Excelsior Grads - Do You Think Online Nursing Is In Jeopardy? What State Are You In?

erinp88 · Aug 15, 2008

beginning:

First of all, Excelsior is not an online program. It's completed through "distance education" and it is approved by the NLN and accepted in MOST states. (You may want to check the sticky thread above)

For me Excelsior became my only option about a year ago. I tried desperately to get into an online LPN-RN program offered by mccvlc.org (local comm. colleges of Michigan) only to fall short of completing my pre reqs two weeks late! After stumbling across this forum, I chose to go to Excelsior. Would I prefer to complete my RN through traditional education/institution, ABSOLUTELY! However, that would have required me to take a complete year off from work, but hey, it would have been done and no problems with accepting my education plus I would have gained some more clinical experience that I need.

I chose Excelsior because I wanted to move on with my life and could not stand the thought of waiting two more years to be completed. In addition to that, it has allowed me to bring home income. I also have no plans to move out of Michigan, and they will allow me to sit for the NCLEX. My next dillema is after I obtain my RN, my local hospitals (conservative west Michigan), do not typically accept Excelsior grads (so I hear). I will cross that bridge when it gets here.

I'm not sure if this will help you or not! I just thought explaining on how I came to my decision would give you some insight.

SpEdtacular, MSN, RN, EMT-P · Aug 15, 2008

I know several people who have been successful using Excelsior's program and had no problem getting jobs in NJ. I'm glad I made the choice to use Excelsior because my circumstances changed and I'm going to have to move. If I were in a traditional program I'd be in big trouble because I would only be half way done and probably need to drop out. Where there's a will there's a way. If you're motivated you will be able to be a successful Excelsior student.

SuesquatchRN, BSN, RN · Aug 15, 2008

Would I prefer to complete my RN through traditional education/institution, ABSOLUTELY!

Heh. And I got into the LPN-RN year and chose not to go because I freakin' hated nursing school with a passion approaching frothing at the mouth.

Nursing instructors are nuts and evil. Usually.

erinp88 · Aug 16, 2008

Heh. And I got into the LPN-RN year and chose not to go because I freakin' hated nursing school with a passion approaching frothing at the mouth.
Nursing instructors are nuts and evil. Usually.

Yes, it would have sucked. But, everything would have been online except for a summer of nursing clinical's that is set up locally with an RN preceptor. And I honestly can do anything for a year.

Leo2 · Aug 16, 2008

Hi I am in Ga. and yes I think most states will try to get rid of distance programs. Its taking money out of someones pockets at the traditional schools and they don't like it. So the they put pressure on the right people to get laws changed to help themselves. Just my opinion Leo2

zoeyzoe · Aug 16, 2008

Hi I am in Ga. and yes I think most states will try to get rid of distance programs. Its taking money out of someones pockets at the traditional schools and they don't like it. So the they put pressure on the right people to get laws changed to help themselves. Just my opinion Leo2

I am from GA also, and u know what Leo, I think u hit the nail right on the head!!! But it's such a shame, i have already paid out BIG BUCKS 4 EC and now it feels like I'm The One Who Has Been Hit On The Head:cry:

Grapenut · Aug 16, 2008

Heh. And I got into the LPN-RN year and chose not to go because I freakin' hated nursing school with a passion approaching frothing at the mouth.
Nursing instructors are nuts and evil. Usually.

GBON is probably comprised of former nursing instructors! They want us in class so they can torture us!!!

pedinurse05 · Aug 16, 2008

I am in California. I enrolled before the cut off date for California back in 2003 and graduated in 2005. I had no problem finding a great job at a very respected teaching hospital. I have worked on the same floor for 3 years (peds ICU at a level 1 trauma hospital). If I could have gone to traditional school I would have...but EC was great for my situation and gave me the skills and knowledge i needed to be a competent RN. I would not want to go this route today as too many boards are putting stipulations on EC grads. Just my thoughts. What started this thing? I know California started the stipulations first but what actually brought it about? I heard it was a company in Utah recruiting students and they had a boot camp for the CPNE--it got shut down and investigated by the state....

Yes, I do think EC is in jeopardy because it lacks the traditional approach to clinicals.

Grapenut · Aug 16, 2008

I am in California. I enrolled before the cut off date for California back in 2003 and graduated in 2005. I had no problem finding a great job at a very respected teaching hospital. I have worked on the same floor for 3 years (peds ICU at a level 1 trauma hospital). If I could have gone to traditional school I would have...but EC was great for my situation and gave me the skills and knowledge i needed to be a competent RN. I would not want to go this route today as too many boards are putting stipulations on EC grads. Just my thoughts. What started this thing? I know California started the stipulations first but what actually brought it about? I heard it was a company in Utah recruiting students and they had a boot camp for the CPNE--it got shut down and investigated by the state....
Yes, I do think EC is in jeopardy because it lacks the traditional approach to clinicals.

I've been curious about this and wanted to ask some California and Virginia EC graduates: Did your state give a grace period for people who were already enrolled with EC, as in, EC students had until whatever date to finish the program before your state stopped taking EC grads? Georgia has not done so. They snuck up on us, which is so unfair, especiallly those of us who have no other options.

Editorial Team / Moderator · Aug 16, 2008

I've been curious about this and wanted to ask some California and Virginia EC graduates: Did your state give a grace period for people who were already enrolled with EC, as in, EC students had until whatever date to finish the program before your state stopped taking EC grads? Georgia has not done so. They snuck up on us, which is so unfair, especiallly those of us who have no other options.

Both states did. California students who were continuously enrolled before a date in December 2003 were allowed to finish, regardless of when (but they had to finish by the end of EC's allowed enrollment period). Virginia was a bit shorter -- all students had to be enrolled before a date in April 2008, and they have until 12/31/09 to complete EC and be NCLEX-eligible to be able to gain licensure by examination or endorsement in Virginia.

Editorial Team / Moderator · Aug 16, 2008

I want so badly to get started with Excelsior. I read so many things on this forum about online problems and State BONs being negative about them. Tell me what is going on with this aspect? I am almost about to change my career goals. Nursing is getting to be a headache; I wish I didn't love it so much. Things don't have to be this complicated. This is why there is a shortage and people are getting fed up. It's happening while they are yet students. I am in the hit and miss arena. When I get one thing done, it changes to something else. HELP ME PLEASE!!!:argue::chuckle

No, I don't believe distance learning is in trouble, but I think EC's program is going to meet new opposition in many states. I do believe that distance learning classes with in-person clinicals is going to be the nursing program of the future.

If you love nursing, you'll find a way; don't give up. :) Best of luck.