Excelsior RN-to-MSN

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I recently finished up the Excelsior ADN program and was thinking of continuing there. Original plan was for BSN, but all I would have left is one general education requirement and a few (seven, I think) nursing exams. So then I got information about the RN-MSN program, where some graduate classes fulfill requirements for both the BSN and MSN in Clinical Systems Management.

Anyone been through the program and care to share any observations? I'm going to begin a NICU internship in a few days and I would have to get settled into that before beginning anything else.

Thanks a lot,

Eric

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The issue has been with the RN being accepted in all states. If you are already using Excelsior, then it is not going to change for you. The RN obtained thru Excelsior will not change if you go on for your BSN or MSN thru them.

The MSN will not give you clinical nurse specialist certification. It will depend on what you wish to use it for.

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Wish I could help with your question.. but was wondering if you could just let me know how you liked the ADN program through Excelsior? I have to make a big decision between 2 schools and am trying to find out accurate information from a person who had completed the program. Any advise you can give would be great!!

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Specializes in Med-Surg, PP.

I recently completed ASN program through Excelsior. I loved it. It is not an "easy" option, you have to be self motivated and truly know your stuff, because there are no quizzes, extra papers for bonus points, and the tests are not on a few chapters at a time...you'll take on final test over the entire course. As far as credibility, Excelsior School of Nursing is designated a NLN Center of Excellence (2008-2011). I think that speaks for itself:nurse: You have up to 7 years after enrolling to complete the program, so it is great if you are working. I finished mine in less than 2 years, but I was working on it full time. The part that gets some people (and I almost didn't go with Excelsior because of it) is the Clinical Nursing Performance Exam (CPNE). It is a 3 day test of clinical skills. This is a test...not a teaching experience -- you will be evaluated by a team of master prep nurses in an acute care facility. CPNE is tough, and it is not a grading or points system. It is pass/fail. You can repeat one adult patient care situation, and one pediatric. So say if you walk in a patients room, and forget to wash your hands before you ID, you would fail that PCS. If you fail the repeat, you would fail the CPNE. All the critical elements you are expected to meet is available to you in a study guide, and you will need to know them like the back of your hand. A lot of students make mneumonics to make sure they do all the required steps, and in the right order when applicable. You can repeat the CPNE 3x. The pass rates are about 63% - but if you study, study, study - it is def doable. I passed the first time,with no workshops.

I hope I do not sound discouraging. I would highly recommend ECE, I just want you to know the ups & downs, so you can decide if it is for you :)

Good Luck!!!!

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Specializes in LTC,acute care, and corrections.

I just completed the program in one year & feel that its an excellent program, academically, if your a self starter and motivated. If your the type who needs guidance, hand holding, or input, then EC is not for you. The EC program allowed me to test & study at my own pace, and I could have done it in six months had I not taken six months off. Read factual info on both schools since info from students is so subjective. Those that pass will love it & those who don't will bad mouth it. Also make sure that your state accepts EC. Good luck !

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Thank you so much for the advise it really helps. This is only such a big decision for me because I already have been accepted into an mostly online program with a local college. The online is great but clinicals are still required and very time consuming. I feel as though EC would work beter for me because I have been a working paramedic for 8 years and have some base knowledge and clinical skills. In the past I have done well with self study but do understand this program will be very hard!!! Did you find a difference getting or applying for a job with the ADN from EC as apposed to a "traditional" program? This is my final deciding factor!! Thank you so much for all your advise and no you didn't sound discouraging at all just truthful and not sugar coating!!!!

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I just completed the program in one year & feel that its an excellent program, academically, if your a self starter and motivated. If your the type who needs guidance, hand holding, or input, then EC is not for you. The EC program allowed me to test & study at my own pace, and I could have done it in six months had I not taken six months off. Read factual info on both schools since info from students is so subjective. Those that pass will love it & those who don't will bad mouth it. Also make sure that your state accepts EC. Good luck !

That's great congrats on completing the program! I'm 99% sure I'll be starting soon:) Have you heard of or did you experience any difficulties getting a job with the EC ADN? Just the fact that I work shift schedule and do have free time to really put time into the program to complete it asap! Did you find the free material was sufficent or did you need the actual RN books? Thank you soo much for all your input it is really helping me make a confident decision:-)

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Specializes in LTC,acute care, and corrections.

I was a brand new LPN when I started EC. I was licensed 11/08 & started EC 03/09, so my skills where limited. I had trouble getting a new grad job as everyone does so started working agency, scary I know! but I did it, like it & have been doing it since. I work in LTC in a hospital & will be taking my boards reaaal soon so once I pass I already have a job, but classmates from lpn school who did EC as well have had no problem finding work as new grads! When your an EC grad your recognized as a leader from the start! Although I'm a relatively new LPN, I've already been put on floors as charge nurse, agency no less, because I'm an EC grad!!!

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I was a brand new LPN when I started EC. I was licensed 11/08 & started EC 03/09, so my skills where limited. I had trouble getting a new grad job as everyone does so started working agency, scary I know! but I did it, like it & have been doing it since. I work in LTC in a hospital & will be taking my boards reaaal soon so once I pass I already have a job, but classmates from lpn school who did EC as well have had no problem finding work as new grads! When your an EC grad your recognized as a leader from the start! Although I'm a relatively new LPN, I've already been put on floors as charge nurse, agency no less, because I'm an EC grad!!!

That's great!!! Congrats and good luck!!! I've made up my mind I'm definitely going to go to EC! Did you take micro prior to taking the nursing classes? Did you take micro with EC? I really excited about the program and the fact I don't have to put my life on hold for 2 years! I'm expecting to study hard but at least it's at my pace and not being bored in some classroom!!!! Thanks for all the advise:)

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Specializes in LTC,acute care, and corrections.

Great choice! Congrats to you on furthering your career options! I had quite a dilemma with micro. When I started EC I needed info literacy, lifespan pysch, & MICRO (arrrgh). I did my nursing theory then took info lit & pysch before taking the fcca & cpne. after my cpne I still had micro (big mistake). I know for most bsn programs you will need the 4 credit however I have decided to continue with EC, WGU, or Thomas Edison State and they only require a 3 credit so I tested out with EC's exam. It was by far my hardest exam to date. I forgot to mention that the only books I used were from my lpn program, a dvd skill set I found on line (excellent), the EC content guide, and the textbooks I did buy were older previous editions. I purchased EC's practice exams for each test & they were invaluable. I also purchased study group 101 for all the exams and used these for 80% of my studying. If you haven't already found the Epn forum board thats a great support when preparing for the cpne, as well as each exam has a student discussion board. Utilize it all! ask questions and WELCOME!

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