Excelsior Grads - Where are they now?

[EricJRN]

EC grads,

Post your year of graduation and your specialty/specialties. I'll go first:

I've been a Level II/III Neonatal ICU nurse since graduation in January '06.

Update 5/2018: I've worked for a large NICU since 2009 in bedside and education roles, and I've been a clinical instructor. I finished EC's MS program in nursing education a couple of years ago. I was recently accepted to the Ph.D. program at a state university.

[okscrapper]

I am a registered respiratory therapist, and have been for 30 + years. I am currently in an LPN/LVN self paced program looking at grad in Aug 2010. I am looking at bridge programs for RN. I have all my prerequ's out of the way. How long would the EC program take, and is it worth it cost wise?

[ValRNRRT]

Potential rip-off? I have a Nursing degree from Excelsior, I'm working as an RN in an ICU and have for the past 1.5 years. The only rip-off would be if you went to the CPNE unprepared and failed. And it would be YOU ripping yourself off.

My CPNE was in Racine, WI. I didn't fail a single skill check-off, I didn't fail a single PCS. I went in prepared and walked out knowing I had just finished my nursing degree. Not a rip-off at all for me, I was prepared. And for what its worth. . my NCLEX took 30 mins. I only got 75 questions and passed. Excelsior was awesome and worth every penny.

If you decide to do it, Lynns Workshop (www.clnicalprepexam.com) was a HUGE help in my success. Lynn was awesome and extremely helpful!!

Good luck!

[Nurse Blondie, RN]

So after earning your RN (?) from Excelsior, you then became an NP? Where did you earn your MSN-NP? Did you do this online also, or if not, what was your experience with transferring the online credits to the another university? Also, have you ever found the online education to be an obstacle in your career?

Since I've started researching whether the online style programs would be a good option for me, I have come across those who express cynicism in regard to whether the online programs are up to par... What are your thoughts?

[exnavygirl-RN]

As mentioned before it's only a rip off if you don't do your research first. I graduated Excelsior Feb'09, got my RN March '09 and now I'm a charge nurse at a Indian Health Facility.

[MauraRN]

How about an update from new grads of EC? Where are you now? I passed CPNE in May 09, NCLEX July 09, got a job in October in a nice community hospital med/surg-acute rehab unit. While I was waiting I did ACLS, PALS, TNCC (trauma nurse core course) and an IV course. The job situation is rough, but post where your are now.

MauraRN

[katherine100, LPN]

Concrats. How long was it to take the CPNE? I hear the wait is 6 months. Also where did u practice IVs. I don't understand why EC doesnt even have a lab. Ridiculous.

How about an update from new grads of EC? Where are you now? I passed CPNE in May 09, NCLEX July 09, got a job in October in a nice community hospital med/surg-acute rehab unit. While I was waiting I did ACLS, PALS, TNCC (trauma nurse core course) and an IV course. The job situation is rough, but post where your are now.

MauraRN

[MauraRN]

I had a short wait for CPNE, about a month I think. I applied to NPAC any location. I live south of Boston so anywhere in NY or PA was driveable. I was an LPN and did IV's. In Massachusetts, LPNs can do IV's but can't be certified. Duh! So I did a cert class given in a Boston hospital.

[txspadequeenRN, BSN, RN]

i love this thread....currently i still work as a geri rn..love my job working on the locked units with my pleasantly confused patients...but i will start my dream job next week...prn inpatient hospice rn....would love to be full time or part time if it would not conflict with my weekend job...cant leave that those people need me.....i am also working on stats and studying for the mat so i can apply to my local rn to msn program.....ec opened up a lot of doors for me....

[katherine100, LPN]

I had a short wait for CPNE, about a month I think. I applied to NPAC any location. I live south of Boston so anywhere in NY or PA was driveable. I was an LPN and did IV's. In Massachusetts, LPNs can do IV's but can't be certified. Duh! So I did a cert class given in a Boston hospital.

Really? You can insert a well? Cool. I am just ready to do what i really want. So i have to decide what i will do as far as schooling.

[gradyrn2b08]

Graduated June 2008 from Excelsior and obtained my Georgia Licenses March 2009. My license was held up with the GBON vs Excelsior battle last year. I have been working at a level 1 trauma center in Atlanta for 9 months on a very busy Med-surg floor where most (95%) of the patients are trauma patients and ICU step down! I don't regret a minute of the experience of getting through Excelsior or the battle to obtain my licenses! Best wishes to all of those reaching for their dreams! Anything is possible!

[caliotter3]

Graduated June 2008 from Excelsior and obtained my Georgia Licenses March 2009. My license was held up with the GBON vs Excelsior battle last year. I have been working at a level 1 trauma center in Atlanta for 9 months on a very busy Med-surg floor where most (95%) of the patients are trauma patients and ICU step down! I don't regret a minute of the experience of getting through Excelsior or the battle to obtain my licenses! Best wishes to all of those reaching for their dreams! Anything is possible!

Hey Grady, you need to change your AN user name. You are not 2b08 anymore! Congratulations!

[melissakp]

Graduated 9/09 and passed NCLEX in Oregon. Applied for many hospital jobs, no luck still. Turned down for 2 internships. I have 20 exp. as a Paramedic. Working casual at an Urgent Care but looking for a fulltime job still. Pretty frustrated but trying to be patient. I hope the table turns soon, I have ACLS,PALS, and TNCC in a month. Guess I'll keep taking classes.