California Excelsior students

caliotter3 · Dec 23, 2010

If I were you I would look into WGU (SoCal) and ISU, before venturing into a complicated relationship with EC.

RubyLVN · Dec 24, 2010

Hi Caliotter, well to be honest with you i did'nt do much homework regarding ISU and WGU mainly due to the fact that they are BSN programs, im looking into furthering my career in nursing one step at a time. Went from CNA (2yrs) LVN (5yrs) trying to get ADN then eventually work my way to a BSN then hopefully Master (NP). I suppose i should keep my options open regarding WGU and ISU. So far from what ive heard is WGU requires you to have a degree prior to applying? Ive also heard some students are not guaranteed a spot at clinical sites which in turn elongates the process of reaching your goal (RN). I also noticed that in order to apply and obtain BSN you must have completed another science class (biochemistry , i think) so would i be able to take that class concurrently considering the fact i have everything else done? I guess it wouldnt hurt to look into this a bit further.

You also mentioned that i shouldnt "venture into a complicated relationship with EC" can you please elaborate?

caliotter3 · Dec 24, 2010

Passing the CPNE is no sure thing. You have to take into consideration that there is just as much a chance that you fail at the end as there is that you pass. There is just no guarantee. Many people fail. The other consideration: I have seen no (perhaps one, if I remember correctly) people posting that they obtained an RN elsewhere, worked elsewhere, then got the CA BRN to give them a CA RN license. Too much money, time, and aggravation if you ask me. Yes, CA says that they consider each person on an individual basis, but what if they say no? Then you stay out of CA or come back unable to work in CA unless you can get a job with a federal agency. Too much gray hair and wallet thinning chances to take I think. WGU and ISU are more doable. You don't have to leave the state to comply. I read that a person in FL is going to start the nursing portion and take biochem while in the nursing program. Check out this school for online biochem: University of New England - COM - Online Education - COM Online Education And you do not need to have a degree to enter WGU, only have transferable credits for the prerequisites.

Conqueror+, BSN, RN · Dec 24, 2010

If you choose to pursue Excelsior do it with the expectation that you will NEVER be able to work in Cali. The program is doable and the CPNE is a tough clinical exam that you have to prepare well for and approach calmy with the expectation that you will pass. If you cannot manage your stress you will have a problem. There are many successful EC grads here on Allnurses. Just do a search. Hope everything works out for you.

RubyLVN · Dec 27, 2010

thank u for the feedback , yes ive done extensive research here on Allnurses and several other websites regarding the CPNE , one person was kind enough to describe her experience in CLEAR detail and step by step and its all to familiar to me considering i went through a tough LVN program @Chaffey CC here in So.Cal. what ive also noticed is that the people who have wrkd as a LVN prior to taking the CPNE have a much higher success rate in passing it. and BELIEVE me im clearly aware that i WILL NOT be able to work in California, the RN BON website clearly states they require the nursing student to do clinical rotations CONCURRENTLY w/ lecture. Also, at this point im not to worried about cost because the way i see it time=money, im losing more money every year that i am NOT wrkn as an RN, LVN pay is decent but id def like to double my income.

on another note Conqueror, is it safe to assume you have experience with Excelsior?