super smart nurse since I did the Excelsior route :wink2: :saint:

It bothers me that there are people who come to this forum who want to look down upon us for not being traditionally educated nurses. I didn't do the distance route on a whim. I was a hard working LPN who wanted to better things for myself and for my family. When I passed my RN boards a few years back my favorite charge nurse, Allen, said "Well Cindy Lou, you were a pretty damned good LPN. Now you are just a sorry old new Grad." I loved that statement then, and it still makes me laugh today. :rotfl:

BBFRN, BSN, PhD · Oct 30, 2004

Lol...thanks, Cindy. I was on a rant.

The funny thing is, as soon as I get my ATT letter and transition to GN from LPN, I'll actually be able to do LESS at work than I can as an LPN. Hopefully, I won't have to wait long to pass the NCLEX.

Jo Dirt · Oct 30, 2004

Lol...Opalm.
Here's the thing:
I started my RN education in a traditional program. Once my grandfather became ill (and subsequently passed away- I was taking care of him), I decided that working full time and going to school 4 days a week was taking a terrrible toll on me. Now I can work, have time for my family, and finish school (which I have done). Again, the best option for me was EC, because I was not on a timeline. I could go at my own pace.
As for the CPNE- I have lots of acute care LPN experience, and was smart enough to seek educational support when I needed it. I passed the CPNE on the first try with 1 lab repeat (got nervous- it was my very first station) with no workshops or publishing companies. The CPNE is only as hard as you make it- by either not being prepared, getting too nervous, or not having much clinical experience.
Has anyone questioned my abilities because of my educational choice? Only on here. No one that I work with has, because I am already a good nurse and have a good reputation at my hospital. If someone here would have a problem with me taking care of them because I went to EC, oh well- their loss, really.
If you're too scared to go to EC because of things like rumors, then don't do it. Go to a trad. school- it's as simple as that. No one should have to be talked into any program. you're an adult- make the best choice for you.

I'm in the exact same situation, I'm trying to take care of a family and go to traditional school and it's killing me.

And I don't know why we have to be so catty, I was inquiring about Colorado because we plan to relocate there eventually, in case you folks have never moved out of state before.

What upset me about this woman from the Colorado board of nursing, when we asked her why they didn't accept EC grads as RN's when they have done many times years of clinicals as LPN's she said "No, LPN's certainly do not have the skills needed to become an RN, RN's have a much greater knowledge base to draw from, it only *seems* that they have the skills."--If you want I can give you the name of this woman through a private message.

Yes, I'm scared going into this because I want to be certain that my degree will not be looked down upon or refused. There is no need to jump on a high horse because someone is trying to get enough information and be sure they are making the right decision.

RN34TX · Oct 31, 2004

I would like to know if it is true that Colorado does not accept Excelsior graduates for licensing? I called the BON in Colorado and spoke to a woman who said Colorado has never accepted EC degrees and that they will never license EC graduates as RN's. I'm not sure that this person is completely correct but if anyone here has any experience with this in Colorado please let me know if this is true, because the licensing dept. at EC told me different.

Who did you talk to at the CO BON? The first person who answered the phone? AKA the receptionist?

Ask her what her position is there and why what she is telling you is in complete conflict with the actual board meeting minutes posted on the web.

It's written in plain English on Colorado's own board of nursing website. Their most recent meeting in which EC was discussed was on July 28th, 2004.

It specifically stated on their board minutes that they made no decision at that time regarding licensure of EC graduates and at the present time they do license EC grads. EC made a presentation to the board at another meeting reviewing their program. That is not unusual for any nursing program. They all get reviewed from time to time.

Here in TX they were recently reviewed by the board because of CA's decision but TX did not follow suit.

But...keep in mind that somewhere down the road CO may pull a CA and do the same thing. Most likely, however, you would get grandfathered in just like the current EC students in CA.

BBFRN, BSN, PhD · Oct 31, 2004

I'm in the exact same situation, I'm trying to take care of a family and go to traditional school and it's killing me.
And I don't know why we have to be so catty, I was inquiring about Colorado because we plan to relocate there eventually, in case you folks have never moved out of state before.
What upset me about this woman from the Colorado board of nursing, when we asked her why they didn't accept EC grads as RN's when they have done many times years of clinicals as LPN's she said "No, LPN's certainly do not have the skills needed to become an RN, RN's have a much greater knowledge base to draw from, it only *seems* that they have the skills."--If you want I can give you the name of this woman through a private message.
Yes, I'm scared going into this because I want to be certain that my degree will not be looked down upon or refused. There is no need to jump on a high horse because someone is trying to get enough information and be sure they are making the right decision.

Whoa there...you've asked lots of questions here in several different threads so I attempted to answer all of them in summary. In one thread, you called distance learners "rabid," and in another you stated you were taking NC courses with EC. With all this conflicting stuff you're posting, it's hard not to be wary of your intentions.

opalmRN · Oct 31, 2004

There is no need to jump on a high horse because someone is trying to get enough information and be sure they are making the right decision.

LPNtoRN,

If it seems that we are jumping on a high horse, I for one will apologize to you as I did not mean that at all.

These boards are great for exchanging information and ideas. We are all privileged to have such a media at our disposal. Never before have nurses and students alike had a forum like this to share in. The downside is the anonymity. Often times it is easy to forget we are sending messages that will be read by an infinite number of people. We don't have face to face contact. That can be a two fold issue. One, we are not able to see the facial expression as someone reads a post and in the safety of our homes we can say things that could be misinterpreted by others. I don't believe the majority of folks on these boards do things to intentionally hurt or upset anyone.

I must admit, I for one have read some posts that truly leave a nasty taste in my mouth as it seems the poster is either trolling or out to start an argument. In those cases, since it is my interpretation that could be off I will ask the poster to clarify. If the response I receive seems genuine than I know, it was just me. If however the response starts cutting, giving miss-information or just plain nasty I will represent what I am and what I know. I think this holds true for most people.

If you are interested in EC, I know there are quite a few people on here who have a wealth experience and information to share. There are also current and former DCN students here as well as those who are now in a program through ISU and others I may not be aware of. It has been my experience, distance Ed students as a whole will tell you what ever they can and even share their study aids just because they want to see another fellow student succeed.

Again, if I in anyway came across in a bad way to you, I sincerely apologize that was never my intention. I wish you success in your endeavors and if I can help you along the way, let me know.

Opal