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Discussion

Excelsior in unrecognized state?

I have a question. I live in IL and have a possible job opportunity to work for the VA as an LPN. Do you think it would be worth it to finish my RN via Excelsior even though IL wouldn't recognize the license (assuming that I loved working at the VA and could see myself staying for a while...)? Would IL definitely endorse my license after 2 years working as an RN?

Thanks!

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    • Moderator

    You plan seems sound, but it also contains some "possibly/maybe." If you get hired by the VA, and if Illinois doesn't change their rules, then it seem workable. However, there is always a risk -- what if IL changes the rules, or you don't get hired by the VA? Would you be able to relocate for a couple of years? It might be a good idea to look into your local LPN-RN programs as well (which you've probably already done), just to cover all your bases, before committing to EC. Good luck!! :)

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    • Author

    Yeah, this would be an option that I would consider only AFTER an offer is made(had interview 2 days ago). Just thinking out my options. It's either this or Indiana State as I cannot sit in the classroom another year(or more) and work. As far as the IL BON, changing the rules is a risk that every Excelsior student takes, right?

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    it's not a risk if you check with your states BON to make sure they accept EC.....if IN didn't accept it I would never have enrolled

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    • Moderator
    As far as the IL BON, changing the rules is a risk that every Excelsior student takes, right?

    Yep! Very true. :) Personally I think doing LPN-to-BSN is a great idea, but I know that ISU takes a little longer. But if I'd been able to do it as a paramedic, I would have. I ended up doing EC's ADN, then going right back to school (two months after NCLEX) for an RN-to-BSN. Wish I could have done the BSN in one swoop!

    Good luck with the VA job! All VA nurses I know love working for the VA.

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    • Moderator
    it's not a risk if you check with your states BON to make sure they accept EC.....if IN didn't accept it I would never have enrolled

    It's never a definite, though. As we've seen in the last couple of years, BONs can change the rules when a student is in mid-stream ... it happened in Virginia. Left some students out in the cold, half-done with the program.

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    • Author
    it's not a risk if you check with your states BON to make sure they accept EC.....if IN didn't accept it I would never have enrolled

    I already know IL doesn't accept it..but as of right now, they do allow you to endorse in after 2 years of RN experience elsewhere. In the VA, you can have a state license from any state(I live pretty close to IN anyway).

    Lunah-your advice is what I am hearing more and more. A lot of nurses think just going straight for the BSN is the better way to do things. I am just very impatient!:D

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    • Experts

    I live in IL also and doubt the BON (IDPH) is going to change their mind as it has been brought up often.

    I too would advise the LPN to BSN route as it is much easier later on to go higher.

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    • Experts

    Make your decision based on what is best for you in your present circumstances. If you know you will be working in VA, then get a VA license initially. By the time you are ready to move back to IL, you will have the requisite two years of experience to satisfy the IL Board. Do not count on changes happening or not happening anywhere. The trick is to move fast with any program if possible. Do not delay your progress. That is how people get caught up with changes.

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    • Moderator
    If you know you will be working in VA, then get a VA license initially. By the time you are ready to move back to IL, you will have the requisite two years of experience to satisfy the IL Board.

    He means VA as in Veterans Administration, not VA as in Virginia. EC grads cannot do licensure by exam in Virginia right now.

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    It's never a definite, though. As we've seen in the last couple of years, BONs can change the rules when a student is in mid-stream ... it happened in Virginia. Left some students out in the cold, half-done with the program.

    Guess I'd have to go get licensed in Michigan then....it is only 10 minutes from my house!

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    Hi, I work for the Government and as long as you are licensed in a state in US, you will be able to work at any VA hospital or clinic. This is to include all branches of the military. I actually work for the Department of the Army in GA. I am licensed in GA, but was licensed in AL when I got hired on. The VA have great benefits and pay more than any of the other Gov. jobs. Well, i'll say it's in the area I live in. Go for it, you will love it.

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    I also work for the Governement (VA) . We are not under any state guidelines....only federal.....they only require that you hold a license in any US territory and that you are a graduate of an approved nursing program. You don't even have to obtain licenses from one state to another. You can move all over the country with the same license. I am currently at my second hospital station since I was hired in, by another state.

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