College Network vs. Rue vs. Excelsior

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What would stop someone from going directly through Excelsior rather than through Rue or College Network? Does Excelsior offer the prereqs along with everything else? I am possibly signing with College Network on Monday for their LPN to ASN, but I am wondering if just going through Excelsior would be better. I was going to go for BSN, but the rep told me that ASN would be better for coming straight from an LPN. So, If anyone has any suggestions, I welcome them. Thanks!:)

I know that I could not go and research everything or get on groups to find "cliff notes" to say the least on passing the test. That to me seems dangerous I want to learn as much as I can in an orderly fashion, and with RUE the information comes directly to my front door. It also just comes down to each nurses personal preference of studying. The only thing I didnt mention is that they only send one book at a time but it only took about 4 days from Florida to Texas. They send you one book at a time so that you don't feel overwhelmed (smart idea). They started me out with NC 1 and told me either to phone, email, or fax my request when I'm ready for the next book of my choice. I would like to also hear some positive feed back about some of these publishing companies. I'm tired of hearing about all the bad news...GOOD LUCK AGAIN TO ALL MY LVN/LPN's.

Future RN 2007:balloons:

P.S. They will also give you a voucher for the CPNE video and workbook for free. which costs $450 so ask about that.

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Sorry...no matter how many times I try to edit the spelling of the word "Streaming" in the URL, it still goes back to the blank dots.

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Thanks alot this are really helpful videos

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Specializes in Med/Surg, Postpartum.

I signed up with College Network because I like their textbook format. I need as much help passing these exams as I can. I am not ashamed to say this, I need smaller chapter with language that is easily understood. After working 8hrs and caring for my family, my brains can only absorb so much. I don't feel intimidated by these textbooks and since I am relaxed, I know I retain more. Thats my take on it, Good Luck!

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i signed up with college network because i like their textbook format. i need as much help passing these exams as i can. i am not ashamed to say this, i need smaller chapter with language that is easily understood. after working 8hrs and caring for my family, my brains can only absorb so much. i don't feel intimidated by these textbooks and since i am relaxed, i know i retain more. thats my take on it, good luck!

i agree, i need this extra help, too. i will do better with the material laid out for me to study. i am studying microbiology now.

good luck

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Specializes in psychiatric.

I too am doing CN plan as of last week. I chose the route because I am mom to 3. I am currently working full-time and have not got the time to take traditional college route. I need to study when I get the chance and take tests when I am ready. I feel this was the best choice for me. GOOD LUCK!

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I live in Washingtion State. Did you graduate through Excelsior? Where did you do your preceptorship at?

Hi missquenneann! (Seattle I take it?) I was beginning to think I'm the only EC student in WA. haha. Well, depending on who you talk to at the SBoN the requirement is 200 or 250 hours (big difference when you're working for free, if you ask me!). The way I plan to avert this is taking the NCLEX for the state of Hawaii - does not have the preceptor requirement and processing time is only 5 days, I hear - and working for a travel nursing agency for a 13 week assignment. I then plan to endorse my HI RN license to WA and come home. Travel nurses make great pay and benefits, paid license, travel and housing! I would make more $ there as an RN than here.

I should clarify. The state actually does not care if you get paid for the preceptorship or not, but the catch-22 is, who will hire you and pay you as an RN when you're not? And why would they pay you if they are paying someone else to preceptor you? My current employer who has paid for part of my degree, will not do it. And, I simply don't want to work for free if there are other options out there. That is my creative solution. Oh, and you can take any state board in any state. So, I can take the NCLEX for HI in Renton WA.

Just so you know, WA says this is acceptable to do (I called and explained my plan and they said fine). They will not simply endorse a license from another state without at least 250 hours of working experience as an RN in that state first. Also, you can choose any other state that does not have special requirements of EC grads. Check with the state if this is something you want to consider http://www.ncsbn.org/regulation/boardsofnursing_boards_of_nursing_board.asp

This is probably more info than you were seeking. But I want to share all the stuff I've learned about this red tape issue, to help out. We're all heading the same direction. PM me if you want.

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I have a great article from nurses.com that helps you find the pro's and con's of all these companies. I asked each one of the companies these questions and decided who I liked best based on that. I won't tell you who I went with because you should make your own decision, but while shopping around ask these questions and get a DIRECT ANSWER! CN has a funny way of avoiding questions sometimes...

http://www.nurses.com/read/sp20060119/574504

:penguin:

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Specializes in Peds stepdown ICU.
Hi missquenneann! (Seattle I take it?) I was beginning to think I'm the only EC student in WA. haha. Well, depending on who you talk to at the SBoN the requirement is 200 or 250 hours (big difference when you're working for free, if you ask me!). The way I plan to avert this is taking the NCLEX for the state of Hawaii - does not have the preceptor requirement and processing time is only 5 days, I hear - and working for a travel nursing agency for a 13 week assignment. I then plan to endorse my HI RN license to WA and come home. Travel nurses make great pay and benefits, paid license, travel and housing! I would make more $ there as an RN than here.

I should clarify. The state actually does not care if you get paid for the preceptorship or not, but the catch-22 is, who will hire you and pay you as an RN when you're not? And why would they pay you if they are paying someone else to preceptor you? My current employer who has paid for part of my degree, will not do it. And, I simply don't want to work for free if there are other options out there. That is my creative solution. Oh, and you can take any state board in any state. So, I can take the NCLEX for HI in Renton WA.

Just so you know, WA says this is acceptable to do (I called and explained my plan and they said fine). They will not simply endorse a license from another state without at least 250 hours of working experience as an RN in that state first. Also, you can choose any other state that does not have special requirements of EC grads. Check with the state if this is something you want to consider http://www.ncsbn.org/regulation/boardsofnursing_boards_of_nursing_board.asp

This is probably more info than you were seeking. But I want to share all the stuff I've learned about this red tape issue, to help out. We're all heading the same direction. PM me if you want.

Just make sure that you can take a travel assignment. Most agencies require at least one year RN experience in area they assign you to. We have several travelers on our unit and they all report that their agencies require the one year RN experience on the type of floor you accept the assignment on...this does make sense.

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Hi oholycats, this is the website www.RueEd.com

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I know these study guide companies get kicked around for their high prices and misleading information, but I too agree that I am glad I went with a study guide company. Yes, the price was high, and some information was misleading (they never directly say they are a study guide company), but in the long run I don't think I could have done EC without the direction of the study guides. I went with a company that hasn't been mentioned yet (DLSI), but have found their guides to be pretty good. I know I would not have had the ability or gumption to follow the EC outlines to study all the details and in depth material required. Having the study guides was like having a teacher right there showing you the way. And having the required textbooks included with the study guides was also convenient. Maybe I am a 'sucker' (as per Nascar nurse's description on an earlier post), but I am a happy sucker who is pleased with my decision to go with a study guide company.

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