Help! Having 2nd thoughts about EC.....

UlanaD · Jun 2, 2015

Don't worry about the CPNE until you get to that spot! The clinical is basic nursing, lab skills, patient care and a care plan. EC sends you a study guide and it tells you exactly what they want. If you ask for one specific spot, you will wait until there is an opening, but if you indicate multiple sites when you apply for cpne you will get in quicker. Even just a few days ago on facebook someone got a cancellation date after only waiting about 2 months i think. As for knowing what your doing or feeling confident seriously I bet you won't find one new rn grad who felt 'prepared' on her first day as an rn. I know every new RN I've worked with never had a clue until they were trained on the job, thats when all the things you learned start to come together, not before. Worry about one exam at a time and don't over think the cpne!!! :3

Editorial Team / Moderator · Jun 3, 2015

Im on Phase 1 of Excelsior nursing exams, only 2 exams left and then on to the Phase 2 where I have a goal of completing by December and then planning CPNE. However, as I'm reading more about EC, Im getting more worried. I'm worried about the CPNE, not just the cost and travel, but being prepared to pass. Then Im reading it can take months and months to get a CPNE date and then be eligible for NCLEX.
My next concern is being a competent RN with this program- I know a lot of nursing is learned on the job, but I would like to complete this program and actually feel like I know what Im doing. Im an LVN now, and have been in health care for 5 years so I feel pretty comfortable in this field.
I am now asking myself if it would be more beneficial to continue finishing courses towards my BSN and apply to on campus bridge programs that start in the Spring- where I can have actual clinicals and instruction.
I would love to hear your thoughts!! Thanks

Not to be mean (because I don't mean to be, truly!) but these are things that you should have considered before investing your time and money into this program - but I am sure you know that! Excelsior College's program is not set up to provide teaching - it is up to you to show EC that you know how to be a safe and competent RN. If you are concerned that you will need a different format, then your "Plan B" is worthy of serious consideration. Also, you should look at your local employment market - do ADN-prepared RNs get hired, or do local employers favor BSN-prepared RNs?

EC is best left to those who have no other options for bridging. Just my opinion!

I will say that 1) the CPNE is very basic stuff - basic assessment, basic management. 2) I know many LPNs/LVNs who have done this program and who are safe and skilled RNs - you would likely be the same. :) 3) Passing is not guaranteed. I know people who have failed it three times and have been dismissed from the program, but I also know many who passed it on first, second, and third attempts. I passed it on the first try, as a paramedic. I have been an RN (ED/trauma) for 7 years thanks to EC.

I know, this post probably wasn't super helpful, but I do hope it encourages others to look before they leap! I have the same leap-then-look tendencies, so you aren't alone. I came within a capstone of completing an MSN and then I decided to switch to something else. What a waste, right?

You have to do what's best for you, your education, and your career. If it's a traditional program, there's no shame in that!

Have you checked to see if your local school will accept any credits from EC?

PD82 · Jun 3, 2015

PixieRN- thank you for the tough love

Thankfully Ive only invested a month in EC because I have all my lower coursework done from community colleges- Ive taken the micro exam with excelsior and transition to nursing in that time frame, along with the waiving of Health Diifferences due to my recent LVN licensure. I feel like it's probably the best point for me to stop and evaluate my plan before truly wasteing time and money.....

there are bridge programs in my area (dallas/ft worth) so options are available- however EC has been appealing being at your-own-pace while working FT. Definitely pros and cons here- I have never physically met anyone who has been through the program so I think I am just being cautious before making a true investment. Thank you for your feedback though!!

caliotter3 · Jun 3, 2015

Concur that you should have considered this before you started, but that is now water under the bridge. Based upon what you have posted, would advise you to go the non-EC BSN route for a probable better predicted outcome. Continue on your present course only if you can get past this negative self-talk and on with the business of getting through the program. Good luck with your decision.

Editorial Team / Moderator · Jun 3, 2015

PixieRN- thank you for the tough love

I am glad you recognized it for what it was! :)