EC grads...need your input to finalize my decision to enroll

DYatesRN · Aug 17, 2005

Excelsior is a program not intended for everyone. It is geared toward working adult learners. I researched this program prior to enrolling. I looked at its downs and weighed those against my current situation. I chose the program because I am a working mom of two children...I emphasized not putting my child into daycare versus traditional classes. Keeping the kids with me is more important--that is why I chose EC. I was more than well informed of the fees, limitations, and waiting times. It has given me the mobility that I desired while attending to my greatest love, my beautiful daughters. We as adults should be responsible for weighing the options and doing good research before delving into a decision that affects many faucets of our life. Because I chose this option only after careful consideration, I am not feeling burnt. Continue to read post opinions, contact state boards of nursing, the college, and discuss it with your family--then make the decision. I knew what I was getting into--therefore I am not shifting blame or crying about something I already knew about today. Best wishes to you!

copnlpn2 · Aug 17, 2005

DYatesRN - I was thankful to hear of another mom who puts her kids above all else. I didn't start pursuing things I really wanted to do until I, a single mom, could get my son and daughter through college. Was it worth it? You bet!

I've requested that an information/enrollment packet be sent to me fby EC and really hope it gets here before the 30th of this month. If it doesn't, I'll print the necessary info from off their website to take with me to my meeting. Still trying to check on ISU...

Thanks for the post, "D".

Cindy

Jo Dirt · Aug 17, 2005

Excelsior is a program not intended for everyone. It is geared toward working adult learners. I researched this program prior to enrolling. I looked at its downs and weighed those against my current situation...snip

DYates, even if I HADN'T gone through Excelsior I would feel the EXACT same way I feel now. Only, now I feel I am MORE qualified to let people know what a MAJOR mistake it would be to go through Excelsior unless you plan one staying in one place the rest of your life, and even then you can't be so sure!

Anyone who doesn't know by now that you made it before California's deadline or that you carefully weighed all options and pros and cons has not been paying very much attention.

I think the purpose of this thread is to answer the OP's questions about deciding to enroll in Excelsior.

Jo Dirt · Aug 17, 2005

I'm concerned about folks doing their RN/Associates with Excelsior. As others have posted, they are out of favor, so to speak, with a number of state boards and that could get worse. I was born raised and educated in New York state, but eventually ended up in Texas, Florida and now Illinois. They key is to look at your career in the long term. Getting the RN quickly is very seductive, I understand that, but what if over the years, you find that your employment options due to endorsement licensing barriers are very limited outside of New York? You just never know where life is going to take you! I also was an LPN, Took and passed all the CLEPS and was able to complete a hospital based RN diploma program in 10 months. in 1975. Clinical classes and rotations during the day, the college courses at night. It was ROUGH! But oh so worth it and there have been no restrictions when I obtained licenses in other states. Just a thought.

I was seduced! I have always had my reservations about a program like Excelsior. In fact, I applied to and was accepted in a diploma program, but it was just not feasable for me to go. So, for me, Excelsior was a last resort. I said it when I first came to the boards and I will say it again, it is *always* better to go the traditional route. But with three children and an invalid husband the opportunity wasn't there. I do not believe going through Excelsior makes me an underqualified RN, but at the same time I understand why certain states do not want their graduates.

Excelsior had every opportunity to be a highly respected distance learning program, but the fly by night MA schools and publishing companies ruined it for everyone, and once you get a "reputation" it's usually permanent. Even if Excelsior does raise their standards they will likely be a day late and a dollar short.

Laurie888 · Aug 17, 2005

I had taken a couple exams under the old format, when they were Regents, about a year out of nursing school (I went 3/4 through a traditional program). I picked up again several years later. Although they DO charge to assess your transcripts formally, they were extremely helpful to me at that time and simply had me fax my copy of my college transcripts and they gave me an unofficial ok to go ahead, and an idea of what would transfer and what would not. Although the credits were almost 10 years old, they took all my old non-nursing credits. Although they didn't accept my ENG 101 CLEP as fulfilling their written requirement they did accept it and put it in towards my humanities requirements, saving me from having to retake a writing course AND having to come up with 3 more credits. My soc. clep transferred (also 10 years old), my lifespan partially transferred -- they took all the credits but the old lifespan CLEP didn't include adults so I had to take another exam to cover that (I didn't study and aced it).

It works for me. Stuff happens and more than once I've temporarily derailed, but all that is left is my CPNE. From the time of my last test to the date of the CPNE for me is 5 1/2 months. They tell you each test takes 2-4 weeks to show up and be credited, but except for that last exam for me it took on average about 5 days. The last one it took a little more than 2 weeks but it felt like forever.

As for the wait, it's a little longer now because of a centers closing but there are more opening than closing so things should settle down. If you really think you are prepared you can get on a waiting list for cancellations, many have saved a lot of time on that wait that way. For me, as hard as the CPNE can be, I need every bit of the 3 months I have left to prepare.

I used used study guides of various publishers bought off ebay and sold every one for roughly the same price I bought it at. I also used my old nursing books. For one test all I used were the notes off a yahoo group. Remember, one of the reasons you are qualified is because you've already had a lot of this stuff, some of it is new but some of it you still have a grip on. I took exams as soon as I could afford them. I'm scared silly I won't find the funds for the CPNE before my date right now but I'm working on it.

I'm sure I won't enjoy the 6-10 week wait to actually graduate, but it's worth it, to me, to have had the flexibility Excelsior provided. I've had to take breaks because of a child dx with bipolar and hospitalized, because of my mother's increasing health problems (2 separate primary cancer dx between Nov. and Mar. this past year and maybe a brain mets now). When I have the money and time I'd schedule the test and then study. I requested to be scheduled for the weekend of her birthday, and got my wish whether by coincidence or for some other reason I don't know. I just hope she lives to see me graduate.

For me it worked better to schedule exams first, then study, otherwise I never would have the discipline to do it. The closest testing site was 100 minutes away because of where I lived, but I scheduled online usually within 24-30 hours after paying for the exam online. They say two days but it never took that long. The only time I had to wait more than 2 weeks for a date was once when I couldn't find an open time on the days I wasn't scheduled to work.

They are not out for money, IMOHO. They respond quickly at least to email questions.

Just my own experience. I know Illinois has moved to wanting simultaneous clinicals with theory, and that California cut out Excelsior grads after a certain date but I'm enrolled before that date and I don't want to work in California anyway. Excelsior is also working with California, from what I've heard, to formulate a plan that could resolve the problem (again I think it's the clinical component). I don't know of any other state that currently does not recognize EC graduates, but I'll admit I don't know it all. If I'm mistaken I hope someone has accurate information on that.

txspadequeenRN, BSN, RN · Aug 18, 2005

i just came from the indiana state university and you click on academics then departments then college of nursing. the nursing school web site will pop up and there it is lpn to bs done either in class or via distance learning.

http://www.indstate.edu/site/imgs/blank.gif

college of nursing

lpn-bs

indiana state university college of nursing's baccalaureate track for licensed practical nurses offers vocational nurses a means through which they may complete a baccalaureate degree in nursing. students in this track can choose to take classes in a traditional classroom setting or via distance education. the bachelor of science degree with a major in nursing combines theory and clinical nursing courses, required courses, and general education courses. graduates are eligible to take the licensure examination in indiana to practice as a registered nurse. the baccalaureate degree is recognized as the basic preparation for professional nursing practice.

baccalaureate graduates are prepared to provide direct and indirect nursing care. the graduate also is prepared as a communicator, educator, and advocate, and can assume beginning leadership roles. baccalaureate nursing education is foundational for graduate study in nursing.

the baccalaureate program is approved by the indiana state board of nursing and is accredited by the national league of nursing accrediting commission (nlnac).

to learn more about the lpn - bs track, take a look at our brochure.

[color=#ffffff]891 http://www.indstate.edu/site/imgs/nursing17.jpg

document.title = 'lpn-bs: ' + document.title;

RN34TX · Aug 18, 2005

I was seduced! I have always had my reservations about a program like Excelsior. In fact, I applied to and was accepted in a diploma program, but it was just not feasable for me to go. So, for me, Excelsior was a last resort. I said it when I first came to the boards and I will say it again, it is *always* better to go the traditional route. But with three children and an invalid husband the opportunity wasn't there. I do not believe going through Excelsior makes me an underqualified RN, but at the same time I understand why certain states do not want their graduates.
Excelsior had every opportunity to be a highly respected distance learning program, but the fly by night MA schools and publishing companies ruined it for everyone, and once you get a "reputation" it's usually permanent. Even if Excelsior does raise their standards they will likely be a day late and a dollar short.

That's not true.

It's not a permanent reputation and even though CA is a big state it is not the end all authority on what makes a nursing program valid.

That state offers an LVN to RN program that does not transfer to other states, most community colleges offer it but tell students that they cannot endorse into other states because they are not actual graduates of ADN programs. CA is fixated on clinical hours, so they do not care if someone actually has a degree in the end they only care about clinical hours attended. Obviously other states disagree since they don't allow endorsement of such applicants.

It's interesting that most if not all states will not allow the "30 credit option" for LVN's to transfer to other states since they technically are not graduates of any RN program and yet CA boasts that it has such high standards as to not allow EC grads entry after their magic cut off date.

I've never had problems with employment because of graduating from EC here in TX or even when I lived out East.

CA does not have the privilege of deciding what the rest of the country is going to do, whether it likes it or not.

jsteine1 · Aug 18, 2005

Cindy, sounds like you've got an exciting career ahead of you! I wish more people realized that nursing can take you to so many different career paths.

Best of luck, keep us all up to date on the happenings,please.

Sheri257 · Aug 18, 2005

That's not true.
It's not a permanent reputation and even though CA is a big state it is not the end all authority on what makes a nursing program valid.
That state offers an LVN to RN program that does not transfer to other states, most community colleges offer it but tell students that they cannot endorse into other states because they are not actual graduates of ADN programs. CA is fixated on clinical hours, so they do not care if someone actually has a degree in the end they only care about clinical hours attended. Obviously other states disagree since they don't allow endorsement of such applicants.
It's interesting that most if not all states will not allow the "30 credit option" for LVN's to transfer to other states since they technically are not graduates of any RN program and yet CA boasts that it has such high standards as to not allow EC grads entry after their magic cut off date.
I've never had problems with employment because of graduating from EC here in TX or even when I lived out East.
CA does not have the privilege of deciding what the rest of the country is going to do, whether it likes it or not.

To say that California doesn't care if someone has a degree is really distorting the issue. It's not a fair characterization. With the 30 unit option they are only trying to help the shortage by allowing LVN's to bypass liberal arts courses which, I think everyone would agree, doesn't have much to do with whether a student is going to be a competent nurse.

California isn't just a big state, it's the biggest state in the union with 10 million more people than your home state of Texas. Because of the huge population (35 million and growing) we have fewer RN's per capita than any other state in the country. Therefore, the shortage is more critical here than anywhere else.

So the board approved the LVN-to-RN 30 unit option as a practical measure to try to put LVN's on a faster track. LVN's still have to take all of the science, nursing and clinical courses required by the board. There is no compromise of the standards, as you put it. If EC had met the same standards as the 30 unit option, they'd still be accepted in California.

And, when I refer to the the board I am talking about the Board of Registered Nursing NOT the Board of Licensed Vocational Nursing, which regulates LVN schools. The BORN, which did have a problem with EC, has nothing to do with setting the standards for LVN schools, only RN schools. So, if there's a problem with LVN schools, it's because there's a different state agency involved ... Not because the BORN is implementing and enforcing different standards for different schools.

:coollook:

copnlpn2 · Aug 18, 2005

Morning everyone! Grueling night at work, but that's nothing new to any of us, is it?

I received the following in my email yesterday:

Dear Ms Fletcher,

Excelsior College is accredited by New York State and therefore you would be able to sit for the NCLEX for an RN exam in Ohio after successful completion of the program. There is some controversy over this program and several states do not allow graduates to sit for the NCLEX with a degree from Excelsior. The controversy is primarily that there is not adequate clinical experience within the program.

It is unclear at this point whether you could endorse into one of those states as well after obtaining a license in Ohio.

The Ohio Board of Nursing has discussed this program and for now has chosen to continue to allow graduates to sit for the NCLEX.

Good luck in continuing your education!

Norma Selders RN MS

Manager: Education, Licensure and Nursing Practice

Ohio Board of Nursing

17 South High Street Suite 400

Columbus, Ohio 43215

direct 614 466 4816

fax 614 466 0388

Make it a Great Day!

I know circumstances can change, but I fully intend to live in Ohio throughout my working years. I left Ohio and lived in Oklahoma for nearly 20 years and swore once I moved "home" that I'd never leave my family nor the state I love again! So the issue of where my EC license is acceptable is rather moot for me, now that I know the OBN wil recognize my degree.

In addition, I am not pressed for time to graduate, except that I'm getting older everyday that goes by! I am divorced, financially stable (not well-off by any means!), in good health and am seeking the RN degree as an end to a means - to explore areas of nursing other than the "traditional." If you've read my posts, you may have noted that I am an adrenaline junky who thrives on the new and exciting, even at my "advanced age" of 56. I love geriatric nursing but that was too "calm" for me for long. So I solved that by studying everything in sight on wound care, which is what I "specialize" in now.

But the itch has returned and I'm ready to move on to something new. The problem, as I previously stated, is that those things I'm interesting in pursuing (wound care certification, legal nursing, forensic nursing) all require an RN degree. No matter how much outside knowledge and skills I obtain, I cannot advance to those areas without being an RN. So ....it's off to school I go!

I have learned so much useful information from all your posts and appreciate hearing the pros and cons, which present a much more balanced picture of distance learning, in particular EC. I have checked out Indiana State U after reading txspadequeen921's post and still feel that EC will be my school of choice.

I will keep everyone posted as I progress toward enrollment, for I'm sure I'll have more questions - we anal retentive types always do, you know! Please continue to send any pertinent info you may have for my consideration. I truly appreciate every one of you for taking the time to help me.

Cindy

LadyMadonna · Aug 18, 2005

How long does it take to do the 30 unit option in California?

RN34TX · Aug 19, 2005

To say that California doesn't care if someone has a degree is really distorting the issue. It's not a fair characterization. With the 30 unit option they are only trying to help the shortage by allowing LVN's to bypass liberal arts courses which, I think everyone would agree, doesn't have much to do with whether a student is going to be a competent nurse.
California isn't just a big state, it's the biggest state in the union with 10 million more people than your home state of Texas. Because of the huge population (35 million and growing) we have fewer RN's per capita than any other state in the country. Therefore, the shortage is more critical here than anywhere else.
So the board approved the LVN-to-RN 30 unit option as a practical measure to try to put LVN's on a faster track. LVN's still have to take all of the science, nursing and clinical courses required by the board. There is no compromise of the standards, as you put it. If EC had met the same standards as the 30 unit option, they'd still be accepted in California.
And, when I refer to the the board I am talking about the Board of Registered Nursing NOT the Board of Licensed Vocational Nursing, which regulates LVN schools. The BORN, which did have a problem with EC, has nothing to do with setting the standards for LVN schools, only RN schools. So, if there's a problem with LVN schools, it's because there's a different state agency involved ... Not because the BORN is implementing and enforcing different standards for different schools.

My comments were not an attempt to put down CA's 30 unit option, I think it was a great idea. I also think that it's insane that after these students become RN's and work as RN's in CA that other states wouldn't recognize them for licensure.

I don't recall mentioning any "compromise of standards" nor do I recall mentioning anything about standards for LVN schools but maybe those comments were directed at someone else. I'm fully aware that CA has two separate boards for LVN's and RN's as TX operated the same way only until very recently.