Excelsior and the Texas BON

SuesquatchRN, BSN, RN · Sep 16, 2008

Call the TX BON directly. Horse's mouth and all that.

:)

workingtheplan · Sep 16, 2008

Unfortunately all of the proactiveness in the world cannot protect ANY Excelsior students in ANY state when dealing with either their Board of Nursing or Excelsior College.

I dotted every i and crossed every t before even entering Excelsior's program by contacting the GaBON to make sure I could obtain licensure on completion of the Excelsior RN program. Well you know the rest of the story. I was notified via email by Excelsior August 6, 2008 after I had to request them to send me the same email that other Excelsior students and/or recent grads received on August 5th regarding a decision that was first put before Georgia legislators in January 2008, signed by Georgia's governor in May 08, and made effective July 1, 2008.

This was not in any way an overnight decision. We (Excelsior graduates) were only first notified by licensure denial from the GaBON in July then officially by Excelsior in August.

litbitblack, ASN, RN · Sep 17, 2008

ok so can you not take your boards for another state then get a ga license. they don't look at school then

akanini, MSN, RN · Sep 17, 2008

I'm heavily concerned about TX and Excelsior. OP, please post any information found.

txspadequeenRN, BSN, RN · Sep 17, 2008

why are we all of a sudden worried about texas and ec?

David Offenbaker, BSN, RN · Sep 17, 2008

why are we all of a sudden worried about texas and ec?

i'm just afraid of getting close to being finished and then all of a sudden texas's bon says "as of this date, we will no longer accept excelsior grads". it's just nerving to think that bon's are so critical about excelsior....

maybe i'm jumping the gun.. :banghead:

EricJRN, MSN, RN · Sep 17, 2008

One of the most helpful things to do: Follow the meeting minutes of your state board of nursing. Given the speed at which governments work, it's very rare for a state to take action against a program without discussion at a prior board meeting.

The minutes for regular meetings and committee meetings of the Texas BON are here: http://www.bon.state.tx.us/about/events.html

When Texas last discussed EC, they recommended no changes to the current policy. Current policy is that Texas does not approve out-of-state programs, but defers to the decision of the state where the program is located. In other words, EC is okay in Texas because it's okay in its home state of NY.

I remember feeling a sense of nervousness as I got farther into my ASN program. However, I had a great job with excellent benefits and tuition reimbursement - and an irregular schedule that simply would not allow classroom lecture attendance on a regular basis. For me, the decision was simple: Take my chances on Excelsior or simply do not become a nurse.

TraciRN · Sep 17, 2008

I just completed the EC program and delt with the Texas Board(took the NCLEX yesterday) They had no issues with my education and even let me test with only an affitdavit of graduation, I offically graduate 9/19/08. I can't predict the future but as for now no restrictions and no problems getting your RN thru the BON in Texas.YEEHA!

Good luck to you.

TraciLVN(Waiting for the results of my NCLEX)

workingtheplan · Sep 17, 2008

One of the most helpful things to do: Follow the meeting minutes of your state board of nursing. Given the speed at which governments work, it's very rare for a state to take action against a program without discussion at a prior board meeting.
The minutes for regular meetings and committee meetings of the Texas BON are here: http://www.bon.state.tx.us/about/events.html
When Texas last discussed EC, they recommended no changes to the current policy. Current policy is that Texas does not approve out-of-state programs, but defers to the decision of the state where the program is located. In other words, EC is okay in Texas because it's okay in its home state of NY.
I remember feeling a sense of nervousness as I got farther into my ASN program. However, I had a great job with excellent benefits and tuition reimbursement - and an irregular schedule that simply would not allow classroom lecture attendance on a regular basis. For me, the decision was simple: Take my chances on Excelsior or simply do not become a nurse.

EricEnfermo gives great advice. However, that advice would not have even helped Georgia Excelsior graduates or students since there is no mention of Excelsior, online, or distance (except related to a specific medical center) in any of the minutes. In addition, there is no mention of Excelsior in House Bill 1041 that was signed by the Georgia's governor.

I say hurry up and get your ducks in a row in whatever state you're in if you're in Excelsior's program. Also I was told today that there are no changes Virginia's BON original decision. You must be done by 12/31/09 to obtain endorsement.

David Offenbaker, BSN, RN · Sep 17, 2008

I just completed the EC program and delt with the Texas Board(took the NCLEX yesterday) They had no issues with my education and even let me test with only an affitdavit of graduation, I offically graduate 9/19/08. I can't predict the future but as for now no restrictions and no problems getting your RN thru the BON in Texas.YEEHA!
Good luck to you.
TraciLVN(Waiting for the results of my NCLEX)

I guess it's just the whole "unknown" factor that is getting to me. Also, hearing people say you won't learn any actual skills through the program-- but I don't know what more there is to learn. RN's hang blood, TPN, whoopie, that'll take all but a day to master. :typing

I need some guidance I guess. I keep flip-flopping. I just worry about even getting licensed and then finding out that I can't go anywhere. I know California won't allow ANY Excelsior grads. Are there other states like that? What if you've been an RN for 3 years-- will they still not recognize you?

Dave

workingtheplan · Sep 17, 2008

I guess it's just the whole "unknown" factor that is getting to me. Also, hearing people say you won't learn any actual skills through the program-- but I don't know what more there is to learn. RN's hang blood, TPN, whoopie, that'll take all but a day to master. :typing
I need some guidance I guess. I keep flip-flopping. I just worry about even getting licensed and then finding out that I can't go anywhere. I know California won't allow ANY Excelsior grads. Are there other states like that? What if you've been an RN for 3 years-- will they still not recognize you?
Dave

Yes there are other states. Right now even if you have been an RN for 20 years if you graduated from Excelsior you cannot get endorsed into Georgia.