How many.....???

nurse2033, MSN, RN · Mar 17, 2011

I graduated from EC and will again with my Masters in a few months. It was the only way I could have done it with working full time and little kids at home. That program is what you make it. If you study well and prepare you can pass everything on the first go. If you don't prepare, you will probably fail. Tests are done at a testing center. The program was a God send for me, just depends on how self motivated you are.

JusBeinANur · Mar 17, 2011

I'm looking for more informative feedback other than "the program is what you make of it"...... Your presonal experiences, feelings, thoughts,etc...

HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD · Mar 17, 2011

The educational process is so different for everyone. What is 'hard' for someone else may be 'easy' for you. Have you taken any online courses? This method is not for everyone. For me, it turned out that education is synonomous with face-to-face interaction with colleagues and instructors. I discovered that I did not do well with online-only courses but I wouldn't have know this if I had not tried it out. Most reputable schools have a 'try before you buy' option so that you can see how you feel about online classes.

Self-discipline and time management can be a real issue. For most of us, it is a real motivator if you have to explain your deadline failure in person to others in your group. It is impossible to develop presentation skills & confidence unless you are actually presenting in front of a 'live' audience. You may also have to arrange for your own clinical experiences - and it may be difficult to even get your foot in the door for this.

Best of luck to you - no matter which route you take. Keep us posted on your progress.

BrewerRN · Mar 17, 2011

I graduated through Excelsior. It was difficult, but I made time to study. I did not have a negetative experience and I passed my NCLEX-RN with 75 the 1st time! Online was my only option. I needed to work full-time. I liked that I did not need to do clinicals traditionally. I will have to say that the CPNE is a bear!! It was not an issue arranging the CPNE, but it was a pass or fail clinical with no hrlp from you preceptor. Your preceptor is your "professor" who is grading you on your preformance.

I do recommend that you check with your state BON to make sure that they will accept a degree from which ever online program you choose.

MoLee228 · Mar 17, 2011

I did not get any nursing education online but I have taken online classes. I loved them because they allowed lots of flexibility...but they also required serious discipline. I managed to do well, but I did struggle a little with procrastination and having to do all the work for a class in a few days. Not a good idea!

"The program is what you make of it" is not a bad response, in my opinion. ANY nursing program, and ANY online class will be what you make of it. You can work hard and learn as much as YOU are capable of, or you can skim by and learn just what you need to pass the class.

Do what you have to do to get your education, and go wherever suits you best. But my best advice is be prepared to work hard no matter where you go, because it will pay off in the long run in your career and for your patients.

nurse2033, MSN, RN · Mar 19, 2011

I'm looking for more informative feedback other than "the program is what you make of it"...... Your presonal experiences, feelings, thoughts,etc...

I thought the program was great, it worked well for me, and I knocked it out in 9 months. I studied my a** off and it has led to great career.