Lpn to RN need help

willtm · Nov 16, 2004

I decided a couple of years ago to go back for the RN. I have taken the majority of the required gen ed for the bsn, however it will take an additional 2 1/2 years to complete IF I am accepted into the program and my 3.8 gpa won't get me in, it's 4.0 or nothing. An ADN program was started through my employer and a college that is some distance away, all clinicals to be at the hospital where work, local class. This program includes an LPN bridge. I signed up, aced the summer bridge and then was told I would have to drive 50 to 75 miles each way to clinical sites. I can't do that, I have 2 small kids. So I dropped. After licking my wounds I began Excelsior. I'll be taking the second test on wednesday. I got an A on the first. Hopefully I'll be done by next fall. People wonder why there's a nursing shortage, maybe if people could get in and stay in nursing school there wouldn't be a nursing shortage. They make it extremely difficult.

Excelsior takes self discipline, you have set your own deadlines and goals. That can be hard for some people. I actually attempted to take micro through excelsior a few years ago. I paid for the test, bought the book and couldn't find the motivation to study. Now, after everything I've been through with traditional school the motivation is there. To do Excelsior you have to be self motivated and self directed. That's my story, I hope hope it helps:)

I have been an LPN for 8 years, I am undecided if I should go to a traditional college or try excellsor. Are there any success stories out there?

trininurse · Nov 16, 2004

Thanks,

I am glad to know I am not the only one outhere who felt this way.

Jo Dirt · Nov 16, 2004

I made the decision to go through Excelsior a couple of months ago. Ideally I would choose a traditional school but personally I am sick and tired of going to school. I'm just plain old tired of wearing myself out going to classes. For a young unencumbered person I believe traditional school is the way to go, but if you're a geezer like me (just a few days away from 30) with three hungry mouths to feed and bills to pay who needs the added stress of attending classes for no telling how long???Not only that, but I am attending college classes right now and feel so out of place, I don't know how many people around my age or older are in my classes but I know there aren't many. I almost feel like I'm sitting with a bunch of high school kids (I practically am) and it is very uncomfortable.After this semster is over I have vowed not to go back.

I took my first nursing concepts test a week ago and will take A&P in a few weeks. You're experience as an LPN for 8 yrs. shoudl count for something. Not all places but most will stick you in with the incoming class who knows next to nothing about nursing and I think that is a shame.

opalmRN · Nov 16, 2004

i have been an lpn for 8 years, i am undecided if i should go to a traditional college or try excellsor. are there any success stories out there?

spazzy, lgflamini, happynproud

just to name a few all have experience with ec. c'mon don't be shy.

opal

BBFRN, BSN, PhD · Nov 17, 2004

Lol...Hi- I did Excelsior, and loved it. It depends on how motivated you are to manage your own pace. If you're one of those people where the more freedom you have, the more you thrive, then I say go for it! You'll find plenty of support from current/former EC students (like myself, Opalm, and the others mentioned above). Good luck to you!

Trauma Columnist · Nov 17, 2004

I did the LPN to ADN bridge program when we lived in Indianapolis (this was before distance learning became popular). I appreciated it very much and did fine. However, my only regret is that I didn't immediately get the BSN which is needed in my little corner of the world. It would have made getting my MSN much easier. However, I did the BSN and MSN online via University of Phoenix and like EC, you must be very disciplined and motivated because there is much less interaction then with a traditional school. It can be done though - as all of these posters have done. Good luck with whatever route you choose!

Spazzy Nurse, RN · Nov 18, 2004

Here is how EC messed with my head......

I went with EC and I absolutely loved it. It sure changed me though..... I was forced to be an adult and study without being told. I went into the program, thinking negatively, lazy, and liking to take the easy way out of things. I left the program being motivated, disciplined, and proud. I completely changed!! Get this--- during my schooling with EC, I decided to work my butt off and lost 75 lbs, all while in school, working FT, and being a wife and mom. Sounds stupid, but I really think that going through EC gave me motivation and such a positive attitude that I am now able to do things with super hero strength. :) (Ok not quite super hero. I'm not that cool.)

My point is, EC changed me and made me the type of RN that I dont think I would've become having gone through a traditional program. That's just me though.

ER911 · Nov 18, 2004

I graduated from Excelsior College (then known as Regents College) in 1998. During this time I worked on an orthopedic unit as a patient care assistant. Yes it was grueling, but every test I took motivated me more and more to continue. The nurses on my unit were indispensable in helping me acquire the necessary clinical skills to pass the CPNE. When I graduated, my hospital offered me a position working on the telemtry unit. Here I gained invaluable experience and became certified in ACLS. A year and a half later, I was offered a position in the emergency department, which I still hold today.

In 2003 I graduated from Thomas Edison State College in New Jersey with my BSN, and am now starting my MSN through the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey. Both of these institutions are state schools and their programs are offered online.

Case in point, just do it!!! There's no better time than the present to make the move. I will always be grateful to Excelsior College for making my career goals come true!!

Good Luck,

ER911

mona b RN, BSN, RN · Nov 18, 2004

Here is how EC messed with my head......
I went with EC and I absolutely loved it. It sure changed me though..... I was forced to be an adult and study without being told. I went into the program, thinking negatively, lazy, and liking to take the easy way out of things. I left the program being motivated, disciplined, and proud. I completely changed!! Get this--- during my schooling with EC, I decided to work my butt off and lost 75 lbs, all while in school, working FT, and being a wife and mom. Sounds stupid, but I really think that going through EC gave me motivation and such a positive attitude that I am now able to do things with super hero strength. :) (Ok not quite super hero. I'm not that cool.)
My point is, EC changed me and made me the type of RN that I dont think I would've become having gone through a traditional program. That's just me though.

Spazz....you are that cool . You are our Excelsior College Super Hero :) If only I could follow your lead and take off 10 pounds, now that would be great :rolleyes:

Spazzy Nurse, RN · Nov 19, 2004

Oh good grief. :rotfl:

mona b RN, BSN, RN · Nov 19, 2004

Oh good grief. :rotfl:

Super Spaz

Yep, you earned yourself a new nickname. :rotfl: