Excelsior.. to do or not to do...

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Specializes in LTC, Home Health, Clinic.

I wanted some feedback from some previous Excelsior grads. I am an LPN of 2 years, and I am thinking about doing the Excelsior LPN-ADN program online. I believe I can do the exams, the only thing I am very nervous about is the CPNE. I have read very encouraging stories and I have heard HORROR stories :nailbiting:. So tell me Excelsior grads. What was your experience. Also include how long it took you to pass all exams and get to take the CPNE. Thanks so much! :)

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Specializes in Hospice.

ASN 2010. Grandfathered in as an EMT. Took me about a year to pass all the nursing exams (I took all the other courses through a local community college) including the CPNE. I passed all on the 1st try. I purchased the practice exams - took 1 when I first started studying to see what I really needed to focus on and 1 about 2 weeks before each exam. I used a variety of resources to prepare for the CPNE and also passed it on the 1st try. I invested a lot of time in studying but it was so worth it. Good luck:)

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Specializes in Med/Surg, LTACH, LTC, Home Health.

First exam in August 2009; NCLEX passed June 2010. LPN for 24 years prior to enrollment (my years of experience as a hospital LPN had VERY LITTLE to do with my success in the program). The biggest contribution that the LPN had was that it gave me the needed credentials for acceptance into the program. ;)

Many changes have transpired with EC's curriculum since then. Available study time, personal learning methods, financial status, etc., all factor into the speed of your program since it is self-paced. But what I can say is that your journey and experience will be so much easier if the focus is shifted from horror to ENCOURAGING. As a new LPN, you're in a better position for success than I was, in my opinion, because you're not really sold on that 'how we do it at work' mentality, a way of thinking that will surely cause your demise at Excelsior College. It's a great program! Review your future educational and career plans to see if your EC degree will be accepted. The name of the game is RESEARCH, as you are now doing. Good luck!

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Specializes in LTC, Home Health, Clinic.

Thank you so much for your feedback. I am in Tennessee. My state does accept it. I know a nurse that I work with that did it. Will there be any skills besides the IV push, hanging a bag with the correct rate, injections, and sterile wound dressings?

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Specializes in LTC, Home Health, Clinic.

Thank you so much for your feedback!!! :)

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Specializes in Emergency department, occ. health.

2006 Excelsior grad passed cpne on first try. chancellors cpne boot camp in Indiana was very helpful.

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After you pass all your other exams they send you a study guide for the clinical, it has everything in it that you need to know and how they want it done. Don't worry about the CPNE until you get there is the advice that I have gotten from just about everyone. I have one nursing exam and the FCCA and CPNE to do, when I get to CPNE I will devote all my time to practicing care plans and my skills and I will slay the beast!! I plan to practice everyday for at least 2 months before testing.

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Specializes in Med/Surg, LTACH, LTC, Home Health.
Thank you so much for your feedback. I am in Tennessee. My state does accept it. I know a nurse that I work with that did it. Will there be any skills besides the IV push, hanging a bag with the correct rate, injections, and sterile wound dressings?

That is all there was when I tested. The latest CPNE study guide will tell you exactly heat you need to know and how it should be done once you're eligible.

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Specializes in home health, LTC, assisted living.
Thank you so much for your feedback. I am in Tennessee. My state does accept it. I know a nurse that I work with that did it. Will there be any skills besides the IV push, hanging a bag with the correct rate, injections, and sterile wound dressings?

once you are enrolled you will be privy to that info on the Excelsior site, they will let you know all the required skills. I really think being a fairly new LPN is going to work in your favor as far as the skills, you are fairly fresh. wish you the best!

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