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

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?

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.

PixieRN- thank you for the tough love

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