LPN to RN distance vs U of P in Denver

[bret1961]

I just passed Nclex PN, took it Feb 2nd, and received letter today. Small envelope. Used Military Challenge through CA and will endorse to Colorado.

I want a good clinical experience more than classroom. Talked to U of P here today and cost went up 4,000 since last Summer. Now 22,000 plus books.

I have all the Indiana State course books (College Network) that I bought locally from someone that bailed out of the program before reaching the core classes. Most were unwrapped.

If I can avoid using College Network and get though this, would that be as effective as classroom and clinicals?

I heard a lot of U of P is essay questions anyway.

By the way, I am ex paramedic, and have been in allied health field (Reg Sleep Tech) since 1983, was Airforce Medic working Post partum, L&D and Nursery and had Fund of Nursing course back then also.

My resp, neuro and emergency skills are pretty good, but the med surg, psych, and peds are very iffy. Glad I passed!

What do you folks suggest?

I have to continue working FT so am limited to distance or evenings. Excelsior would work, but since I work in a diagnostic clinic, my ability to practice anything beyond vitals and charting is minimal.

Thanks in advance for the advice.

Bret

[BBFRN, BSN, PhD]

Thread moved to Distance Learning forum to encourage responses.

[ivanh3]

Bret,

Congrats on your NCLEX. Man, in these economic times, I would be hesitant to spend that kind of money on a nursing degree. I am not knocking U of P. I have several friends that went there, and the only complaint they had was the expense.

I would take a good look at my goals. What do you want to do as an RN? If you are going to be leaving your current position anyway once you are done, then I would seek other employment that would either a) give me more types of experience or b) be more flexible so I could go to a brick and mortar school and get some decent clinical experiences.

Several of us here took tech jobs that helped round out our skills. I know those jobs don't pay, but you could supplement living expenses with students loans, go to a public university, and still get a BSN (with clinicals) for less than 20K.

Hope that helps.

Ivan

[bret1961]

Ivan

Thanks!!!

Even though Indiana State takes longer it is half the cost of U of P. They have signed clinical agreements with both Health One and Centura...

If you are doing distance, do you (student) have to pay the preceptor? or is it done free in hopes of hiring students after grad?

Thanks

Bret

[ivanh3]

Ivan

If you are doing distance, do you (student) have to pay the preceptor? or is it done free in hopes of hiring students after grad?

Thanks

Bret

The program I am in does not pay the preceptors. YMMV.

Ivan

[SuesquatchRN, BSN, RN]

If you don't plan on moving to CA do Excelsior. It'll come out to about $8k, I think.