EC degrees and how employers view the degree

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Specializes in Peds stepdown ICU.

I graduated back in 2005 (enrolled in 2003 before the Ca decision) from the ADN program at EC. I had no problem getting licensed in California. I also had no problem finding a good job. I started the BSN program at Excelsior last year. I have taken 3 nursing courses, stats, and writing for the professions so far. My problem is how EC is starting to be viewed. So many states have put restrictions on graduates--and this newest Georgia thing is distressing. I have opted to withdraw from the program and enroll in another college besides Excelsior...i dont want both degrees from them now. It is sad but I don't want future employers to look upon my degree as coming from "that college that has no clinicals or many boards have issues with." Of course, I can't change where my ADN came from, but having a BSN from somewhere else may look better. I enjoyed and learned from their courses but ufortunaely they are having too many issues lately. Anyone else have any input on this. The BSN is a big investment and I want to make sure I have made the best possible choice for my future. I have no problems with feeling EC is quality...but others do. Any input?

Thanks!

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

Sometimes perception is everything! I'm sure with your work/experience history you wouldn't have a problem, but I know exactly what you mean. We all know the quality of an EC education, but there is a lot of ignorance out there. I'm glad I'm already getting the hours of experience under my belt for whenever we move to Colorado or Oregon. (I'll just call it Oregado [Colorgon?] until we figure out where we're going. :D) It would be nice to have the BSN by the time we move, but I don't think that'll happen.

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Specializes in Emergency Department.

Don't worry about it, many of us feel the same way. I graduated from EC in 2006 and I currently live and work in Georgia. I will defend my ADN from EC with my dying breath, but I am currently enrolled in an online BSN program from a "traditional school." I hate the way EC is being viewed by others right now and it will take much education to get people to realize that our degrees were not just handed to us.

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Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.
I hate the way EC is being viewed by others right now and it will take much education to get people to realize that our degrees were not just handed to us.

If anyone were to EVER accuse me to my face of being handed my ADN, I could not be held responsible for the ensuing scuffle for reasons of insanity/CPNE-induced post-traumatic stress!! :D

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Specializes in Peds stepdown ICU.

The problem is not one that will be solved soon. I just called Excelsior and spoke with my BSN advisor...I have decided to withdraw from the program and enroll in distance program that does not have this negativity surrounding the program. It will take much education to undo the stigma surrounding Excelsior, and I don't want the rest of my career spent defending this program....it is just better to get my BSN from somewhere not associated with this mess!

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