Published Aug 30, 2009
David Offenbaker, BSN, RN
1 Article; 210 Posts
I've been an LVN for two years, working in Medical/Surgical and ICU. Love every minute of it.
Now I am in a 'brick and mortar' LVN to RN program-- and hate it! The school is not yet accredited, and is in jeopardy of not being accredited. I chose those school in January 2009 because Excelsior was being 'looked' at by the TXBON. Now Texas is good with Excelsior until 2017.
Here's the thing. Wanting to leave current RN school (too many issues to explain) mainly because we're teaching ourselves, instrcutors are hostile and above all I cannot work while in this program.
So, when I finished with Excelsior, do you think my experience as an LVN in Medical/Surgical and ICU would help getting into an RN position in a hospital? I really want to do an internship when I graduate, but after reading some posts I know some hospitals are are 'iffy' about Excelsior grads with no "RN clinicals".
Info please!
Dave
BetterMeRN
720 Posts
I would think so especially since EC is accepted in your state. I have Med/Surg experience and it will be a big plus for me when I complete EC. You have Med/Surg and ICU experience they would pick you over a brick and mortar RN with no experience any day. Are you thinking about working in the same place you work now? If so, I would think they would hire inside rather than outside...I would not worry about hospitals looking at your no clinical program. You have on the job training (two years) no amount of clinical can compete with that.:yeah:
RNandRRT
398 Posts
I have to agree. If the state BON allows you to sit for the same boards to get your RN as other schools, that's the only thing you really need to worry about. You're experience will help you more than being an Excelsior grad will ever hurt you.
SuesquatchRN, BSN, RN
10,263 Posts
I've had no problem with EC, just with being a new grad when there are no positions open here.
NC Girl BSN
1,845 Posts
Ultimately the decision has to come down to what works best for you. I think I remember that you said, your program cost $22,000. Well Excelsior is no where near that cost so that is a plus and you can do it while working full time.
The negatives: Not every state accepts them, you may not pass the CPNE(58% pass rate) and you may find your not motivated enough to finish the program.
My opinion is I would not pay $22k for a RN degree and I could not afford to not to work while in nursing school. Excelsior worked for me and I found a job as a new grad in this tough economy. Give it a try and see what happens. With your background I don't think you will have a hard time finding a job after graduation. Good Luck!
UPDATE:
I took the plunge. Tomorrow is officially my last day at my 'brick and mortar' school. I think I made the best decision for me. I can get things done at my own pace, work again, and above all HAVE A LIFE AGAIN!
Lunah, MSN, RN
14 Articles; 13,773 Posts
Congrats on your decision!! I'm sure you feel relieved.