Published Oct 29, 2009
jensmomrn11
76 Posts
On average, how many years should you work as an LPN before trying the RN program through Excelsior?
Lunah, MSN, RN
14 Articles; 13,773 Posts
I worked zero years as an LPN. I was (still am) a paramedic before doing EC's RN program. The point I'm making is that everyone is different -- some of the EC RN grads here were fresh out of LPN school, and others were seasoned nurses, and others weren't nurses at all.
I suggest downloading the school of nursing catalog and reading through it. The nursing exams probably won't be difficult for you, but the clinical performance in nursing exam (CPNE) is tough. However, there are study resources for the CPNE. New grad, old grad ... as long as you're an LPN, you can do EC's program. :)
I'm sure some of our former LPNs will chime in with advice ...
I did read through the info on their website, and somewhere on there, it said it would be difficult
for someone that did not have a lot of clinical experience. I just passed my boards in March of this year and have been working
as an LPN since May. I still feel inadequate at times and am just now starting to get a tiny bit of confidence in myself, but know there
is still so much to learn. I want to get my RN, but a traditional LPN-RN may be difficult because I would need to cut back on working
and I am currently trying to get a daughter through college. The limitations on my science classes is running out and I either have to start back to school soon, or retake those classes. (ugh!!)
SuesquatchRN, BSN, RN
10,263 Posts
I started as soon as I became an LPN.
txspadequeenRN, BSN, RN
4,373 Posts
i was a lvn 10 years before becoming a rn... my advise is to start ec as soon as you can....old lvn's like myself develop their own routine after being a nurse for so long and this is not necessarily a good thing when it comes down to nclex, the ec test and such....
NC Girl BSN
1,845 Posts
I enrolled right after I got my LPN. I got my LPN license in Sept 07 and enrolled in EC in December of the same year. Worked in a LTC facility as I went through the program and passed the clinicals a yr later in Utica New York. It can be done. EC spells out in their CPNE study guide what they want you to do. If you practice and possibly attend a workshop, you can pass with little clinical experience.
Sierralee
51 Posts
Never heard of this bridging thing. Do you have to take all those prereq. such as english, anatomy, etc? Is there anyone is Pa (Western) who has taken this program? Where do to you go to get this info or Excelsior? Can I do it from home? and how long does it take to get thru? Thanks for any info
The college's website is http://www.excelsior.edu, and there is a great thread at the top of this forum to get you started: https://allnurses.com/distance-learning-nursing/excelsior-college-info-385571.html
JulesRN10
299 Posts
i waited a year after i got my lpn to enroll. i was nervous that i would not be prepared for the program without some experience, but now that i'm working through it, i wish i hadn't waited! it helps that i work with some very supportive people who are very encouraging to further your education, but this program is so doable! good luck!
ougreene
123 Posts
Depends on were you live - what state....SUCH as for Washington state, IF you were an LPN prior to enrolling in EC, they are ok with you taking the RN NCLEX for WA state, HOWEVER if you were not an LPN prior to EC, WA has trouble with that.
AND you can be an LPN, working in a medical facility, for years like me working in Research AND never really work the floor, so to speak as you would in an Hospital...
Just depends...were you live and what you are going to be doing IF you become an LPN first..
gail RN, BSN2B
lacy99
9 Posts
Hi.....i just started excelsior, its ok, it works for me a self studier..
I would like to connect with other lpn's or rn's who went through this program. I live in mi, near toledo, anyone want to start a group? I have been an lpn for 5 years in home health and community nursing. Here in michigan i cant get a job in a hospital only rns can.
I am worried about the clinical part, i do love nursing and want this so bad. Thanks
TrickieTam
208 Posts
I'm just starting and I have been and LPN for 3 years. In my opinion I think a person should go directly in cause you still have your study routine going LOL! I gotta get myself back in the mode of studying but I'm up for the challenge to get my degree.