Hi everyone. I have been doing a lot of research about the Excelsior program. I have a lot of prior medical experience, so I'm not too worried by the fact that there is not a lot of clinical time.
The thing is, I currently live in New York, but plan on moving to California in the next year or two, but see from the boards that CA does not "accept" Excelsior graduates. What does that mean?
I was told (though I may have been giving some wrong information), that once I passed the NYCLEX, I would be able to carry my "RN" with me wherever I go. Will I be able to work in California as an RN if I get my RN through Excelsior?
First of all ... I don't think LPNtoRN is being childish. She has every right to be angry. She paid good money to EC in good faith and, quite frankly, the school has let all of you down.
One can debate whether she should have enrolled sooner and whether that's her fault but ... it may not really matter. In the California forum one EC LVN, who did make the deadline, just recently posted she has been turned down for two jobs already. The damage may already have been done, whether you made the deadline or not, if the hospitals won't hire you.
As far as EC being a "diploma mill" let's face it ... EC was advertised as a diploma mill out here in California. That's what started the whole controversy in the first place ... (and the fact that hospitals had started instituting policies of not hiring EC grads). People were actually advertising quickie MA and EMT courses in conjunction with EC ... "get your RN in only a few months!" EC did nothing to stop it until after the BORN acted and it was too late.
There are good people in the program but, unfortunately, you've been burned by EC and the scam artists who promoted the program as a diploma mill. That reputation is pretty much ingrained out here in California. I realize it's not fair to the good people in the program, but that's the way it is, unfortunately. And LPNtoRN has every right to be angry about it.
Sorry Lizz but it is childish to be angry at something you should have known about before you enrolled! Yes, Excelsior should have acted sooner on these companies that exploited their program. One must take accountability for their own choices--what a world it has come to be that we must shift the blame. She should have known about the deadline--she should have chose not to enroll if she had intentions to moving to Ca and the deadline hadn't been met--that is her fualt. Responsible adults should take accountability for their decisions. EC did not burn me Lizz, I knew about the controversy and enrolled in time. I am well aware that I face some scrutiny at certain hospitals. I chose this route because I am a working mom and my kids were fore most. I will accept accountability for my informed choices that I made. I need not blame anyone! I weighed the choices and made the decisions that best suite me! I called the boards and the school and weighed all angles--then I made the choice!
EC is not appropriate for everyone. And they essentially say that. Too bad that people do not read all of the fine print. They are essentially signing a contract............would you buy a car and not read everything?
It is a viable option or some people, not all states have issues with the program. CA offers the 30 unit program instead, but that isn't good for everyone either. So then CA should cancel that program because it is only honored in the one state? Each person needs to see what works for them, and they need to take the responsibility of doing the research for it as well.
There are no quick fixes to getting a nursing license that is accepted all over. And there are much cheaper ways of doing things than Excelsior.
EC is not appropriate for everyone. And they essentially say that. Too bad that people do not read all of the fine print. They are essentially signing a contract............would you buy a car and not read everything?
It is a viable option or some people, not all states have issues with the program. CA offers the 30 unit program instead, but that isn't good for everyone either. So then CA should cancel that program because it is only honored in the one state? Each person needs to see what works for them, and they need to take the responsibility of doing the research for it as well.
There are no quick fixes to getting a nursing license that is accepted all over. And there are much cheaper ways of doing things than Excelsior.
Suzanne--
I have a question that I was hoping you or someone else could answer about endorsement. I met the EC cut-off date and applied for endorsement...do you have to have speech as one of your generals in order to get a license? I noticed that speech is required in all their schools, but is it required for endorsement if you met the criteria with an EC ADN before the cut-off date?
I have a question that I was hoping you or someone else could answer about endorsement. I met the EC cut-off date and applied for endorsement...do you have to have speech as one of your generals in order to get a license? I noticed that speech is required in all their schools, but is it required for endorsement if you met the criteria with an EC ADN before the cut-off date?
Thanks!
i
You will have to contact the BON directly and ask them. Best time to reach them is at 0900 CA time.
Hey, in case some people haven't heard by now, DYates made it before the deadline!
I didn't decide to enroll in Excelsior until November of 2004. And I don't feel like I should be put on the spot and pointed at because at the time of November 2004 I did not believe I would ever feel the need to go to California. Excelsior's program was convenient for a busy head of household with three children and Excelsior knows that is what sells their program. But, as Suzanne has pointed out, life has a way of changing and things come up you would have NEVER expected. And yes, people make mistakes, my mistake being that I assumed wrong when I thought I would never go to California.
BUT....
As far as accountability and personal responsibility goes, maybe Excelsior should practice some of this. Having sunk thosands of dollars into this school, I cannot back out now, but I tell you, I have been on the phone with Indiana State University to see how I can go about completing their LPN to BSN track even with an RN license from Excelsior.
In all seriousness, I can understand fully why California will not accept EC, after having gone through the program. And for Excelsior to blindly allow any LPN in the program I believe is a terrible disservice to the public, because it is obvious to me this program is geared for the experienced LPN, NOT a fresh grad, and I know of many who jump right out of LPN school into Excelsior. They have cheapened whatever reputation they used to have by basically allowing any Joe Smoe in the program, all for the sake of business.
I haven't copmpleted the clinical but from what I can see it is a joke. I don't care how many critical elements they have you memorize and how strict they are about having you follow every step. If they want to save their program they would offer a teaching clinical with a preceptorship. Because really this clinical is not going to prove you are competent to work as a registered nurse.
I realize I will more than likely be able to find a decent job here in Tennessee with my Excelsior degree, but I have to wonder if it is just a matter of time before the rest of the states get wise to Excelsior.
I'm sure what I have just said had probably reduced my popularity with other Excelsior folks to zero but I have learned in life you don't become popular by telling the truth. I will not recommend this program to anyone.
Hey, in case some people haven't heard by now, DYates made it before the deadline!
I didn't decide to enroll in Excelsior until November of 2004. And I don't feel like I should be put on the spot and pointed at because at the time of November 2004 I did not believe I would ever feel the need to go to California. Excelsior's program was convenient for a busy head of household with three children and Excelsior knows that is what sells their program. But, as Suzanne has pointed out, life has a way of changing and things come up you would have NEVER expected. And yes, people make mistakes, my mistake being that I assumed wrong when I thought I would never go to California.
BUT....
As far as accountability and personal responsibility goes, maybe Excelsior should practice some of this. Having sunk thosands of dollars into this school, I cannot back out now, but I tell you, I have been on the phone with Indiana State University to see how I can go about completing their LPN to BSN track even with an RN license from Excelsior.
In all seriousness, I can understand fully why California will not accept EC, after having gone through the program. And for Excelsior to blindly allow any LPN in the program I believe is a terrible disservice to the public, because it is obvious to me this program is geared for the experienced LPN, NOT a fresh grad, and I know of many who jump right out of LPN school into Excelsior. They have cheapened whatever reputation they used to have by basically allowing any Joe Smoe in the program, all for the sake of business.
I haven't copmpleted the clinical but from what I can see it is a joke. I don't care how many critical elements they have you memorize and how strict they are about having you follow every step. If they want to save their program they would offer a teaching clinical with a preceptorship. Because really this clinical is not going to prove you are competent to work as a registered nurse.
I realize I will more than likely be able to find a decent job here in Tennessee with my Excelsior degree, but I have to wonder if it is just a matter of time before the rest of the states get wise to Excelsior.
I'm sure what I have just said had probably reduced my popularity with other Excelsior folks to zero but I have learned in life you don't become popular by telling the truth. I will not recommend this program to anyone.
Hmmm...so it is all Excelsior's fault that you willing applied to the program knew the fees involved, had access to obtaining the Cali info, and now are upset that you can't get a license there??? Maybe Excelsior is to blame for allowing students into the program who have little nursing skills/experience but they are not to blame for your informed choices. The info is all there by calling them or researching their web page. They are up front about their fees as well. Seems like a case of sour grapes. You enrolled and had access to the information to make informed choices. The program is good for experienced LPN's/paramedics who hold full time jobs and family resposibilities--but even then research and life events must be taken into consideration. I really don't understand how you can blame Excelsior for not getting a license in Cali when it was on their site prior to you ever enrolling...it is not there problem that you changed your mind after you already enrolled and paid fees. Silly.
Excelsior's program was convenient for a busy head of household with three children and Excelsior knows that is what sells their program. But, as Suzanne has pointed out, life has a way of changing and things come up you would have NEVER expected. And yes, people make mistakes, my mistake being that I assumed wrong when I thought I would never go to California.
BUT....
As far as accountability and personal responsibility goes, maybe Excelsior should practice some of this. Having sunk thosands of dollars into this school, I cannot back out now, but I tell you, I have been on the phone with Indiana State University to see how I can go about completing their LPN to BSN track even with an RN license from Excelsior.
Hmmm...so it is all Excelsior's fault that you willing applied to the program knew the fees involved, had access to obtaining the Cali info, and now are upset that you can't get a license there??? Maybe Excelsior is to blame for allowing students into the program who have little nursing skills/experience but they are not to blame for your informed choices. The info is all there by calling them or researching their web page. They are up front about their fees as well. Seems like a case of sour grapes.
I hear a lot of back and forth about student experiences with EC's non-qualifying curriculum and what blame should be placed where. It doesn't all sound like sour grapes as much as it sounds like having to reckon with regret of eating the cost of a bad decision.
We sound as if we're bickering over moot. If anything, what I am taking from each personal experience with the program is how it has affected them. Some are bitter, some have done well because of it and gave recommendation. Some have said its not for everyone.
I have listened and used this information/discussion to examine my own feelings. What if these comments/complaints were coming from me? I have used them along with my research to make an informed decision not to go the EC path. My conclusion is that it is not worth the overall cost if not completely validated throughout the nation in all states. Ultimately is everyone's own decision to make, based on their person opinion. We all have to live with the choices we make. Believe me, I know how sometimes the bad choices just suck.
I like how DYatesRN put it (Yesterday, 06:09 PM ): I chose this route because I am a working mom and my kids were fore most. I will accept accountability for my informed choices that I made. I need not blame anyone! I weighed the choices and made the decisions that best suite me! I called the boards and the school and weighed all angles--then I made the choice!
DYates, by your response I am seeing you still do not understand the point of what I am saying. You seem to see it as a I-made-it-by-the-deadline-how responsible-I-am thing when it has nothing to do with how we should all be impressed you made it by the deadline and those of us who didn't make it are jealous of people like you...DYates it has nothing to do with deadlines. That is so far off the target with what I'm talking about I don't even know how to respond.
Like Lizz said, making it under the deadline didn't seem to help a lot of people.
Sambu, I hope you decide to stay away from Excelsior. More states than California are hesitant to continue licensing Excelsior graduates and it's not because of sour grapes. On the other hand, I hope you can find a school that will not cause you to break the bank. I'm checking out ISU's program now. They have said I can go through their LPN to BSN program even with an RN license from Excelsior.
Should have done that in the first place, in retrospect, though some people can't seem to understand...oh well.
Hey, in case some people haven't heard by now, DYates made it before the deadline!
I didn't decide to enroll in Excelsior until November of 2004. And I don't feel like I should be put on the spot and pointed at because at the time of November 2004 I did not believe I would ever feel the need to go to California. Excelsior's program was convenient for a busy head of household with three children and Excelsior knows that is what sells their program. But, as Suzanne has pointed out, life has a way of changing and things come up you would have NEVER expected. And yes, people make mistakes, my mistake being that I assumed wrong when I thought I would never go to California.
BUT....
As far as accountability and personal responsibility goes, maybe Excelsior should practice some of this. Having sunk thosands of dollars into this school, I cannot back out now, but I tell you, I have been on the phone with Indiana State University to see how I can go about completing their LPN to BSN track even with an RN license from Excelsior.
In all seriousness, I can understand fully why California will not accept EC, after having gone through the program. And for Excelsior to blindly allow any LPN in the program I believe is a terrible disservice to the public, because it is obvious to me this program is geared for the experienced LPN, NOT a fresh grad, and I know of many who jump right out of LPN school into Excelsior. They have cheapened whatever reputation they used to have by basically allowing any Joe Smoe in the program, all for the sake of business.
I haven't copmpleted the clinical but from what I can see it is a joke. I don't care how many critical elements they have you memorize and how strict they are about having you follow every step. If they want to save their program they would offer a teaching clinical with a preceptorship. Because really this clinical is not going to prove you are competent to work as a registered nurse.
I realize I will more than likely be able to find a decent job here in Tennessee with my Excelsior degree, but I have to wonder if it is just a matter of time before the rest of the states get wise to Excelsior.
I'm sure what I have just said had probably reduced my popularity with other Excelsior folks to zero but I have learned in life you don't become popular by telling the truth. I will not recommend this program to anyone.
Good luck with the clinical. The pass rate is only around 70 % or so and most of the students at EC are LPN's now that they have tightened up their admission policy. The weekend i tested , there were 5 of us..two failed and they were both experienced LPN's. Congrats, DYates for making the deadline :) I did not make the deadline and am living in cali for the time being until i get my temp permit . If you really need to live in Cali , perhaps you should drop out of the EC program now and go into the other program you mentioned. I really don't think your bitterness towards EC is rational. Have a nice day!!
If you really need to live in Cali , perhaps you should drop out of the EC program now and go into the other program you mentioned. I really don't think your bitterness towards EC is rational. Have a nice day!!
Oh yea? How rational is it to drop out within a few weeks of taking the clinical?
70% fail? That isn't what I heard. I have no doubts I will pass, it just isn't that big of a feat as some people try to make it out to be.
Edited to add: Not only am I going to pass, but I'm going to pass with flying colors.
It will be simple. But I won't be celebrating. More like taking my certificate with two fingers and sticking it in the closet where I can try to forget about it.
Excelsior needs to tighten up their standards even more if they want to be taken seriously again.
Oh yea? How rational is it to drop out within a few weeks of taking the clinical?
70% fail? That isn't what I heard. I have no doubts I will pass, it just isn't that big of a feat as some people try to make it out to be.
Edited to add: Not only am I going to pass, but I'm going to pass with flying colors.
It will be simple. But I won't be celebrating. More like taking my certificate with two fingers and sticking it in the closet where I can try to forget about it.
Excelsior needs to tighten up their standards even more if they want to be taken seriously again.
Oh yea? How rational is it to drop out within a few weeks of taking the clinical?
70% fail? That isn't what I heard. I have no doubts I will pass, it just isn't that big of a feat as some people try to make it out to be.
Edited to add: Not only am I going to pass, but I'm going to pass with flying colors.
It will be simple. But I won't be celebrating. More like taking my certificate with two fingers and sticking it in the closet where I can try to forget about it.
Excelsior needs to tighten up their standards even more if they want to be taken seriously again.
I guess it is just as reasonable to continue and stuff the degree in the closet as it would be drop out so close to completion. Even if it is not about the past deadline that you are angry with...why did you do the program knowing that some states have different rules regarding this program(since this seems to be your concern)? There was nothing hidden about this at all.
..well good luck to you
DYatesRN
76 Posts
Sorry Lizz but it is childish to be angry at something you should have known about before you enrolled! Yes, Excelsior should have acted sooner on these companies that exploited their program. One must take accountability for their own choices--what a world it has come to be that we must shift the blame. She should have known about the deadline--she should have chose not to enroll if she had intentions to moving to Ca and the deadline hadn't been met--that is her fualt. Responsible adults should take accountability for their decisions. EC did not burn me Lizz, I knew about the controversy and enrolled in time. I am well aware that I face some scrutiny at certain hospitals. I chose this route because I am a working mom and my kids were fore most. I will accept accountability for my informed choices that I made. I need not blame anyone! I weighed the choices and made the decisions that best suite me! I called the boards and the school and weighed all angles--then I made the choice!