Excelsior Pass Rate?

Sheri257 · Jun 23, 2004

That's it. I was trying to back off politely since things were getting heated, but, since it really doesn't matter, and you're going to slam me anyway, count on me to stick around, kinda like gravy on rice.

Laura, I appreciate what you said in your post. I do have a lot of respect for you and what you have done, even if we may not always agree.

Chris: Feel free to put me on ignore permanently this time. And anyone who doesn't want to read my posts can do the same. I would actually appreciate it if you did.

You're right: Enough is enough. I have never personally insulted any of you, personally attacked you or called you names. I've tried to stick with the documents to avoid all of this personal crap, and yet you dish it out in droves.

I tried to explain the situation as best I could within the limitations I am under, and yet you slam me for it anyway. Before that, I tried to quote the state document as accurately as possible, and even posted the link so you could judge for yourselves whether my statements were wrong. But you slammed me for that too.

The gloves are off. Bring it on. If you don't like it, don't read it.

There's a lot more I could say but, out of respect for Laura, I won't. But Laura, I apologize in advance right now because I am sick and tired of this. I'm not going to take this crap any longer and I will respond accordingly.

:angryfire

RN34TX · Jun 24, 2004

I agree Chris, totally.
Way too often someone asks a question about EC or other distance ed programs and before you know it, a few individuals jump on the opportunity to turn the question into a power struggle.
We will be thinking of you this weekend!

Very true!! I think that's why it is important for EC grads to stay visible. Maybe it's me, but it seems like all of these message boards consist of students and potential students who do not know what's going on or what to expect and exchange rumors and misinformation back and forth about the program.

They of course get a lot of this misinformation from the bitter and burned failed students who can be very visible online. It's fine to hear it from both sides, but it seems like the EC grads are the least active. They graduate and go on in life. The failed students sometimes get on a quest of warning people about how horrible the program is or that you won't get a job if you do happen to finish.

For those of you grads who do stay active online once you've finished, please continue to do so. The new students will post some genuine concerns and questions and need to hear from successful graduates. They also need to hear from those who were not successful, but too often the unsuccessful ones leave out details as to why they failed or how much clinical background they had to begin with and can give an inaccurate picture of the program.

And to those who are not in the program or graduates but just like to run their mouth about EC, why are they here?

kimlpn · Jun 24, 2004

Oh my!!!! LOL......and you said you are 40 something??? Even my 3 year old says kicking butt and fighting is inappropriate:) Really Lizz that is a bit much!!! I just don't understand why you like to argue so much--I agree with some of what you say, but why do you beat this topic dead over and over again??? My mother taught me long ago to have my own doorstep swept off before I went sweeping others steps...maybe you should consider that--when you are a PERFECT nurse then come back, take those gloves off, and kick every other imperfect nurse's butt (BTW I think this is so comic:) ) For those of us with little one's who watch sponge bob--we can just sit back like him and and take punches from flats like a sponge!!! (unless you have seen this episode you won't know what I am talking about)

Kim

Altra, BSN, RN · Jun 24, 2004

Oh my!!!! LOL......and you said you are 40 something??? Even my 3 year old says kicking butt and fighting is inappropriate:) Really Lizz that is a bit much!!! I just don't understand why you like to argue so much--I agree with some of what you say, but why do you beat this topic dead over and over again??? My mother taught me long ago to have my own doorstep swept off before I went sweeping others steps...maybe you should consider that--when you are a PERFECT nurse then come back, take those gloves off, and kick every other imperfect nurse's butt (BTW I think this is so comic:) ) For those of us with little one's who watch sponge bob--we can just sit back like him and and take punches from flats like a sponge!!! (unless you have seen this episode you won't know what I am talking about)
Kim

I'm just kinda lurking ... enrolled in a "traditional" school so I never considered Excelsior and in fact had never heard of it until I spent some time around allnurses.com. I spent the first few months reading the board wondering what the heck people were talking about when they mentioned the CPNE. It's an interesting concept for motivated self-studiers who have previous clinical experience.

Just got a giggle when I saw the SpongeBob reference ... :chuckle

Good luck to chris at lucas and you others taking the CPNE soon!

BTW, I am noticing a distinct tendency to quote statistics about the economics of nursing, etc. from a few here and there who seem to have chosen to pursue nursing solely on the basis of numbers from Bureau of Labor statistics. It's nice to know that I should have no problem remaining employed through the rest of my working lifetime (approx. 30 years), but that is SO not what day-to-day nursing is about, IMO. I spend my "spare" time here at allnurses.com trying to soak up info and being quizzed on EKG interpretation by my neighbor who is a CVICU nurse. Maybe it's just me ... maybe I'm just a glutton for punishment! :rolleyes: :chuckle

BBFRN, BSN, PhD · Jun 24, 2004

Lol..MLOS, you're not a truly nerdy nursing student until you go here http://www.emedicine.com/ and signup for their monthly email "mystery cases."

As for EC students/grads staying visible- I very much agree with that. I've had tons of questions PM'd to me about EC, so there are lots of people interested in the program. And I know how scary it can be to start up in a distance program, with no instructors/classroom, etc. visible to you. EC students get a lot of support from each other, too- so I really like that a lot. And really, the students that post here are "the good ones." We're really into what we're doing there. Now, in defense of Lizz & others, I have chatted with some real doozies on the EPN- they scared me, I have to tell you. One guy didn't know that IV dressings were see-through, and that they weren't changed several times a day (and he was getting ready to take the CPNE)...someone else didn't know why normal saline was called "normal." These are people I would refer to a trad program where they would get the clinical exposure they would need to be good nurses. I think that those involved in the study groups, and the ones on here are not of that ilk, though. And if you are already an LPN & have a good reputation as a nurse where you work, you should have no problem at all with this program- I only say that because that's my experience. And I have a lot of faith in the EMTs who do the program, too- because in my experience, they are very knowledgeable and usually don't have a problem grasping the "RN way" of doing things. Actually, the other tester who passed the CPNE with me was an EMT (she's on here, too), and she knew her stuff very well! The girl kicks butt with her nursing knowledge, and I'd take her over some traditional RNs any day.

The ones who scare me, I don't know their backgrounds, but I'vs seen my fair share in trad programs, too. The difference with that though, is that they will have an instructor looking over their shoulder & offering support & direction. I think there are a lot of people out there that definitely need that to succeed.

Lizz is no dummy. I think if anything, she may have saved some Californians a lot of time & money they would've wasted by trying to do the EC program. No matter what she says about EC , or why she's in nursing school, I still think she'll make a good nurse, and I'd work alongside her any day. Because at the end of the day, I know I made a good choice with this program, and like helping others through it as well. I can't hold anything against a person for saying what they truly feel is correct in their heart- even if I disagree with it for the most part.

featherzRN, MSN · Jun 26, 2004

I live in California, am an EC grad and work for Kaiser. :) Never had a problem, nor have I had anyone question my credentials. Up until a few weeks ago, Kaiser was paying for LVN's to go through EC for an RN! (The funding stopped recently because of the California ruling, but up to that point they were paying and they still are paying for anyone enrolled before the deadline)..

Sheri257 · Jun 26, 2004

Kim, I've said it before and I'll say it again. Put me on ignore if you don't want to read my posts. Nobody has a gun to your head forcing you to read anything. The ignore feature is very easy to find and use.

Laura, as always, thanks.

Sheri257 · Jun 26, 2004

I live in California, am an EC grad and work for Kaiser. :) Never had a problem, nor have I had anyone question my credentials. Up until a few weeks ago, Kaiser was paying for LVN's to go through EC for an RN! (The funding stopped recently because of the California ruling, but up to that point they were paying and they still are paying for anyone enrolled before the deadline)..

Funny, a friend of mine who recruits and works for Kaiser says the exact opposite. Kaiser paid for her education and refused to pay for EC. They also won't pay her fee for recruiting any EC grads because they won't take them. At least that's what she tells me.

Kaiser's opposition to EC is in the board minutes. I'd post it again, but don't have time to do that right now. I know a lot of people have read it because I've posted it and we've discussed it before.

I'm travelling for a few weeks and don't have much time to post, but I'll be back.

kimlpn · Jun 26, 2004

I never said you were forcing me to read your posts..I merely commented on what an poor disposition you have. Girl, you are very comical to me--so go for it!!! Looks like you are one who loves repeating things! LMAO

RN34TX · Jun 27, 2004

Chris at Lucas:

I know it's Sunday and you are finishing up your CPNE. Please tell us how it went as soon as you get home!!

BBFRN, BSN, PhD · Jun 27, 2004

Yes, Chris- Let us know how you did! I get so excited for others who pass that exam!

Spazzy Nurse, RN · Jun 27, 2004

To RN34TX ~ I completely agree about needing to stay visible. One horror story written by an unprepared CPNE non-passer can completely wipe out any positive feelings a person may have about doing the program.

To large Florida minivan ( :) ) ~ There are EMT-Ps in the program who do real well (I know a couple and they are now fabulous nurses) and there are EMT-Bs (who they don't admit anymore with that alone) who also do real well. The problem that I have is the people who would take a 3 month EMT-B course for the sole purpose of enrolling with EC, and then wouldn't even work as one. I thought that was a load of crap.

Anxiously awaiting word from Chris the girl...................................