so, why not just arrange preceptored clinicals?

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Hi again--I've been reading and getting paranoid! First off, MN SON does accept EC, so I'm not worried about that. Also, I work for the VA, which "allegedly" (I like that word used here!) is open to EC grads.

I keep seeing where people say their SBON require additional clinical hours..it is not clear to me if that means they can't work as an EC grad, period (I know some states do have that stipulation) or if it just means the student has to somehow arrange some clinical time. In some cases, it sounds like it....in which case I think, why not just do that?

So here's what I'm thinking. I know the state board, as of now at least, will accept my EC education; I'm more concerned about supervisors hiring me (even at the VA; the facility accepts it, but supervisors still have to pick you!) I am thinking about working with my facility education director (who sits on her thumbs all day, but that's another story) to arrange shadowing/clinical time on different units. I did the math and I could get 200 hours or so of this sort of time just by doing one 8 hour day a week. I know there might be legal/liability issues but I am already an employee, which should help; plus i actually already did this as an LPN student--spent 4 days shadowing on a different unit as part of my clinical program--had to arrange it myself. I was thinking it would just help overall--I can put on my resume "AAS excelsior college plus 200 hours additional clinical experience on (units listed here)". there's hospice, subacute, vent unit, several extended care units, primary clinics including gastro and onco, mental health clinic, inpatient psych (my own unit), and more. I'd love to spend time with RNs on each unit seeing what they do and feel it would bolster my resume and comfort level and readiness for RN level nursing in general.

What do you think?

And last but not least.............I said in my first post (similarly wordy and needy!) that I plan to go right on for BSN. Do you think that will "help" also? Mn DOES accept the RN from EC.........so I am NOT worried about licensure--I'm concerned about general acceptance. For example, if I can say "yep, BSN from....Drexel University" is that going to offset concerns supervisors may have otherwise?

I do plan to stay at the VA and am not at all interested in working in acute care EVER. LTC and psych are it for me.

Sorry for the continued neediness but as I said earlier you are all a great wealth of information and I appreciate your input. Donuts to all of you!:D:heartbeat

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Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.

I got a job right off the bat, no additional clinical hours required, and I'm fully licensed as an RN. Because EC is a bit different than the usual traditional education, there will always be critics. People who understand how difficult distance learning is or can be will always be suitably impressed with an EC grad.

I'm working as a new grad in the ER -- but it's also the ER where I've been working for almost 4 years as a tech. So they know me and know my skill level and education. I was informed that I was not allowed to leave after graduation!! Awww. It sounds suspiciously like Hotel California. LOL!

Unfortunately it doesn't matter where you get your BSN -- if the source of your initial RN education is EC, that's what states will look at. But it will probably sound good to potential supervisors if you also tell them you're continuing on to your BSN, or if you go somewhere else after getting your BSN. But you will be just fine at the VA. :) (Allegedly! No, I'm kidding. :D)

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hi lunah, i know the states look at the original RN for licensure....i was thinking more about supervisors who are in states where EC Rn is accepted and the issue isnt licensure but critics, as you say.

thanks for your response...you are one ive been following for a long time and the biggest inspiration :)

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One of the purposes of the EC school of nursing requirements for students is having clinical experience. Albeit not all the extraneous stuff taught in nursing schools, but making me better prepared to be a nurse. When I become a nurse, I can start IV's, give IM and SQ injections. I can figure a drip rate, and actually do more than a nurse extern from a traditional school.

This is the analogy i like to use concerning the recent GABON decision:

"I am a mechanic and have 15 years of experience working on all kinds of cars. During my career as a mechanic I have obtained all the certs. and understanding of engines, transmissions, electrical, and I have all my tools. I decide to go to work for the local GM dealer because of better benefits and and working hours. When I apply, the manager tells me he can't hire me because GM says I must have the 'Mr. Goodwrench' patch and six week class to learn more about engines. Joe Smoe is 21 years old and decides he wants to work there too.

So he takes the six week class and gets his 'Mr. Goodwrnch' patch, and the manager hires him because of the mechanic shortage. The manager knows Joe needs a lot of OJT.He didn't learn all he needed to learn at the Mr. Goodwench school to do the job as a mechanic, but at least he has the patch. Joe does not have the actual garage time or experience either, but wants to learn. The manager wants to hire me, but GM will not allow him." I can pass all the test GM requires, and I know all about engines. I even have experience working and dianosing engine problems, but GM requires the six week class. I go across town to the Ford dealer and she hires me on the spot. She is happy to have an experienced mechanic.

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I think I wasn't clear on my point. Let me rephrase.

Will personally arranging preceptored clinical hours aside from the EC program be useful?

I guess I know the answer--yes.

I do have good clinical experience in my field--psych. But not in med surg. I dont WANT to work in med surg.........so...............

Thanks everyone.

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