Need advice on distance learning!!

MQ Edna · Aug 24, 2004

I believe you can get the study guides directly from Excelsior, you may have to register 1st now, but about a yr ago I printed them off the computer in Adobe format..Their site can be a bit confusing but check it out, they may have improved it since I was last there.

-Sara

SuzieR · Sep 17, 2004

I have recently been contacted by a couple of the programs that offer study guides in prep for Exelsior's program. From what I have gathered from both threads on this website and the Exelsior program itself, I'm thinking that going directly through Exelsior is probably the best way to go. It seems that cutting out the middleman is also more cost-efficient.

Good luck!

Kateswedlund · Sep 23, 2004

I am a graduate of the Excelsior program. I graduated in with my associates degree. Chancelors and Excelsior aren't the only programs out there. You must understand that other being vaguely told what you will be tested for, there is no 'education'. I would recommend to anyone who wants to be an RN to look into colleges who have the majority of their degree online. That way for the first year or so you're still in control of your school and time, but then, do yourself the best favor ever and go to the school and experience the clinicals.

I was a paramedic before becoming a nurse, so I had a great deal of clinical experience in spite of going to Excelsior. But, I always had the thought in the back of my mind that I missed something. That maybe I should know something that hadn't been taught to me.

It's now 8 years later and I've done the majority of my nursing in ER/trauma. I've gone back to school and I'm a senior and majoring in Health Care management. I'll go on for my masters in Hospital Administration. There are no short cuts. You deserve the best, so take advantage of the best. Good luck to you, Kate

QUO

TE=HuffmanLPN]Hello, I am new to the site and to posting however I have a LOT of questions on distance learning. I have been searching various distance learning options and have come to a roadblock on the best way to go. I have read several of the messages regarding this subject and am confused on the route to pursue. My question of concern is what is the difference between going through a publishing company like Chancellors or going directly through Excelsiors? What is the advantages and disadvantages? How is it possible to get only the study guides you need and could use from the publishing company without the financial commitment? Hope someone can help with these answers? I would love to chat in more detail with someone who has been through it and has good advice to pass on.

DEPERATE FOR ANSWERS :/

Rookie · Sep 25, 2004

Dear Desperate:

I am a recent graduate of the Excelsior Nursing School - passed the finals just last month, will officially graduate October 15, 2004. You can get a ton of information online at Excelsior.Edu. Also, they are very nice on the phone and can answer questions and send you information packages in the mail. You can go online and download the information for the tests.

There are 6 written (or CAT) tests then you will have to take the CPNE or final exam. It is a three day exam that includes actual patient planning, care and evaluation. There is only a 65% pass rate the first time but it can be done.

You will need the ability to obtain clinical skills without the support of the school, have a great network of supporters because it is a long road and also have the never die attitude. Hey, if I could do it, so can you.

Good luck.

akvarmit · Sep 25, 2004

Hi there! I am an Excelsior grad from last year, now working in an ER.

Remember that the ONLY accredited school that you can go from LPN to RN with is Excelsior. ALL of the other names you hear, chancellors, rue, distance learning systems, moore, etc are just publishers that sell you books. Extra money is all it is. Depends what your learning style is and what works for you. I was very disappointed in the "private" study guides I did come across.

Excelsior gives you a free "content guide" for each exam that lists recommended textbooks and the specific chapters the test will cover. I took all my own notes then based on that outline. Excelsior can be done, but you really have to have the drive to follow up everything you read on your own, seeking out experiences then........to experience it.

I was a research nurse as an LPN for many years....and I left that very comfortable job to go back to the hospital full time while I did Excelsior. I needed to be exposed to all that stuff up front - and I drained my coworkers brains dry by asking questions and looking for opportunities.

Feel free to email me if you want -

Dawn

[email protected].