LVN instead in distance learning - would love some advice!

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Hey everyone,

I am a CA LVN who recently relocated to Beaufort, SC. My husband is a Drill Instructor in the US Marines and we will be stationed here for 3 years. I recently (as of August) got my LVN licensure and am looking to head into an RN program. In addition to my LVN license, I also have a Bachelor's in Athletic Training from Purdue. However, there really aren't many programs out here - a LPN-RN program that is 2 semesters long that "if" I get in, I won't be able to start until Jan 2011 and a 3 yr BSN program that I just can't consider since my husbands is practically never home and I have 3 kids.

So, I got some of my background info out there! I have some friends that have tried Excelsior and love it but I have some concerns and would love some advice from those who have been there, done that, or are considering as well.

1) Transferability. While SC accepts Excelsior, we may relocate back to CA in 3 years (that or NC) and I am worried about my license not transferring.

2) Life after EC - I really want to get my NP, will that be possible? I have the military MyCAA to help pay for EC but I don't want to go through all the program and then have it be worth nothing.

3) The CPNEs - I have always been a good student and do fairly well in school but I am just wondering about what everyone thinks of them.

Thank you in advance!!

Kristin

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Specializes in Psych, LTC, Acute Care.

If your planning to go back to CA then I don't think I would try EC. You are gambling on your career.

Getting your NP after EC will depend on the school you go to. I live in NC and have talked to UNC and East Carolina and they have NP programs and are fine with EC grads.

I am a EC grad and I am doing well on my job.(Graduated Feb 20,2009).

Can't speak for everyone but NC loves EC. I work in a Big Level 1 Trauma hospital and everyone knows about EC.Some of the LPNs went back an got their RN. My boss went on and on about EC in the interview and how shes know how dedicated and smart I am to have completed that program. Got job offers at 2 other hospitals and they were not concerned about EC.

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EC seems to be the best fit for you if you think you maybe moving soon, it won't give you 100% portability. Many LPN to RN are a year in length but can't be transferred. Good Luck.

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I know of someone who got an NP after graduating from EC. Don't worry about that. I would not write EC off if you return to CA as CA accepts licenses from other states for endorsement on a case by case basis. Perhaps you can meet the requirements before you leave, and you have to consider that your husband's career plans may change and you may have more time to deal with this before going back to CA. You should contact the CA BRN and ask for specifics. Sounds as if EC is your best option at this point. And do not let the CPNE stop you. You have three chances at it. You just have to make certain that you prepare and get a handle on your nerves. Practice takes care of a lot of the problems with the test. You can do it as thousands of others have in the past.

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Have you looked into ISU? There's a sticky somewhere that says which states accept them. CA does, no idea about SC though.

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