excelsior grad working as RN in PA

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Specializes in future speciality interest: Nurse Midwif.

Has anyone graduated from the excelsior program from LPN to RN

and now works in PA as a RN?

I'm wondering if PA honors excelsior RN grads. I'm looking to pursue this soon

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Specializes in Vents, Telemetry, Home Care, Home infusion.

PA accepts Excelsior grads. Best wishes in your future studies.

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Specializes in LTC & Private Duty Pediatrics.

Hi there:

- I just completed the Excelsior College online LPN to RN program.

- Pennsylvania had no problems accepting my Excelsior College degree. It took about

8 weeks from the time I completed the CPNE (Excelsior College's clinical weekend

and last degree requirement) before I sat and passed boards.

- Managed to score a hospital job about one month after passing the boards. No one

cared that I graduated from Exclsior College, only that I was breathing, and had my l

license.

Hope this helps.

SirJohnny

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sorry so late but sirjohnny how long did it take to complete your rn???

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Specializes in LTC & Private Duty Pediatrics.

Tryingtobuildafuture:

- It took me around 2 years to get through the Excelsior program.

- Note: California definitely, absolutely, positively will not allow Excelsior graduates to sit for the NCLEX-RN or to endorse into the state. There is no case-by-case basis.

- Advice:

- Definitely look at the Yahoo groups. There are many files there that will help to direct your studies. Also lots of sample questions to help focus your thoughts. Note: These are not actual exam questions.

- Take the Excelsior practice exams. In fact, do them first (before you start studying for that particular exam). Use them to guide your study efforts. Hint: 3 or 4 questions from the practice exam will be on the Excelsior real-world exam.

- It takes about 1 to 2 months to prepare for each exam. I took longer, as I was working close to 80 hours a week as an LPN (agency).

- The FCCA (after you pass all of your exams) is pretty easy ... don't stress over it. Mostly care planning and prioritization of assignments questions. Take a about an hour a day for five days to work on it. Most (over 90% of folks) pass it on their first try.

- The CPNE (weekend clinical) will take about 4 months to prepare for. It will take that long to get a clinical site. Excelsior has been getting better at reducing the wait times for the CPNE.

- The CPNE is a bear. I passed with no repeats (labs and patients). However, plan on having around $7 or $8k in the bank when it comes time to get ready for the CPNE. The preparation classes run around $600 to $800 for a week, and you'll definitely want to attend one. Supplies will run around $300 to $400. Additional books, DVDs will run another $200 or so. Plan on $300 for the hotel for the preparation classes. Plus travel expenses and loss of income.

- Actual CPNE cost is around $2500 or so. Plus the hotel room. Plus loss of income. Plus food and travel.

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- All in all, I would say Excelsior was a life saver. I failed clinicals in a real-world nursing school 2 weeks before graduation with a 3.8 QPA. Professor played favorites, and I have since learned that she liked to fail most of her male students. Seems like she finds 2 or 3 folks to fail each semester. None of the other instructor play this game.

- I could not stand the thought of attending another brick-and-mortar nursing school. So I did Excelsior online while working LTC-Agency work (nursing homes) as an LPN. Pay was good ... but hours were long.

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- I am currently attending the University of Pittsburgh for my RN-->BSN-->MS-Nurse Practitioner degree. Pitt has a 5 year program called "Nursing Options" which combines the BSN and Nurse Practitioner classes. So far, so good. Haven't had any Nurse Practitioner clinicals so far. Mostly, just theory type classes. Lots of papers and of course, lots of reading.

- I am working LTC-Agency as an RN. Was working at the hospital, but had to leave due to issues with my eyes (long story). Also, having open heart surgery in 8 weeks.

- I used to make the joke that I would get hit by a bus upon graduating nursing school. My prediction seems to be comming true. :)

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- Anyhow, I hope this helps.

- Good luck.

Johnny

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Specializes in LTC & Private Duty Pediatrics.

This video was posted in January 2013. Effective October 1, 2013 ... Maryland will now accept Excelsior graduates by endorsement. Excelsior is actually a decent school, and their credits will transfer. No I am not an employee of Excelsior, but rather one of their graduates from the Associates in Nursing program in 2010.

Here is a link to Maryland Board of Nursing article: Excelsior College | Maryland Board of Nursing Changes

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Specializes in Med-Surg/Telemetry.

Thank you so much SirJohnny

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