HELP: Nevada LPN Moving To California As An Excelsior Student

Published

I'm seeking advice. I'm a LPN from Nevada who is currently an Excelsior student. The problem is that my fiance is the militaryand is stationed in San Diego. My dilema is that I just found out CA doesn't accept Excelsior graduates for initial licensure. Ok I get it CA doesn't accept Excelsior and that's CAs right, but when I asked what they meant by Excelsior graduates will be evaluated on a case by case basis. That is very broad, what does that mean? They just repeated what was on their website instead of explaining what is meant by reviewing applicants on a case by case basis. Lame answer.I would like to know if anybody has been in my situation and if anybody has successfully able to endorse in and what requirements they had to go thru. Thanks Angie

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Although have heard this too, have not heard of anyone successfully doing it. At least they don't seem to want to talk about it. There are still leftover students from before Dec. 2003 that are finishing up with Excelsior. Expect that once the last of them finishes, it won't be so easy to "on a case by case" basis get that CA license. If I were you, I would get a NV license as if you had never moved. After you have a NV license, endorse it to CA. Just make it easier for you all around.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

That was my original plan was to endorse in but I don't know if they will accept my NV license. I plan on finishing up in a year and once I'm finished I will move to San Diego with him. I want to be able to be licensed in CA. I know working in. Federal facility is an option but I really want my license in CA because I won't be limited on where I can apply. Thank you kindly Angie

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I can't see why CA would not accept a NV license. I would go on with my plans and if there is a problem, you can address it at that time, or if you have to, get a federal job. That is what anyone else with an Excelsior background would have to do. Good luck.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

CA would need to evaluate my Excelsior transcripts. I have never worked as a RN but I'm 2 months into working as a LVN. They will see that there is no clinical experience with Excelsior. Having to only apply for federal jobs is limiting. I want to have more options as I know there are many unemployed graduates. I need to have all the options I can get why I want my CA license.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

If you complete your education with Excelsior, you will at least have an RN license if you choose to obtain a NV license. If you drop the Excelsior program, you will not have an RN license. I can tell you right off that the RN programs in southern CA are no sure thing. You can not expect anything to be easy when dealing with the CA BRN. They do not even communicate with people who phone or write to them. They are well known for that.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I noticed they answered my questions with my questions. Pretty lame if you ask me. All I asked was for a clear explanation.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.

If you know you're going to be living in a state that has issues with Excelsior, I recommend looking elsewhere for your LPN-to-RN program and saving yourself the potential headache/heartache. Good luck!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

The problem is that I already invested time and money into this before we knew my fiancee would be stationed in CA

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.

How much time and money have you invested? I read that you're a fairly new LPN ... might be best to cut your losses and look for a program that won't limit your licensure. I know, it's a pain. I'm an EC grad myself.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med/Surg, LTC, Rehab, Hospice, Endocrine.

I have yet to hear of anyone who has gotten past the BoN in CA with Excelisor. The only recommendation I have for you if you have to finish with Excelsior instead of changing programs (trust me, I completely understand about the financial aspects!) is to look for a job within the Veteran's Affairs system. You don't have to have a license from the state you are working in. Because it's a government agency, you just have to be licensed in the US.

If, however, you plan on staying in CA after his tour of duty is up in San Diego, I would consider trying another route, as difficult as that may be financially. The CA board has said they will evaluate on a case by case basis. My understanding of that is that they are looking for the clinical experience, which, we all know, Excelisor doesn't require. (completely overlooking the fact that anyone getting into that program has worked as an LPN....) If you have whatever the hours of experience are, and it's in ALL of the fields they require (peds, maternity, psych etc) you might be able to get by. Like I started with, I haven't seen anyone do it. (I think it's something like 500 hours)

Because my husband and I will most likely be going back to CA when he gets out of the military, I dropped Excelsior and am going with Indiana State because I can still do it distance and will be able to get my license in CA.

Good luck to you with whatever you choose. PM me if you have any questions.

PS: The CA board SUX for giving straight answers and even being able to get someone on the phone!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
If you complete your education with Excelsior, you will at least have an RN license if you choose to obtain a NV license. If you drop the Excelsior program, you will not have an RN license. I can tell you right off that the RN programs in southern CA are no sure thing. You can not expect anything to be easy when dealing with the CA BRN. They do not even communicate with people who phone or write to them. They are well known for that.

I have contacted the CA BRN and they're not talking when it comes to Excelsior. They give very limited information. I understand that there isn't going to be initial licensure for CA residents. They responded with the same response that they gave the original poster. Which as she said it's vague.

I heard that the state of Oklahoma will allow Excelsior graduates to be licensed as long as there are two 30 hour preceptorships that must be completed and it's concurrent with theory. So in other words that must be completed before graduation. When I asked the CA BRN about this, there was dead silence. I really think it's unfair that the BRN isn't willing to assist the CA residents in answering their questions. If they keep reading and hearing the same questions over and over, then they really need to add that to the frequently asked questions section and answer them in full complete detail.

For the original poster I don't think you're going to be able to endorse in CA with an Excelsior education and a RN license from NV, but if you do please do let us know as I'm running out of options here. Good Luck

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion