Need Information

Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN · May 21, 2011

Any information about finishing my ADN degree would be helpful. Attended an ADN program for 3 straight years, going all year around. Quit program with only having 6 hours to complete, due to health et other issues. Now back on my feet going strong, problem now is I can't find a program on line where I can finish my degree. Would like to know if I'm in this boat alone or if there is others out there with same problem? Any suggestions on how I can make a bad experience into a positive one? I'm currently working as a nurse in a dermatology clinic et love it, but would love to finish degree. Worked in ED during my education et love it also. Help with this would be greatly appreciated.

I don't know how you can finish a nursing degree online but I do know that it is ILLEGAL in most states to represent yourself as a nurse when you are not one...........you can't have seven years nursing experience when you haven't even graduated from an accredited program. I am sure there are not many people in your position especially with only six hours left in a program to leave it all and quit instead of requesting incompletes to finish the program later.

A Registered Nurse a graduate nurse who has been legally authorized (registered) to practice after examination by a state board of nurse examiners or similar regulatory authority, and who is legally entitled to use the designation RN......Websters Dictionary...

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sciencer · May 21, 2011

I agree with Esme12. Unless you are currently an LPN already, you really can't say you have nursing experience or are employed as a nurse.

As far as finishing the degree, I would think your best bet is to go back to the school you started it with and see if there is anything you can work out with them.

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · May 21, 2011

Excelsior College will allow you to complete your associates degree in nursing online if you have completed more than one-half of another nursing program, including the clinical component. Although Excelsior is fully accredited by the NLNAC, several states have restrictions on granting licensure to their nursing graduates.

diva rn, BSN, RN · May 22, 2011

I don't know how you can finish a nursing degree online but I do know that it is ILLEGAL in most states to represent yourself as a nurse when you are not one...........you can't have seven years nursing experience when you haven't even graduated from an accredited program. I am sure there are not many people in your position especially with only six hours left in a program to leave it all and quit instead of requesting incompletes to finish the program later.
A Registered Nurse a graduate nurse who has been legally authorized (registered) to practice after examination by a state board of nurse examiners or similar regulatory authority, and who is legally entitled to use the designation RN......Websters Dictionary...
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Yes, that jumped out at me too (and really bothered me), only I think it is illegal in ALL states to represent yourself as a nurse unless you ae LICENSED as one...as far as finishing the degree on line goes, while it may be easier, I would be leery of sitting for the NCLEX and if passing.... then being able to actually practice in a true hospital setting compentently after being out of academics and clinicals.

So, Wow, I can't seem to get past that "working as a nurse" remark.

Mara2191 · May 22, 2011

I didn't join allnurses.com to get attacked....I was seeking information from others to see about different programs so I could finish my degree. I work in a clinic as a medical assistant and have for 4 years the other experience came from clinicals in school and volunteering in the ED unit. I will seek help else where.

Home Health Columnist / Guide · May 22, 2011

moved to an's distance learning for nursing forum:

per our terms of service

using professional titles:
members cannot call themselves by professional titles, if they do not hold that title. ie. members cannot call themselves "doctor, dr., rn, lpn, lvn, nurse,cna, rt, ma" etc, unless they are actually licensed and/or certified as such a thing

aour members will try to help you find a program to complete associates.

i'm only aware of one online school where you complete an initial nursing program: excelsior college.

please see the many threads on this school: excelsior college info