lacking education hours in pshychiatry and nutrition

NurseCubanitaRN2b, BSN, RN · Nov 6, 2009

I just found out recently that I can CLEP out of classes that I need to enter the LVN-RN program. Find out from Florida BRN if you're able to CLEP out of any of those classes. If they're just theory hours then you might be able to. I came across that choice by going to Excelsiors website and posted a questions online and was told that it would be easier to CLEP out of them. It's might also be cheaper and might save you some time. Good Luck

cryssa28 · Nov 6, 2009

Thank you so much for the answer.I really appreciate it. I have to google to see what is CLEP and see how it works and also what are their prices. I'll also call BON next Monday hoping I'll be able to talk with somebody from education dpt.

Quick question: after I take these classes where do I send the courses completion? To the FL BON or CGFNS? I'm asking because in the letter I've got it from FL BON they say: "additional material relevant tp the education evaluation must be forwarted to CGFNS, included in a revised report and sent directly to BON".

Hope to hear other opinions.

allnurses Guide · Nov 7, 2009

CLEP is not applicable to foreign trained RNs. You cannot make up the missing hours, you have to take the whole theory and clinical subject as a visiting student at somewhere like a community college.

Where are you located?

allnurses Guide · Nov 7, 2009

where do I send the courses completion? To the FL BON or CGFNS? I'm asking because in the letter I've got it from FL BON they say: "additional material relevant tp the education evaluation must be forwarted to CGFNS, included in a revised report and sent directly to BON"

That's pretty clear - send it to CGFNS for a revised report then have them send to BON, just like it says.

NurseCubanitaRN2b, BSN, RN · Nov 7, 2009

ghillbert is that all around the US or just some states? Too bad the OP can't CLEP out of a class. I wonder if the OP would qualify to take classes at Excelsior and take the classes there. I'm not positive but I believe it's self-paced, and some are online.

cryssa28 · Nov 7, 2009

I'm located in Tallahassee, Florida. I have here few school options, but I thought online it will be more convenient time wise.

Hmmm...I know what it says, but why CGFNS needs to evaluate my courses which I'll take them here? It's awkward.

I thought CGFNS validates/evaluates only studies made out of the US.

I was so happy I wouldn't need to deal anymore with CGFNS....I still hope though.

What is funny is that I know so many RN's from my country who graduated the same school and they didn't need any other hours or courses.

allnurses Guide · Nov 7, 2009

If the OP needs hours, presumably they didn't complete them in their course. Even if they were allowed, how would they then CLEP the course if they haven't done it before?

OP, check with CGFNS if you know others who completed the course the same years with no additional hours required. I have never seen CGFNS say you need hours in "nutrition" - it's not even one of the required categories (psych, med, surg, maternity, peds).

You can do online courses if it's a BON-approved course. You will need to complete the whole subject and clinical though.

cryssa28 · Nov 7, 2009

I have friends in the US who graduated in the same year with me, the same school, but they had validated their education last year or few years before 2009, when CGFNS had other requirements. I even have somebody's copy of request for academic records completed by our school, where nutrition was required as "other courses", not as an important course work(as they require starting with January 2009).

I did a lot of nutrition, one or two semesters as in clinical theory classes here or adult health care, but I can't prove as my school doesn't have any official papers. So,if I can't prove it,it doesn't exist...

Thank you so much for taking time answering. I really appreciate it.

NurseCubanitaRN2b, BSN, RN · Nov 7, 2009

Are your former classmates working in Florida? Each state has their own set of requirements so if they're not in Florida then maybe that's the reason why.

What do you mean that your school doesn't have the paperwork stating that you did nutrition as part of your program? That's the problem with choosing a nursing program. You have to make sure that it's reputable and make sure that all your ducks are in a row before you go. The fact that your school doesn't have any official paperwork showing that you took the courses isn't good. Excelsior has online courses, but I'm unsure what the rate would be for you if you're still considered an internation student. It depends on how long you've been here that would determine. Contact Excelsior to see what they say. Good Luck

cryssa28 · Nov 8, 2009

It doesn't matter where you live in the US, except NY, Ces-Cgfns request for academic records application is the same for each state.

I did study nutrition as part of other class work(I already mentioned), not as an individual course as they study here.

At that time my school was the only nursing school from my city(is the capital-city of my country) and was a state school, so was and is accreditated.

allnurses Guide · Nov 8, 2009

Hmm. Just checked the new CES application form and I do see they have nutrition listed.. very odd! Looks like they added a bunch of subjects on the new form that need theory and clinical - guess it's even harder for foreign nurses now - I certainly didn't do clinical hours in "nutrition"! Rather than five areas required, it's now 12! Sorry OP

Care of the Adult — Medical Nursing

Care of the Adult — Surgical Nursing

Maternal/Infant Nursing, excluding Gynecology

Nursing Care of Children

Psychiatric/Mental Health Nursing, excluding Neurology

Gerontology Nursing

Pharmacology

Physiology

Psychology

Sociology

Anatomy

Nutrition