hi everyone--I've been lurking and reading for a long time and it is finally, at long last, time for me to join you :typing
(I love these emoticons). Anyway I've been reading and admiring for a long time and following your stories.
Here's my background...I have 3 college degrees, the 3rd of which is my AAS in practical nursing, new as of this past May. I have 5 kids and live in rural Minnesota and just can't see driving to any of the Rn programs which are all at LEAST an hour one way (this past year, driving a half hour each way, was tough enough, with the need to work,etc).
Because of all my past coursework, the only general I have left is sociology, and I'm getting set to CLEP that.
Like most of you, I've gone back and forth on to do or not to do (Excelsior) and it always comes back to it just being the most logical choice. I'm also a VA employee--and they'll pay for it, and theoretically, they hire Excelsior RNs, too.
I'm concerned about being a new LPN and will only have about a year of LPN experience when I (hopefully) finish the excelsior program..........but it was a matter of weighing that with the cost and emotional difficulty of a year or two of torture for me and my family (driving to a traditional program while working full time, which I have to do). Any words of wisdom there? Every time I read these threads I get all encouraged and know I'm doing the right thing, so I'd really appreciate any encouragement you have to offer. I'm not concerned about my ability to complete the program--I know it will be a challenge, especially the CPNE, but I definately know how to take tests after all that school! Oh, and in case you are wondering..my BS is in biology, my MA is in management, and I've really never used either one...I worked for nonprofits and the state for 10 years, always in human services, and finally realized that it was just time to go ahead and do what I've always wanted to do, which is nursing--and besides it fits into my family much better (shift flexibility) and suits my temperament--and pays much better too
I guess I do have one real question right now, aside from asking for encouragement about going this route as a new LPN....that is, do you buy all of the textbooks recommended on the EC bookstore for each exam? The VA will pay my tuition but not my textbooks so I need to save as much as possible---I know to go the ebay route and have found a few good deals but just want to find out what has worked for many of you in terms of what books to purchase, what study guides were particularly helpful, etc.
Whew--that was a book--sorry!!! :imbar
Looking forward to meeting all of you regulars..............
Donuts
PS my husband is a baker.....thus the dorky screen name.
PSS edited to add---because of all the generals I've done, I'm going to go right on to BSN through a MN program that does RN to BSN at a distance and has monthly clinicals--I'm hoping this will offset some of the issues that can arise from the different clinical training excelsior offers. From what I understand--most traditional schools do accept the excelsior RN if you have your generals from brick and mortar schools...?
You didn't know I had a Ricky Martin song in my head? Or you didn't know that you had to be enrolled to see the disorganized glory of the EC publications page in its entirety? I'm just a wealth of information today.
The latter. I almost ALWAYS have a Ricky Martin song in my head. Seriously. La Bomba and Pegate, Maria....
I know I may get flamed for this but this is just my opinon.
Not at all! Providing alternatives to each other is a great thing. And quite frankly, if I could have done an online/in-person hybrid program, I probably would have! But I'm quite pleased with my EC edumacation. Hee hee!
Hi There! :) Ok. So, I've been a lurker here and there, too. You prompted me to join in so that I can use the smilies and stuff. I'm just really beginning on this journey to become a nurse (taking some Math and Psychology over the internet and tv this semester) so don't have too many questions or input at this point. Wishing you luck on your journey!! Keep in touch with us all. :typing
Hi There! :) Ok. So, I've been a lurker here and there, too. You prompted me to join in so that I can use the smilies and stuff. I'm just really beginning on this journey to become a nurse (taking some Math and Psychology over the internet and tv this semester) so don't have too many questions or input at this point. Wishing you luck on your journey!! Keep in touch with us all. :typing
Renee
Welcome, Renee!! Where are you going to school? :) I :redbeathe Colorado ... we vacation in Colorado Springs almost every year (this year we didn't, ), and it's still in our top 2 places to move (Oregon is the other).
I remembered my original sign in name and have logged in as that instead of 'mrsrite', but it's all me.
I am attending Pikes Peak Community College. I took some pre-req's in Phoenix while I lived there (been in CO for a little over 2 yrs. now) and am continuing to hack away at them here. I'm loving the Psych class this semester; it's all about the life cycle. Very interesting...Also, taking some Math this time around.
I'm a California student, but I registered early enough to have the "grandfather clause" to take the boards. My exam is in a few months, I loooove this site! I don't have internet at work but I bring my computer, do you have any links to downloads? I also am concerned about furthering my education, any suggestions as to colleges that accept an Excelsioe degree?
Every time I read these threads I get all encouraged and know I'm doing the right thing, so I'd really appreciate any encouragement you have to offer. I'm not concerned about my ability to complete the program--I know it will be a challenge, especially the CPNE, but I definately know how to take tests after all that school! Oh, and in case you are wondering..my BS is in biology, my MA is in management, and I've really never used either one...I worked for nonprofits and the state for 10 years, always in human services, and finally realized that it was just time to go ahead and do what I've always wanted to do, which is nursing--and besides it fits into my family much better (shift flexibility) and suits my temperament--and pays much better too 
I'm just really beginning on this journey to become a nurse (taking some Math and Psychology over the internet and tv this semester) so don't have too many questions or input at this point. Wishing you luck on your journey!! Keep in touch with us all. :typing
), and it's still in our top 2 places to move (Oregon is the other).
Baloney Amputation, BSN, LPN, RN
1,130 Posts
Yup, it'll only cost you $895 to see it all. Good luck, Donut! (I haven't ate a donut in years....)