Has anyone completed the PN component at Deaconess?

Published

I contacted Deaconess yesterday to get more information on their program. I was informed that I could not just do the practical nursing component that I had to sign an agreement for the the two year program. I feel the LPN would be better for me now as a distance program while I am waiting for acceptance into the the local RN program next fall. Has anyone only completed the LPN portion? What are the consequesnces if you don't complete the RN? I am taking all my prerequisites at the local community college to get them out of the way. The deadline for admission in January is sometime in September.

Can someone also explain what is done when you go on campus the first time. What all is covered? What are they expecting out of you?

and still not be able to work as a nurse in FL. I hate the idea that they tell you they will not know until you complete the program. That's why I am trying to find people that have actually completed the program and are now working in FL. Also, how did you go about finding the clinical site? Call, in person, write? :)

sheliamd,

I live in FL and attend Deaconess Online...I wrote to the FBON and they said that they could not give me an informal confirmation of approval, but that the program, as I described it to them would meet the critieria for approval.

The criteria for Florida evidently is similar to that of Missouri as I know that my mother in law received her LPN license in FL by endorsement from Missouri with question. Florida's requirement for endosement states, "the requirements for licensure were substantially equivalent to, or more stringent than, those existing in Florida".

Let me know if you hear anything differently from the FBON when you call...

Thanks

Cheri

Up Vote Up Vote ×
However, I'm in Florida.... I hope i can transfer the certification to FL from MO. I will call Fl BON.

What you may have to do, which is BTW what nearly all other out of state students do is take the MO state boards and then apply for reciprocity in your state. Nurses move around the US all the time and with the exception of just a few states, all others have reciprocity. As another poster suggested you might want to ask your SBON if they grant reciprocity from the MO NCLEX.

Each state has it's own rules governing legal and medical licenses but most honor the education you recieve outside your own state.

One other thing, my SBON explained some schools have written agreements or contracts with neighboring states. For example some PA schools have agreements with DE and MD and if a student attends one of those schools, PA will allow them to take the PA NCLEX. This example is not very common though as it requires the school to go the extra distance with paper work etc. so most schools just have their students take the NCLEX in the state of the school and then apply in their home state later.

I strongly urge you to speak with your SBON. As a rule these folks are very helpful and can help you avoid a big mess down the road.

Good luck,

Opalm

Up Vote Up Vote ×
and still not be able to work as a nurse in FL. I hate the idea that they tell you they will not know until you complete the program. That's why I am trying to find people that have actually completed the program and are now working in FL. Also, how did you go about finding the clinical site? Call, in person, write? :)

You need to ask if Florida allows licensed nurses from MO to license in FL. It is not the school you go to that is in question it is the recognition of the MO license. DCN is a recognized school in MO and the SBON allows its students to sit for the MO NCLEX. You would therefore be licensed in MO applying for reciprocity in FL. That is why they cannot tell you if the education you receive from DCN will satisfy the FL board.

As for clinical site, this I will tell you is not an easy feat for those living outside MO. Some students have found clinical sites with very little difficulty. I however don't live in one of those states and PA was not easy. PA should be called the "show me state!" For my first clinical rotation I called over 50 hospitals. Even Tenet hospitals and the answer was always no. I finally found a hospital and at the end of my time there, they were much more willing to have another student come for their clinical rotation.

This concept is not well known and it will take time for hospitals to come around. Unfortunately that doesn't help those who are in the program now. If you have the time, in person would be to your benefit. Talking with some of the hospital administration on the phone was like trying to sell them medical equipment sight unseen. No easy feat. If you can't go in person, have what you want to say written down along with the names and phone numbers of the DCN staff to refer them to. I know once the hospital actually spoke with someone at DCN, they were more receptive to the idea. Some students in my class offered to sign a contract to work at the hospital after they completed their education. I personally avoided that track at all costs but this may be an option for you. Why, because after seeing how much I actually did while I was a student there was more than enough repayment for what I learned. Having been assigned my own patients from report to report was like being employed without the $$. Don't misunderstand me, I learned so much but I gave back my share as well.

My suggestion would be to start with facilities in your immediate area. Call each one, leave your information and work outward from your home. Don't wait for one to call you back before calling another as many times they don't call back. Also, you could call now before you enroll. Having an idea whether or not you have some prospects before you enroll can help alleviate stress.

Hope this helps,

Opalm

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I really appreciate all of your responses. :)

You need to ask if Florida allows licensed nurses from MO to license in FL. It is not the school you go to that is in question it is the recognition of the MO license. DCN is a recognized school in MO and the SBON allows its students to sit for the MO NCLEX. You would therefore be licensed in MO applying for reciprocity in FL. That is why they cannot tell you if the education you receive from DCN will satisfy the FL board.

As for clinical site, this I will tell you is not an easy feat for those living outside MO. Some students have found clinical sites with very little difficulty. I however don't live in one of those states and PA was not easy. PA should be called the "show me state!" For my first clinical rotation I called over 50 hospitals. Even Tenet hospitals and the answer was always no. I finally found a hospital and at the end of my time there, they were much more willing to have another student come for their clinical rotation.

This concept is not well known and it will take time for hospitals to come around. Unfortunately that doesn't help those who are in the program now. If you have the time, in person would be to your benefit. Talking with some of the hospital administration on the phone was like trying to sell them medical equipment sight unseen. No easy feat. If you can't go in person, have what you want to say written down along with the names and phone numbers of the DCN staff to refer them to. I know once the hospital actually spoke with someone at DCN, they were more receptive to the idea. Some students in my class offered to sign a contract to work at the hospital after they completed their education. I personally avoided that track at all costs but this may be an option for you. Why, because after seeing how much I actually did while I was a student there was more than enough repayment for what I learned. Having been assigned my own patients from report to report was like being employed without the $$. Don't misunderstand me, I learned so much but I gave back my share as well.

My suggestion would be to start with facilities in your immediate area. Call each one, leave your information and work outward from your home. Don't wait for one to call you back before calling another as many times they don't call back. Also, you could call now before you enroll. Having an idea whether or not you have some prospects before you enroll can help alleviate stress.

Hope this helps,

Opalm

Up Vote Up Vote ×
I really appreciate all of your responses. :)

I know this is a difficult decision and there are many things to be considered. I'm happy to share any information I can.

Opalm

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Am I reading this right??? You can get your LPN on line with Deaconess?

Trish :balloons:

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Child/Adolescent Mental Health.
Am I reading this right??? You can get your LPN on line with Deaconess?

Trish :balloons:

Yes, you are reading this right.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Yes, I can attest to it, too. I just finished the PN component and I'm working on my ASN.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Are you kidding me??? How great is that!!!!!!!! If you wouldn't mind I have a couple of questions....

How did you do your clinicals?

How long did it take you?

Do you have a schedule to keep?

I read somewhere that you have to "sign up for your ASN" What does that mean?

I will assume you like doing it this way and the school was good to go thru?

Where you able to take your LPN State test and be an LPN and then go for your ASN?

Thank you!!!!!!!!

Trish

Up Vote Up Vote ×

trish820,

For your clinicals, you have to find a hospital in your area that will allow you to do them there.

The ASN program is structured so that you should be able to finish it in 2 yrs.

Yes! There is definitely a schedule to keep. The school is on a semester system and you have to keep up with assignments/reading and tests.

I enrolled for the ASN/BSN so I can't answer your question regarding "signing up" for the ASN.

For people that have to work full time this is a great way to go to school! Deaconess is a 110-yr old nursing college (with an on-campus program), fully accredited.

If you want to take your LPN boards, I think you have to take a semester off after you complete the PN component.

Hope I gave you the info you needed. The phone number for the school is 800-942-4310. They can send you a package of information.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Are you kidding me??? How great is that!!!!!!!! If you wouldn't mind I have a couple of questions....

How did you do your clinicals?

How long did it take you?

Do you have a schedule to keep?

I read somewhere that you have to "sign up for your ASN" What does that mean?

I will assume you like doing it this way and the school was good to go thru?

Where you able to take your LPN State test and be an LPN and then go for your ASN?

Thank you!!!!!!!!

Trish

To be sure, call the school and speak with an advisor. Policies change with the school often I would hate to see you end up with something you are not happy with.

Good luck

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thank you so very much!!!!!!!! I will call the school ASAP.

Trish

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion