Need advice on excelsior LPN-RN

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Hey guys,

I finished my LPN schooling today and will be sitting for the boards in Jan. The school I went to has changed their transition program making it a hassle to continue through them. The college network came to my school and thats how I heard of Excelsior. I have seen alot of posts saying to stay away. IDK what to think...

I want to know if anyone out there goes to excelsior?

Is it better to go directly through excelsior or use college network as well?

Do you like it? Is it worth the money?

What works and doesnt work in the program?

Does the program prepare you for the tests?

Do you feel like you are learning what you need to know to be a good nurse and pass NCLEX-RN?

Am I avoiding hassles or just finding new ones?

ect..

any and all advice or insight is welcome. I want to continue my education as quickly as possible but I dont want to waste my time on something that seems to good to be true.

Thanks so much

Megan

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Specializes in Maternity.

I don't think Excelsior offers a straight LPN to BSN. Pretty sure you must go ASN first. Just took my 1st test, got an A :D From what I have read (and I research like a crazy person) if you really feel you need the College Network study material get it off ebay. MUCH cheaper. Many go with the StudyGroup101 notes and the practice exams are very helpful. College Network is a middle man. They simply sell study materials but with contracts involved. No more no less. I had schooling for nursing straight out of high school, 15 years ago, LPN school 9 years ago and I'm falling right back into the zone. If you are disciplined enough to learn the material it is a nice option. There are much more qualified people on here that have finished the program to help you out too. Good luck with your decision

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ahh i meant to RN!! can i correct that on my first post? So you are in the lpn-rn right now? thats great im wanting to start in jan. How long did the first class take you? where did you get your study info from?

thanks so much

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Specializes in Maternity.
ahh i meant to RN!! can i correct that on my first post? So you are in the lpn-rn right now? thats great im wanting to start in jan. How long did the first class take you? where did you get your study info from?

thanks so much

I am. I downloaded the Study content guide off of Excelsior. Only took me 2 weeks for the first test. Dont' expect all to be that easy. I bought StudyGroup 101.

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Specializes in Maternity.

Googled StudyGroup 101 and bought the disc off of their site. Sorry missed that in my reply.

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Specializes in Med/Surg & Critical care.
Googled StudyGroup 101 and bought the disc off of their site. Sorry missed that in my reply.

Other than SG101 and the practice exams what else are you using? Did you purchase EC recommended books or are you using books you have at home? I'm trying to get prepared for health safety... Thanks!

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I graduated from Excelsior in 2008. I wouldn't sign up with any of those third party vendors unless you find someone that is willing to split the cost of those work books with you. . they are ridiculously expensive. I had 3 other girls that wanted to do the program with me and we split the cost between us . . much more reasonable. And we used Chancellors books. And when we were done, we sold them on eBay. I took 1 test a month until I was done (I graduated before they added the extra test and additional lab). The longest part was waiting for my CPNE test, which I took in Racine, WI. . . and they were wonderful there. I cannot recommend that test site enough. I also purchased the skills lab kit from Excelsior for the CPNE and practiced religiously. I attended Lynns workshop to prepare for the CPNE. I went to my CPNE and had no repeats. . .on skills lab or PCS.

Was it worth it? Yes. I would do it again in a heartbeat. Was I prepared? Yes. However, this program is designed for healthcare professionals that already have a strong foundation from working clinically. I had worked as a Respiratory Therapist for 12 years in a 900+ bed trauma center so I had a very strong clinical background. I do not think I would've been overly prepared if I had been more "green" with little working experience. If you are working while taking these tests. . pay attention to what the nurses are doing. . learn what they are doing and why. Ask questions! If you do those things, you'll be prepared too. I also graduated from Excelsior and went right into a large ICU and I learned even more. The beautiful thing about healthcare is you can NEVER know it all. . don't ever let anyone tell you otherwise. :) I earned my CCRN credential last year (proudly) and am still learning. :)

As for the NCLEX. Let me first say, I'm a fast reader and I don't second guess myself. . I answer with my gut and I never go back. I got 75 questions (the least amount you can get) and was done in 40 minutes. I passed.

Excelsior is very doable and reasonable. Its a great solution for working professionals with a strong clinical foundation. Good luck!!!

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