EC as an option for Virginia via another state?

Nervous1 · Jun 2, 2011

I think I found my answer in a previous post on here.

So, basically I can take the NCLEX-RN for NC even as a VA resident. I would have a VA LPN and a NC RN - (upon further reading, I would need permission from the boards to hold both apparently).

I know this is not an option for everyone but for me it will work if I am understanding it correctly, I live less than 3 miles from NC and there are 4-5 large hospitals close by in that state.

nora2010 · Jan 23, 2012

Hi Nervous1

I am also from Virginia and I would like to start EC. Can you tell me some more about it. If I understand correctly, I can work in NC even I live in Virginia. Is that correct. When I complete 960 hours as RN in NC, can I apply for license in Virginia. what are the chances that I will get the license from VBON or they will make some excuses. I want to make sure.

Thank you a lot.

Nervous1 · Jan 26, 2012

I'm still in the process of finishing up, 3 more tests to go before CPNE and FCCA. Here is what I have gathered.

You can take the NCLEX and apply for licensure in NC as a new grad of EC. You will get a NC RN license and will be eligible to work in NC as a RN, easy peasy! After you work for 960 hours or 6 months, you can apply for licensure in VA by "endorsement" instead of examination, granting you a VA RN license.

The only other way to work in VA right after graduation is to work at the VA hospital, they only require a RN license, they don't care what state.

I live in VA but I live 3 miles from the NC line, 4 miles from the closest NC hospital. I'm 45 minutes from 2 of the largest hospital systems in NC, which is where I plan to work. I've got more options and places to pick from in NC that in VA, which is just my luck due to where I live.

Its worth it either way, even if you have to travel an hour or more to work in NC. No waitlist to get in and get done ASAP! Good luck, let me know if you have any questions. I'll have an update once I'm done and officially licensed as an RN, which I hope is before April or May.

nora2010 · Jan 28, 2012

thank you very much for the posting.

i graduated from lpn in j. sargeant reynolds community college in richmond,va. i want to start ec in the fall.

i have a few questions: is ec hard, do you work as an lpn and are able to manage the study work, how much does the ec cost. what is

cpne and fcca.

can you please give me some direction in term of how to start, which books, study guides do i need to succeed.

thank you a lot.

good luck

Editorial Team / Moderator · Jan 28, 2012

Nora, check out EC's website at Excelsior College - excelsior.edu. You can visit their publications page and download the PDFs pertaining to their ADN program. These documents will answer most of your questions and help you decide if this is a viable option for you. Also, many of your questions have been answered in this forum if you do a little searching. EC's format requires its students to be motivated self-starters who can search and find their own answers and resources, so now is a good time to practice that!

The CPNE is the Clinical Performance in Nursing Exam, the clinical test that comes at the end of the program. In some ways it is easy (basic nursing assessments and management), and in other ways it might be one of the most difficult things you'll ever do (in terms of preparation and stress). Everyone is different in how they handle their CPNE.

Just be aware that because EC is not recognized for licensure by exam in Virginia, you will probably have to sign a waiver before Excelsior will let you enroll. You should speak with a nursing advisor about this.

Good luck!

Nervous1 · Jan 31, 2012

Lunah is right, you must sign a waiver about VA. I work part time and started the process July 2011. I have 3 exams left before FCCA and CPNE. As far as costs, it all on their website.