I aM floored. I just received notice from GA Board of Nursing that they denied the endorsement of my MN RN license because I did not meet clinical practice requirements . When I called the board, they transferred me to a their Legal Nurse Consultant who stated that effective July 1, 2008 GA would no longer endorse RN license from Excelsior College students with no previous RN experience. She suggested that I go to my licensed state and work for a while then try again, but she could not give me a time frame.
Has anyone else experienced this. I thought we should at least have gotten some sort of notice/warning before this type of rule be adopted by the board. I am going to file a motion for reconsideration using an Attorney. Before I entered Excelsiors program I called GA Board to verify acceptance. I had been accepted to a traditional LPN to RN bridge program; I could have been almost finished their too. I am so sad right now. I have been crying for two days. I think I will need to see my doctor for Zoloft.
I have been an LPN for over 13 years doing Med/Surg for at least 10. I work on a hospital unit right now. THIS IS SO UNFAIR!!!:banghead:
If find it interesting that on the Georgia Board of Nursing for LPN's it is very clear the actual hours needed to complete the degree. It states 700 clinical hours and 700 hours of theory. However, you can't find what is required to complete the RN degree. It is not listed anywhere on its website.
This is HB 475 thats Proposed by Sharon Cooper, it isn't so EC friendly, It sounds more like ISU distance learning program
09LC 33 2979
House Bill 475
By: Representatives Cooper of the 41st, Harbin of the 118th, Lindsey of the 54th, Houston of the 170th, Wilkinson of the 52nd, and others
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
To amend Article 1 of Chapter 26 of Title 43 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to the "Georgia Registered Professional Nurse Practice Act," so as to revise certain provisions relating to requirements for registered professional nurses in nontraditional nursing education programs; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF GEORGIA:
SECTION 1.
Article 1 of Chapter 26 of Title 43 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to the "Georgia Registered Professional Nurse Practice Act," is amended by revising Code Section 43-26-7, relating to requirements for licensure as a registered professional nurse, as follows:
"43-26-7.
(a) Any applicant who meets the requirements of this Code section shall be eligible for licensure as a registered professional nurse.
(b) An applicant for licensure by examination shall:
(1) Submit a completed written application and fee;
(2) Have graduated from a nursing education program approved by the board or which meets criteria similar to, and not less stringent than, those established by the board. For purposes of this paragraph, a nontraditional nursing education program that:
(A) Provides concurrent instruction in theory along with clinical teaching and clinical practice for its program participants;
(B) Requires that program participants complete a minimum of 800 hours of clinical practice;
(D) Only accepts licensed practical nurses licensed in states with requirements for such licensure equivalent to or greater than Georgia requirements into the program
is hereby deemed to meet criteria similar to, and not less stringent than, those established by the board. The board shall be authorized to approve individual waiver requests for students who, prior to July 1, 2008, entered a nontraditional nursing education program which does not meet the requirements of this paragraph and completes such program no later than July 1, 2010. For purposes of this paragraph, the term 'nontraditional nursing education program' means a program which provides instruction in theory primarily by self-study, including online courses, and the term 'clinical practice' shall mean face-to-face supervised clinical instruction with actual patients in a variety of patient settings, including, but not limited to, pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, medical-surgical, emergency, and mental illness;
(3) Pass a board recognized licensing examination; provided, however, that such examination may not be taken prior to graduation from the nursing education program;
(4) Have satisfactory results from a fingerprint record check report conducted by the Georgia Crime Information Center and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, as determined by the board. Application for a license under this Code section shall constitute express consent and authorization for the board or its representative to perform a criminal background check. Each applicant who submits an application to the board for licensure by examination agrees to provide the board with any and all information necessary to run a criminal background check, including, but not limited to, classifiable sets of fingerprints. The applicant shall be responsible for all fees associated with the performance of such background check; and
(5) Meet such other criteria as established by the board.
(1) Submit a completed written application and fee;
(2) Have passed a board recognized licensing examination following graduation from a nursing education program, including a nontraditional program, approved by the board or which meets criteria similar to, and not less stringent than, those established by the board;
(3) Submit verification of initial and current licensure in any other licensing jurisdiction administering a board recognized licensing examination;
(4)(A) Have practiced nursing as a registered professional nurse for a period of time as determined by the board or have graduated from a nursing education program within the four years immediately preceding the date of the application; or
(B) If graduated from a nontraditional nursing education program, have practiced nursing as a registered professional nurse in a hospital setting for at least two of the five years immediately preceding the date of the application and such practice is documented by the applicant and approved by the board;
(5) Have satisfactory results from a fingerprint record check report conducted by the Georgia Crime Information Center and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, as determined by the board. Application for a license under this Code section shall constitute express consent and authorization for the board or its representative to perform a criminal background check. Each applicant who submits an application to the board for licensure by examination agrees to provide the board with any and all information necessary to run a criminal background check, including, but not limited to, classifiable sets of fingerprints. The applicant shall be responsible for all fees associated with the performance of such background check; and
(6) Meet such other criteria as established by the board.
(d) An applicant for reinstatement who has previously held a valid license in Georgia shall:
(1) Submit a completed written application and fee;
(2) Have practiced nursing as a registered professional nurse for a period of time as determined by the board or have graduated from a nursing education program approved by the board or which meets criteria similar to, and not less stringent than, those established by the board within the four years immediately preceding the date of the application;
(3) Have satisfactory results from a fingerprint record check report conducted by the Georgia Crime Information Center and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, as determined by the board. Application for a license under this Code section shall constitute express consent and authorization for the board or its representative to perform a criminal background check. Each applicant who submits an application to the board for licensure by examination agrees to provide the board with any and all information necessary to run a criminal background check, including, but not limited to, classifiable sets of fingerprints. The applicant shall be responsible for all fees associated with the performance of such background check; and
(4) Meet such other criteria as established by the board."
SECTION 2.
All laws and parts of laws in conflict with this Act are repealed.
Notice that not only did Ms. Cooper propose the changes mentioned, she left in the same wording that was used to misinterpret the law to begin with.
"Meet such other criteria as established by the board"
As an LPN, if I entered a RN "accelerated" program, I would not be required to complete 800 hours to get my degree. Like I said before, the RN programs from start to finish don't even require 800 hours. But since I wouldn't be giving my money to the state of GA for schooling, they are going to require more hours from me.
Also, if I graduate from Excelsior, I am able to work at any government facility on military personnel and their families. Does that mean we care about military personnel less? Ms. Cooper thinks we are putting the public at risk by providing them with health care. I know better than that.
As you know from previous messages, the Georgia Board of Nursing is attempting to deny RN licensure to future graduates of Excelsior College. They are doing so without any evidence that our graduates are less qualified than graduates of traditional schools of nursing. Indeed, there are more than 1,000 reasons why Excelsior's graduates are equally or more qualified - you and your fellow graduates who have been practicing safely and effectively in Georgia for up to 30 years.
Earlier this month, Senate Bill 49 (SB 49) was introduced that will keep RN licensure available in Georgia for Excelsior graduates. The bill passed the Senate on a 46-2 vote and is now being considered by the Georgia House of Representatives.
The Board of Nursing, through its president, is vocally opposing the bill. In the House, Rep. Sharon Cooper has introduced HB 475 that effectively eliminates licensure opportunity for Excelsior graduates by placing severe restrictions on our program and graduates.
The basic positions of the Board president and Rep. Cooper seem to be that the Excelsior program is not rigorous enough and that our graduates are unqualified to become registered nurses.
If future nursing graduates of Excelsior are to be considered for licensure, we need you to tell your story to members of the House today. SB 49 is currently assigned to the Health and Human Services Committee in the House. We need you to send emails and letters to all the members of this committee and tell them your story. Use this link to find their names and contact information.
You need to tell them:
The clinical requirements of our program are no less stringent than those of Georgia schools.
They need to know how Excelsior College is helping you to achieve your goal of becoming an RN and why your life circumstances make it difficult for you to attend a traditional school of nursing.
Vote against HB 475.
Vote for SB 49 as the way to keep the Excelsior option open for Georgia residents.
In addition, send a copy of your letter to your local Representative and Senator. Use this link to find their names and contact information. I'd appreciate it if you would also copy me at [email protected]
Time is of the essence. Please send these letters as soon as possible so that the Health and Human Services Committee members will get an accurate picture of Excelsior graduates, not the one that is being painted by those who oppose Excelsior graduates becoming RNs.
Please also read and respond to the comments being made at these Web sites:
It sounds like the Governor needs to replace a couple more members of the Board:yeah:
I agree. What is the meaning of all of this. These people are telling flat out LIES, and purposely deceiving the public , about EC students and grads. Furthermore, they have lied about the purpose of the first bill, saying it was about fingerprints and fly by night schools. IT WAS ALWAYS ABOUT EXCELSIOR, i'll say it again, for years they have been trying to close the loop hole that grants EC grads licensure in GA. That is a quote straight from the ga board of nursing themselves.
First, I want to start off by saying, I am a current EC student, and have been very active in this whole situation. So, with that being said, I know alot of u will still be angry with what I have to say. We would not be going through this kind of torment, if it wasn't for EXCELSIOR being so stuck on their high horse, about no CLINICAL's. I don't agree with sharon cooper, with her lies and how she went about doing things. But the truth of the matter, is
1.EC is easier then any NURSING school I know in this country to get into. Just send your transcripts and your in.
2. You don't have to have any clinical's but what you did in LPN school. All other RN programs in this country weather ASN, BSN or LPN to RN, have to have clinical's for initial LICENSURE
3. During clinical's you are TAUGHT, and given INSTRUCTION, and FEEDBACK @ all other RN programs in this country
4. EC makes you pay 1800 to take the RIGORS (yes it is hard) CPNE, that most FAIL. And why do they fail, because EC doesn't TEACH us clinical skills, like all the other schools in the country.
5. As a LPN, you don't do everything RN's do, ( maybe less then 5% difference) but you still need to be taught that 5% of skills, you don't do as LPN's
6. EC wants us to pay 800 dollars to take the CPNE training course. Why can't we take that money, invest in some clinical instructors, and have clinical's.
I've spoke with EC, they won't even consider it. Saying this is how the program has been for 30 years. Okay times change (as they can see) EC has to change also, so we can stay competive with other programs, and be accepted in all states.
Specializes in ER and family advanced nursing practice.
First, I want to start off by saying, I am a current EC student, and have been very active in this whole situation. So, with that being said, I know alot of u will still be angry with what I have to say. We would not be going through this kind of torment, if it wasn't for EXCELSIOR being so stuck on their high horse, about no CLINICAL's. I don't agree with sharon cooper, with her lies and how she went about doing things. But the truth of the matter, is
1.EC is easier then any NURSING school I know in this country to get into. Just send your transcripts and your in.
2. You don't have to have any clinical's but what you did in LPN school. All other RN programs in this country weather ASN, BSN or LPN to RN, have to have clinical's for initial LICENSURE
3. During clinical's you are TAUGHT, and given INSTRUCTION, and FEEDBACK @ all other RN programs in this country
4. EC makes you pay 1800 to take the RIGORS (yes it is hard) CPNE, that most FAIL. And why do they fail, because EC doesn't TEACH us clinical skills, like all the other schools in the country.
5. As a LPN, you don't do everything RN's do, ( maybe less then 5% difference) but you still need to be taught that 5% of skills, you don't do as LPN's
6. EC wants us to pay 800 dollars to take the CPNE training course. Why can't we take that money, invest in some clinical instructors, and have clinical's.
I've spoke with EC, they won't even consider it. Saying this is how the program has been for 30 years. Okay times change (as they can see) EC has to change also, so we can stay competive with other programs, and be accepted in all states.
I understand your point, and while I won't say it is completely without merit I must respectfully say that I find your logic a bit flawed. First, in this information age (and considering sites like Allnurses) if you sign up for Excelsior you should understand the type of education they are offering beforehand. To say that EC is on their high high horse is a bit unfair, and it seems to me that you should have known what they were about before you signed on. My question to you is did YOU do your homework? Also, I am just curious. What exactly is it that you (and those like Cooper) think we are lacking in our education? I would like specifics. Seriously. Be clear. Be concise.
Look, I am not criticizing you but let me just say this. I have been working around new grad RNs for a long time, both in my capacity as a paramedic and RN. I am even married to a former new grad. I would remind all that are reading this to not forget what we are talking about here. I believe with no reservation that an EC grad meets or exceeds MINIMUM standards of a new grad associates degree nurse. Now, lets also be clear. Ms Cooper and Ms Keeton have not yet to date offer ONE SINGLE SHRED OF EVIDENCE. Not one. We, however, can point to our NCLEX pass rates. This is the test that nursing as a profession has deemed to reflect that a new grad nurse has the minimum skills needed to be an RN. This situation is truly nursing at its worst. Our so called nurse leaders are making irrational, unscientific claims and ignoring one of the most basic revered tenets of nursing: evidence based practice. Ms Keeton wrote in an Atlanta Journal Constitution (AJC) article that EC students "have never received a registered nurse education course". Funny. My transcripts seem to indicate otherwise. This is plain scaremongering at best and possibly what could be considered liable in the legal biz.
So again, as an adult learner the onus is on you to research a school before you enroll. EC is not for everyone, and if you feel that EC is not offering you what you need, then I respectfully submit that you should have gone a different route. However, if you chose to continue with EC, then I promise you that you will in fact learn that 5% that you mentioned earlier. Most likely it will be the same place that all nursing students (including traditional brick and mortar) learned their 5%: on the job in their new grad program.
First, I want to start off by saying, I am a current EC student, and have been very active in this whole situation. So, with that being said, I know alot of u will still be angry with what I have to say.
Nope, not angry ... but curious as to why you're still an EC student if you're so dissatisfied with the education.
I have no doubt that Mrs Coopers bill will fail. SB 49 will be passed and be signed by the governor! Even if hb 475 passes Sonny Purdue will veto it!
I sincerely hope and have been praying that this will be the case and so far my prayers haven't failed me yet. As scripture states "when I desire to do good evil is always present".
First, I want to start off by saying, I am a current EC student, and have been very active in this whole situation. So, with that being said, I know alot of u will still be angry with what I have to say. We would not be going through this kind of torment, if it wasn't for EXCELSIOR being so stuck on their high horse, about no CLINICAL's. I don't agree with sharon cooper, with her lies and how she went about doing things. But the truth of the matter, is
1.EC is easier then any NURSING school I know in this country to get into. Just send your transcripts and your in.
2. You don't have to have any clinical's but what you did in LPN school. All other RN programs in this country weather ASN, BSN or LPN to RN, have to have clinical's for initial LICENSURE
3. During clinical's you are TAUGHT, and given INSTRUCTION, and FEEDBACK @ all other RN programs in this country
4. EC makes you pay 1800 to take the RIGORS (yes it is hard) CPNE, that most FAIL. And why do they fail, because EC doesn't TEACH us clinical skills, like all the other schools in the country.
5. As a LPN, you don't do everything RN's do, ( maybe less then 5% difference) but you still need to be taught that 5% of skills, you don't do as LPN's
6. EC wants us to pay 800 dollars to take the CPNE training course. Why can't we take that money, invest in some clinical instructors, and have clinical's.
I've spoke with EC, they won't even consider it. Saying this is how the program has been for 30 years. Okay times change (as they can see) EC has to change also, so we can stay competive with other programs, and be accepted in all states.
I am curious why did you choose EC if believe that you need more clinical time?
Now to address your points:
1. EC is not so easy to get in to. You have to be a licensed practical nurse, a paramedic or a military corpsman. They don't take any high school grad as Ms. Cooper has stated in the past. There isn't a waitlist because it is online and fortunately we can have more than 40 people online at a time (not like a traditional classroom). There is a waitlist for the CPNE though.
2. The clinical time required from me as an LPN exceeds the required time to be a RN. When I asked the Director of Nursing at our school why LPN's needed more clinical time than RN's, she responded by saying that RN's do more of the paperwork aspect of nursing and LPN's were more of the bedside.
3. During clinicals as a LPN we are taught, instructed and given feedback for @ 200 more hours than the RN under the supervision of the same RN's that are teaching the RN students. (I have done clinical rotations through nursing homes, med surg floors, ICU's, OB, PEDS, Leadership and Psych)
4. The costs of attending a traditional school is more than $5000 plus if I am sitting in a classroom, I can't work and I would have to pay for daycare. By taking EC, I am allowed to study during my own time, take tests when I feel like I have mastered those sections, and I can still work and have a little bit of a life with my children. When I first told my two girls that I was going back to school, they were in tears. They said they wanted to see me. During LPN school, I was unavailable to them due to studying, classes, and clinical rotations. So, I won't do that to them again. They need me almost as much as Georgia is going to need nurses if House Bill 475 passes. And just so you know, I received a letter to attend a LPN-RN program and I have a high GPA, so traditional school is an option, just not one I can afford financially or emotionally for my family.
5. You are right, as an LPN you don't do everything a RN does. We were told we can't hang blood, or push meds, and insulin has to be double checked by a RN. However, the hospital that we did our rotations through, they were having an all staff meeting to clarify what LPN's can do and what RN's can do. If you try to research the differences on the Georgia Board of Nursing, you won't find exact stipulations of what each role allows. That is why the hospital was trying to address the differences. The hospital was even unsure. We were allowed to observe two RN's hang blood. They read the numbers off the blood bag and double checked type and patient--it wasn't rocket science! I have drawn/given insuling on many occassions (my husband is diabetic). So it seems to me, I need practice pushing meds. Do you think I need an additional 800 hours to learn that skill, as Ms. Cooper and Ms. Keeton are suggesting in House Bill 475?
6. EC doesn't require you to take a training course. They recommend it for students, like you, that feel like they need more clinical practice to pass the CPNE. From what I hear, you need to be able to control your nerves during the CPNE and this is done through self belief. I encourage you not to take the CPNE until you feel like you can practice nursing safely or you will just be throwing your money away.
Times have changed and lucky for us it includes the internet. I wonder how many nursing instructors received their Master's through online programs and if they feel like they did it the "easy" way. I can tell you from the online classes that I have taken that online classes are not easier. They require a lot of self motivation and organization. Tests usually make you use critical thinking and require you to apply the information that you have learned. Another point I would bring up is that all tests are proctored in a testing center where they take a picture of you, fingerprints, eye scans and the tests are recorded/taped. (everything but blood)
I hope this doesn't come across as me being angry towards you, because that wasn't my intention. I just wanted to clarify that EC is not a walk in the park. And remember, if you can't pass what my nursing instructors have described as the super intense NCLEX (also know as Hell :angryfire), you won't get your RN license no matter what school you attended.
. When I called the board, they transferred me to a their Legal Nurse Consultant who stated that effective July 1, 2008 GA would no longer endorse RN license from Excelsior College students with no previous RN experience. She suggested that I go to my licensed state and work for a while then try again, but she could not give me a time frame.
disneyfan1234
39 Posts
It went to the House for the first read 2/18/09. The same day that SB 49 had it's Second read in the house.
http://www.legis.ga.gov/legis/2009_10/sum/hb475.htm
If find it interesting that on the Georgia Board of Nursing for LPN's it is very clear the actual hours needed to complete the degree. It states 700 clinical hours and 700 hours of theory. However, you can't find what is required to complete the RN degree. It is not listed anywhere on its website.