Excelsior question

N1colina · Dec 26, 2010

I highly recommend the program! :up:I am a LPN currently working 8-5 Mon-Fri, as well, so I know how ya feel! This program has worked perfect for me. However, I will say you DO NOT need to go through the College Network! I did because I thought you had to, but later found out that I didn't, and am now stuck with a 5,000 loan on top of my tuition costs to Excelsior. The College Network just supplies the reading material for the content on Excelsior exams, which WERE helpful for me, but I heard you can obtain books online for much, much cheaper. So, I would stay away from the College Network, seems like a waste of money to me.

I enrolled with Excelsior in Sept '09, and had all my pre-reqs alrleady out of the way, so just had my nursing courses to take. I am now finished with everything but the CPNE! My test date is for March 11th-13th. No, the pass rate is not very high I hear, and scared me at first, as well. BUT, don't worry. If you go through a lot of success stories on here, it will change your mind. I think the reason failure is so high, is because LPN's with experience go into it thinking, "I got this," and it is completely different than how they practice nursing. They are a lot of critical elements to follow, and so on. They are many ways to study and prepare for this exam, and I believe it IS possible to pass, if you prepare well enough. Just ask others on here, who have! :heartbeat:heartbeat:heartbeat

OSUFan1 · Dec 26, 2010

i am also opting for the ec route because of my 8-5 job at physicians office. i too was almost scared away from the program because of the cpne and its pass rate...but then i also ran into a couple of people who completed the program and passed the cpne first try....i also know that alot of traditional nursing programs now have the hesi at the end of the program that you must also pass with a certain score and you only have 3 attempts at that...so if we study what we need to and prepare for the clinical weekend we have a good shot at passing like so many others are doing now...i have been reading alot of success stories lately so it is very encouraging to me....good luck !!!

caliotter3 · Dec 26, 2010

There are more than one post in the Distance Learning forum that recommend you do not waste money on publishing companies such as The College Network or Rue. If you must, buy their study materials on ebay at pennies on the dollar.

Missy77 · Dec 26, 2010

I'm nervous about the CPNE and haven't started yet...at least not officially. I just have the nursing courses and Info Lit. to complete. Reading the success stories is very encouraging. I hope to one day be writing my own here.

Best of luck to you all!!:)

SweettartRN · Dec 26, 2010

I am a graduate RN from Excelsior and actually looking back, I think the CPNE was a piece of cake.

The program is totally doable, and it's very easy and a good program for those who are working full time or have other life problems.

sherryvegas · Dec 28, 2010

Thanks to all who replied, very encouraging! :)

cincin1222 · Dec 28, 2010

Do. I need to be an lpn first to do excelesior rn program?

TashaLPN2006RN2012, ASN, RN · Dec 28, 2010

LPN, Respiratory Therapist (i think they still let do it) or Paramedic OR at least finished with 50% of an RN program w/ clincial portion... i do believe, but check Home - excelsior.edu to find out for sure... it's something like that anyway....

ougreene · Dec 29, 2010

EC was a great program for me, a full time working mom of 3. It takes dedication and self decipline. I did not due RUE or college net work help for the course work. I bought the books and read and learned. I did attend a CPNE workshop and bought the skills supply bag. EC is a Great place to earn an nursing degree!

Gail RN BSN CCRC AE-C

One time only CPNE Nov 2009