I need help making a decision....HELP!!!!

Hello, MDSlady.

I managed to complete the Excelsior program with 2 sons in college. I worked a full-time job (3 12-hour shifts) and a prn job(1 12-hour shift every other week) as a Respiratory Therapist in order to accomplish this.

I used Chancellor study guides but I could only afford to buy them used off of ebay along with my textbooks. I also used help files from a few yahoo study groups.

I didnt have access to clinical experience outside of being an RT. So, in preparation for the CPNE I studied the clinical elements until I could recite them forwards and backwards. I also set up a practice lab in my dinning room with the skills bag I bought from Excelsior. I used a large stuffed animal as my patient. During down time at work, I would practice care plans on random patients in the hospital. Workshops are available but I couldnt afford to go. Even so, I passed the CPNE on the first try in Amarillo, Texas. It was stressful, but I found it straight forward to how Excelsior described it in the study guide and video you get from them.

From start to finish it took me about 22 monthes. Not very fast, but I wasnt trying to break any records.

I would advise you to go for it and stay motivated.

check with your local college for anything that you can do evenings..

there are numerous opportunities for full time rn so that should not be a problem

there is always a way if you are determined to make it happen

This program that I checked into is an evening program. Monday-Thursday 4p-10p. My job is pretty flexible in that I can cut down to 32 hours a week and I think my DNS would be pretty good with this, however, I would have to make sure that I am there during most days because of wound, weight meetings, morning report and my care conferences on Wednsdays. I am just very torn if I should do the on-line classes or forget it. I feel that I could do the on-line classes, but that weekend thing just might put me over the edge. The other nurse that I work with (an RN) feels that I'm not giving myself enough credit. I just don't know what to do.

The skills you need for the CPNE are the same ones you had to be checked off on to go to the floor for clinicals in LPN/LVN school. Add the care plans and charting and you have it. You can do this. It would sure be easier on your schedule.

I have been an LVN for 16 years and work on a critical care unit. I work with a great group of nurses but continue to feel like less than a professional by others in the community. I am going through College Network/Indiana State/Sonoma University online program. My co-workers keep me grounded and focused. There are some great LVNs out their who have taken their lic. to it full potential. Thank goodness I work on a unit with Nurses who judge you by your performance and how you work as a team. LLJones

I highly recommend excelsior. There are NO weekend clinicals and as others have said the skills you test off on in the single weekend CPNE at the end of the program are the same ones you had as an LPN except IV ggt rate and IVPB. Patient cares and care plans are nothing you can't handle. I think you should go for it. You already have the office job having an RN will only help in that aspect and no more "I am just an LPN" definately go for it. JMO

Hi MDSlady,

It can and has been done. I've 3 childent alone. Taken me about 5 years (almost done-probably by the summer) but I moved 4 times (to another state x 1) and juggled jobs the whole time, and even purchased a place 2 years ago!

I too couldn't afford to stop working. Per diem might also be an option. Also, an LTAC facility might work for you--more experience in clinicals, per diem pays a bit more (you need to get medical/dental coverage though). Working at this type of facility for 6 months-1yr. (full time would be best as your skills improve dramatically with regular practice) will help you prepare for the exam. Hope this helps. Let me know if you'd like more!

I say if you don't have a plan on moving to California ECE is the way to go. I would be 100% no doubt in my mind doing ECE if I didn't have the potential risk of moving back to California. So that is my $.02 take what you want and leave the rest.

~Azari~

I am tired of telling people, "I'm just an LPN". :angryfire

First of all, that needs to stop right here and now.

The advice given by others has been excellent so I only wanted to break in and comment on the "I'm just an LPN" stuff.

LPN school was the hardest thing I ever attempted and succeeded at.

Getting my RN was the smartest decision I ever made after being an LPN, yet not the hardest thing I ever attempted.

Get where I'm going?

People with bachelors degrees in other fields failed out in my LPN program, so please stop saying "I'm just an LPN" to anyone in the future because it's a pretty hard title and license to earn and I personally have put a lot of blood, sweat, and tears into becoming an LPN in the first place.

You have accomplished a lot already at this point in your nursing career.

But at the same time, I understand why you want your RN.

I was the same way, so yes you need to get your RN for your own reasons.

I just don't want to see any LPN discounting what they already have.