Excelsior Nurses

opalmRN · Nov 26, 2003

Originally posted by NursePerson
Can anyone tell me why Excelsior College graduates are having a hard time finding jobs?

Are you the nurse that is having difficulty?

C

NursePerson · Nov 26, 2003

I am not asking for anyone particular i just don't understand why a person can graduate from a NLN accredited nursing program and pass the NCLEX and not get a position just because of the program? Terry

Agnus · Nov 26, 2003

I am puzzled. Have not heard that they are having any problem like this. I have heard from many that they have had no problem finding jobs.

CraigB-RN, MSN, RN · Nov 26, 2003

I haven't seen any problems. I'm not sure that most HR people even know what it is. I hire them.

Were did you get that information?

DMoon · Nov 26, 2003

Dito and likewise to the above posts. I never had any problem finding a job, and neither did any of the Regents/Excelsior grads that I know. Maybe there's something else going on?

NursePerson · Nov 26, 2003

I have been told that OR, ILL, CA, And at least 3 hospitals in Ut. won't hire them due to some of the student not having enough or no clinical experence at all. Anyone else know about this?

New Castle Ken · Nov 26, 2003

Originally posted by NursePerson
I have been told that OR, ILL, CA, And at least 3 hospitals in Ut. won't hire them due to some of the student not having enough or no clinical experence at all. Anyone else know about this?

I have heard that there is one or more states that won't allow Excelsior grads take their boards. This does not apply to someone who earned their RN somewhere else then went to Excelsior for their BSN.

chris_at_lucas_RN, RN · Nov 26, 2003

I checked about this with my nurse mgr before I applied, and also with several nursing supervisors at my hospital.

All of them said they don't care where someone went to school, if they have a license, they are eligible for employment.

As for CA and any other state that won't let them take "their" boards (the NCLEX is a national exam...), EC grads should apply to take the NCLEX in another state, preferably one with reciprocity with the state they want to work in, and then, when they get their RN, apply for their state license based on that reciprocity.

Incidentally, EC students have to have clinical experience before they are EVER admitted, and they have to pass a stiff 2-1/2 day CPNE. I know grads from the CC near me have to pass a CPNE as well--it lasts all of 2 hours, tops.

Maybe a post calling on EC grads in your area to share their war stories?

I never heard of an EC grad having any problems with employment. None. BTW, I checked the pass rate for EC compared with other NY schools, and with other states, and EC grads do really, really well.

BBFRN, BSN, PhD · Nov 26, 2003

EC requires one to be an LPN or EMT before even being eligible for their program. I guess my 6 years of being an LPN constitutes as "no clinical experience?" Believe me, if I had no nursing experience whatsoever, I wouldn't have passed even the first EC exam. It is a very difficult program, and not for everyone. Thankfully, my hospital realizes this. The NCLEX pass rate for EC grads is probably so high because from what I hear, their exams are harder than the NCLEX, and the questions are styled in the same format, so by the time a grad sits for their boards, they are very used to this kind of exam. I have to say that compared to my prior RN program, EC is more challenging- it's not the easy way out at all. Also, the CPNE clinical component doesn't equal traditional programs in time spent, but I believe the pass rate for first timers is at only 64% for this component. It isn't an easy part of the program by any means. They make darn sure they keep their accreditation, and the slackers weed themselves out just like any traditional program.

NursePerson · Nov 26, 2003

Don't get me wrong I just want to know what the real story is. I am not saying that this program is any better or worse than any other. So please don't get me wrong! I do know RN's from the program That have had this problem. Sorry if anyone took offence with anything i asked. Thanks

debRNo1 · Nov 27, 2003

Originally posted by lgflamini
It is a very difficult program, and not for everyone.

I haven't heard of any EC grad having trouble finding a job.

I am an Excelsior grad 2001 and proud of it !! I think that I was probably better prepared for the boards then a traditional student. There arent any professors or instructors giving us hints as to what will be on the next exam. There are no gimme's at the CPNE either it's sink or swim !!! You swim alone...........

Many people dont understand HOW the program works and there are many myths that arent true. EC students must prepare for exams without benefit of guidence and work independantly to learn what they need to and then pass these exams for credit. Initially I took A&P and Micro, if I was able to pass intense subjects like this I figured I could finish this program and I did.

Yes it is a difficult program and not for everyone. Some people feel it is an easy way out and try to rush thru the exams to get to the boards. Not a good idea and most will not stay with it. Two friends of mine started with me and were "scared" off~long before the CPNE. They went to traditional programs BUT we all took the same exam for licsensure. Now we are RN's.

One myth is that you CANNOT pass the CPNE without hospital experience NOT TRUE. I was a LTC nurse for many years and I had ZERO hospital experience. I practiced on my LTC residents for my assessments and VS, I passed the CPNE without repeating a lab or even a PCS.

I know many EC grads and have NEVER heard of anyone not being hired. When I applied at the hospital last year one of the nurse educators (who herself had an online MS) was very impressed.

Maybe there is more to the story. Sure you can complete either a traditional or "virtual" program and pass the boards only to be lost on the floor. My LPN experience is part of who I am today and the RN that Ive become.

I am proud to have completed the program. Kudos to those in the midst of it now and good luck to those awaiting CPNE or the boards. Put all the myths aside and if in doubt call EC and get your info from the "horses mouth".

deb :nurse: