Excelsior Nurses

Sheri257 · Dec 8, 2003

Originally posted by featherzRN
I have worked in at least 10 California hospitals since graduating RC/EC in 1989 (some at the same time doing per diem work). None have said a word about my schooling-as a matter of fact, at the VA they asked me to help out with others that were going through Regents (as it was called then).

I now work with Kaiser, and I don't even remember them asking-all they cared about was a license.

It may come to pass that California hospitals will en masse start turning down EC grads, but with the nursing shortage and possible ratios I doubt it.

I don't think any Excelsior grad who's been a licensed RN for several years would have any potential problems.

This mostly applies to new Excelsior grads, where some hospitals have policies of not hiring them. At the same time, other hospitals do not have that policy, and continue to hire new Excelsior grads.

BBFRN, BSN, PhD · Dec 8, 2003

Originally posted by lizz
What does this have to do with Excelsior?

It had more to do with your assumption that CA is trend-setting, and how all the other states should take notice of their views. Feel free to re-read my post :) .

As for the 14 "violations" (your document calls them "areas of non-compliance"), the ones mentioned in the document you provided, they were the one about clinical hrs, and the others appear to be related to CA wanting clearer definitions for faculty responsibilities, and a clearer understanding of student progress in the program. We don't have quizzes or get grades for homework, so this could be what they mean. However, our progress is evidenced by our passing the exams, and our NCLEX pass rates. I would be curious to know if a.) you are a nurse or nursing student, and b.) if so was your education received by any of the other 12 CA schools that also had to make revisions to their curriculum? Also, your document is dated June of this year. EC just met with the CA BORN this month. We are still waiting for the outcome on that one, but from what I hear, the NLN is considering getting involved in it. Nothing concrete has been decided from your BON yet- unless it was decided in this meeting several days ago.

debRNo1 · Dec 8, 2003

Originally posted by lgflamini
Your title or the school or the program you choose doesn't determine your intelligence, or your worth as a nurse. There are always going to be people out there who haven't walked in your shoes who have opinions about the things you do. All you can do is keep trucking, and keep focusing on what is going to get you what you need out of life.

Well said.................lgflamini

My worth as a nurse is using what I have learned~however I learned it ~ while working my but off as an LPN or independantly studying for my degree. :nurse:

Heather~Im with you and you said it well. Some people have issues that have nothing to do with what they are currently spouting off about. And you are right on the money that a person who is compelled to argue, wont listen and needs to have the last word and always has to be right is certainly a neon sign of what kind of nurse they will be. Honestly its not the nurse I would want as GOD forbid an orientee, a coworker or taking care of me or my loved ones. Could be intimidation, jealousy, or a personal issues but ignorant, obnoxious comments and put downs IMO are uncalled for; and my resume looks better than yours statements sound childish and immature. :imbar

Nobody should ever be discouraged to further their education or better themselves. Nobody should be looked down upon because they went to one program or another. Every day as a nurse is a learning experience from day one in ANY program right till the day you retire. You could go a prestigious university, pay thru the nose and put it on your resume but if you refuse to LISTEN and learn you might just find yourself unable to perform as a nurse when you graduate.

:confused: Rumors and myths certainly DO exist regarding an EC degree and THIS is what I commented on and seemed to agitate someone. I have experienced rumors, myths, and gossip regarding the program, I sorted it out, put them to rest, completed the program and now I am an RN. I commented on what I have experienced first hand and nothing else. I had a positive experience with this program, however, I would highly recommend researching ANY nursing program you intend to apply to, graduate from and PAY for. I did EXTENSIVE research prior to applying to this particular program and found it best suited my needs, schedule and goals as an experienced LPN attempting to upgrade to RN.

My comment about the final answer coming from Excelsior was misconstrued by someone and taken out of context. If I lived in California and there was an issue I would certainly do my best to fully research, investigate, and use every resource available to any obstacles in my way but frankly I couldnt care less about it because I dont live there and NEVER commented about THAT issue anyway. I did comment on the pass rate for the CLINICAL componant of the program and this too was misquoted, misconstrued and taken elsewhere. :chair: wow

BTW :confused: Here in trendy New York the nursing programs are HIGHLY competative very EXPENSIVE and have LONGER waiting lists. :imbar

BBFRN, BSN, PhD · Dec 8, 2003

Originally posted by debRNo1
Well said.................lgflamini

My worth as a nurse is using what I have learned~however I learned it ~ while working my but off as an LPN or independantly studying for my degree.
And you are right on the money that a person who is compelled to argue, wont listen and needs to have the last word and always has to be right is certainly a neon sign of what kind of nurse they will be. Honestly its not the nurse I would want as GOD forbid an orientee, a coworker or taking care of me or my loved ones.

Nobody should ever be discouraged to further their education or better themselves. Nobody should be looked down upon because they went to one program or another. Every day as a nurse is a learning experience from day one in ANY program right till the day you retire. You could go a prestigious university, pay thru the nose and put it on your resume but if you refuse to LISTEN and learn you might just find yourself unable to perform as a nurse when you graduate.

I agree 100%, Deb. I've had several of my coworkers that graduated from prestigious schools say they wished I had been in a position to precept them. Apparently, they appreciate my knowledge as a nurse regardless of my resume.

Betty_SPN_KS, LPN · Dec 8, 2003

Forgive my being a little light-hearted. I know Kansas is no trend-setting state. I just want to be a good nurse who can work anywhere. :-)

CraigB-RN, MSN, RN · Dec 8, 2003

You graduate and pass your NCLEX, give me a call. I have no problems hiring an EC grad! Having worked in many states KS is just fine for me. :)

Sheri257 · Dec 8, 2003

Am I supposed to be writing press releases for Excelsior? I don't understand why another point of view can't be presented here.

I did not say that my resume is any better than anyone else's. I was not trying to discourage anyone from pursuing an education. I do think people should know all the facts before they select any school.

I do live in California where Excelsior has been controversial. If the state board threatening to yank their accreditation isn't controversial, I don't know what is.

That's a legitimate reason for not wanting Excelsior on your resume. If some hospitals aren't hiring new Excelsior grads (which is what this thread was originally about), that's also a legitimate reason not to want it on your resume.

If you feel that Excelsior is not an issue in your state, and it's a great school, then by all means go for it. I've always said that.

As far as the trend setting comment, I was referring to the BORN. I was not referring to wages, unions, working or employment conditions.

I was citing the BORN action as a possible reason that hospitals in other states may not be accepting new Excelsior grads. The original post mentioned OR, UT, ILL and, of course, California, where some (although certainly not all) hospitals aren't accepting new Excelsior grads, which is what prompted the BORN action in the first place.

If you think the California BORN action doesn't influence some hiring practices in other states, that's fine. I just happen to think there's a good chance it could.

And, if you think the BORN is biased because of Excelsior competition with state schools for tuition dollars, I just don't see how the state would benefit. The tuition at my local nursing school is much cheaper than Excelsior, and I suspect it's the same for other California colleges. I don't see how the state would gain much revenue by putting these restrictions on Excelsior, unless the state substantially increased tuition rates, which is not likely to happen.

As far as speculation that the BORN "might" have to make their case before the NLN, I suppose we'll debate that if it actually happens.

I'm not sure what you're talking about as far as California schools having to re-adjust their cirriculum, but I'm all ears. I can tell you that the school in my area has a 96 percent NCLEX pass rate, although I doubt that all California state schools perform that well. Generally the schools have to do 70 percent or better, or they lose accreditation.

BTW, "non-compliance" is a fancy term often used by state agencies to describe violations, but if you want to call it "non-compliance," that's fine by me.

debRNo1 · Dec 8, 2003

Originally posted by lizz
The tuition at my local nursing school is much cheaper than Excelsior

:eek: In 1996 I paid $60.00 to take the A&P exam for which I received 6 credits. $10 a credit~

I give up :imbar

Sheri257 · Dec 8, 2003

It looks like two years in the Excelsior nursing program would cost about $4,500, if this link is correct:

http://www.excelsior.edu/pdf/ADN_costs_brochure.pdf

The two year state ADN program in my area would cost about $1,500.

BBFRN, BSN, PhD · Dec 8, 2003

Originally posted by lizz
I do live in California where Excelsior has been controversial. If the state board threatening to yank their accreditation isn't controversial, I don't know what is.

How long have you been a nurse, if I may ask? This happens to schools all the time. Maybe you haven't been around long enough to know that yet?

I was citing the BORN action as a possible reason that hospitals in other states may not be accepting new Excelsior grads. The original post mentioned OR, UT, ILL and, of course, California, where some (although certainly not all) hospitals aren't accepting new Excelsior grads, which is what prompted the BORN action in the first place.[/b]

Actually, your "trend-setting BORN" is the only state with this problem. I personally know lots and lots of students in all the other states WHO GOT JOBS with no problem- with no controversy.

And, if you think the BORN is biased because of Excelsior competition with state schools for tuition dollars, I just don't see how the state would benefit. The tuition at my local nursing school is much cheaper than Excelsior, and I suspect it's the same for other California colleges. I don't see how the state would gain much revenue by putting these restrictions on Excelsior, unless the state substantially increased tuition rates, which is not likely to happen..[/b]

Ya know, I already took too much time to make this point to someone who just doesn't listen. 'Nuff said.

I'm not sure what you're talking about as far as California schools having to re-adjust their cirriculum, but I'm all ears. I can tell you that the school in my area has a 96 percent NCLEX pass rate, although I doubt that all California state schools perform that well. Generally the schools have to do 70 percent or better, or they lose accreditation.[/b]

Hello???!!! It was in the documentation YOU PROVIDED. Forget to read the whole document? When someone comes into a thread with a little bit of documentation to support their view, acts like they're teaching Jesus how to preach, and refuses to listen to those who have been-there-done-that, you can bet I am going to read every bit of their documentation, and verify its validity. Hmmm...I guess I'm a typical EC student, eh?

BTW, "non-compliance" is a fancy term often used by state agencies to describe violations, but if you want to call it "non-compliance," that's fine by me. [/b]

Now you're going to challenge the English language with me, huh? Pssst...I graduated from IU Bloomington (gasp- a prestigious college, BTW) with a 3.8 majoring in English. That was my first degree.

CraigB-RN, MSN, RN · Dec 9, 2003

As to the trend setting comment. Well the CA Board of Nursing was the last state to allow people to challenge the nursing exam.

smiling_ru · Dec 9, 2003

Can anyone provide a link to vermont and georgia statutes excluding regents/excelsior. I can not find anything on their board of nursing websites and am not sure where else to look.