Lpn to rn should i do excelsior??? Please help

reebokHCFR, MSN, EMT-P, APRN, NP · Jan 17, 2012

are you proficient and knowledgeable enough with your current job to move on to a self-study rn program? I'm not an lpn so I don't know much about it, but many lpn's do this program. for all I know the majority of students are lpn's. whether or not you need experience doing the job, or if the classroom and clinical training is enough to move on to this type of program is beyond me, but I bet you can if you have the motivation. there are probably lots of former lpn's on here who can also encourage you.

excelsior is accredited as seen here: Excelsior College is accredited - excelsior.eduas far as the clinical, it's called the "cpne" and is held at various sites. several are in NY, but they are divided by region. for instance, the region I picked is southern since I live in FL and the sites are all in GA with one barely functioning site in naples.

imo, the hardest/longest part is pre-req's. do you have any? the degree requirements can be found here: Excelsior College | Program Detailsclick "degree chart"

good luck!

BeachieRN84 · Jan 17, 2012

Reebok where in Florida are you?? I'm in Florida too.

@Erica--yes it is a legit program. I am an EC graduate and a practicing RN :-)

reebokHCFR, MSN, EMT-P, APRN, NP · Jan 17, 2012

lakeland

Ericad85 · Jan 17, 2012

Hello all!!! I am an LPN i graduated June 11, I want my RN sooo badly but really do get discouraged with all the waiting lists in my area...is Excelsior doable?? is it legit?? Is it true you go away for the weekend to perform clinical in NYC and how bad is that??? I am very nervous about this and need all the info I can get and any advice I can get please help me make my decision thank you fellow nurses :)!!!!!!!!

Thanks everyone!! Yes i have all my pre reqs completed! Beachiern84 can you tell me a couple of things...how was studying for tests etc...how was the cpne ?? Cuz honestly i feel like i can study for any test butttt the cpne gives me tachycardia when thinking about it lol any input from you would be greatlyyy appreciated since you are a successful graduate congrats to you! how long did this take you to complete? Were you an lpn? Sry for all the ?s:)

alodocios · Jan 17, 2012

hi Beachie i have been following you and loops for a while congrats on the RN i just congratulated loops. i am waiting for my date while studying for the cpne. I also know a ton of passers locally so yes it is doable, hope to be saying the same soon.

BeachieRN84 · Jan 18, 2012

thanks everyone!! yes i have all my pre reqs completed! beachiern84 can you tell me a couple of things...how was studying for tests etc...how was the cpne ?? cuz honestly i feel like i can study for any test butttt the cpne gives me tachycardia when thinking about it lol any input from you would be greatlyyy appreciated since you are a successful graduate congrats to you! how long did this take you to complete? were you an lpn? sry for all the ?s:)

studying for tests wasn't bad once i got into the swing of it. the first one i took i passed after a month, and then i got addicted and started testing every two weeks. not saying i recommend doing it that way, but i was in a hurry. i also had to do almost all of the gen-ed's so i did many clep exams and the rest through excelsior. i used saunders nclex-rn and a few times study group 101 but that was about it. i bought a couple of the texts but the only one i really ever opened was the med-surg one and then the fundamentals one for the cpne.

i started in january 2011 and completed the cpne sept 2011. i graduated nov 2011 (because ec makes you wait forever for your diploma) and passed the nclex-rn dec 1st.

the cpne really in retrospect is not a difficult exam. it is a doable exam with preparation and practice. they are not asking you to do anything hard except to keep yourself under control and do things their way. that being said, the weekend is brutal, mainly in part to stress, nerves, emotions. the only time i was ever more terrified was when i went in to be induced with my son. it is a rollercoaster but you are also the one controlling the gears. they tell you exactly what they expect of you, let you use any mind cues you want and you can ever bring your care plan and drug book. you have to be able to show them how you can prioritize and care for patients as a nurse under an incredible amount of pressure. the areas of care are basic and simple. overcoming yourself is the nightmare.

i was a lpn yes. i have friends though who have also completed the program who were paramedics and 50/50 students and they did great throughout the whole program too. just have to be determined and self motivated and push yourself. excelsior will make you bring out more in yourself than you ever knew existed.

good luck!

annlewis · Jan 18, 2012

How long ago did you graduate?

annlewis · Jan 18, 2012

Oh, I just read your post above, thanks for sharing....how did you pay for it? Any financial aid given to you?

Editorial Team / Moderator · Jan 18, 2012

Ericad85, just be aware that Excelsior is not recognized in all states. Some states require extra hours or a certain number of months/years of practice before licensure or endorsement, and a couple of states (Maryland and California) probably won't ever license EC grads. You can find that information here:

State Board Requirements - excelsior.edu

ts41 · Jan 18, 2012

Hi Ericad85

I feel the same. I just started through Excesior. I have not enrolled yet because I was told that I could take up tp 2 test before actually enrolling into the program. I'm studying for the Safety Health test now. I am an lpn but I am very nervous about this program. I have only heard good things about the program though. Please if you come by any material that may be useful in helping study for the exams, please let me know.

ts41 · Jan 18, 2012

Hi LunahRN

Can you give me any advise one what material is good for me to use to study for the exams? I am taking my Health Safety exam first.