Excelsior

[lmr]

I posted this question on the Colorado forum, but didn't get a response. I see that there is alot of information about Excelsior, so if anyone can give me advice I would appreciate it. My first question is about the clinicals, how would you get hired or take the NCLEX exam if you haven't did any clinicals? Can this be done? Next does anyone know if Colorado accepts EC grades? This is where I reside as of now.

I have been looking into this for sometime, but just need this information to make my mind up. I just took my exam for re-certification for Surgical Technologist and I can now apply to EC. I do not want to pay for all this to find out no one will hire me. So if someone or anyone has any information I would appreciate it.

:)

[BBFRN, BSN, PhD]

If you're already an ASN and want to go directly into the BSN, you either have to take the CPNE, or portfolio your previous experience. I'm taking the CPNE in Atlanta in Mid May for my ASN- wish me luck! I'm so happy with them that I'm going to do my BSN with EC too.

In the CPNE, you have 2-3 days of evaluation, depending on how well you initially do. If you fail any of the components, you do the 3rd day to try to get it right. The first day is spent in a lab where you show you can calculate meds, do IV pushes, hang piggybacks, and do a sterile dressing change. Then after that, you have 3 patient care situations on real patients in the hospital you go to. You have to perform all critical areas assigned just like they want you to. There are memnonics to remember the correct steps, and these help a lot (even if you have previous nursing experience). They don't teach you anything at the CPNE, but there are workshops for those who want to have some experience before the CPNE. The CPNE is the most stressful part of the program and only has about a 62% first time pass rate. Being in the Yahoo study groups helps a lot, and keeping in touch with a CPNE resource person at EC also helps- make weekly phone appts to address any questions you might have when the time comes that you're preparing for it.

[opalmRN]

There are memnonics to remember the correct steps, and these help a lot (even if you have previous nursing experience).

Is this available on the EC website or only for enrolled students?