Need some insight....I'm worried.

caliotter3 · Jan 28, 2011

Find out if your state allows someone in your position to take the LPN NCLEX. Then apply and have your school sign off so that you can get an LPN license. Use your LPN license for a necessary job and as a stepping stone into an LPN to RN transition program. This is preferable to jumping into the Excelsior program, which you are aware of, has some risk attached to it. Good luck.

butrfli · Jan 28, 2011

Thanks. I sent an email to the Board of Nursing and will follow up with a phone call if I don't hear back. It doesn't hurt to ask and that would be wonderful! We'll see.

INLPN93 · Jan 28, 2011

While you're waiting, you can try an Excelsior test, they transfer to most colleges due to they are NLNAC accredited and accredited by the President's Council on Education.

I would suggest Life Span Psychology, its price tag is $250 which is a bit of money. You do not need to be an enrolled student to take this test.

If you can do the LPN approach that would be good because you're on the floor as a nurse getting experience. If not you get an idea of what the testing procedure is like and a feel for the tests.

That way you'll have one test you'll need already done and you'll be less stressed about the nursing tests because you've done an Excelsior test.

I'm a Excelsior ASN student, just getting started and I can say I love the program. There are so many sources to study from and the advisors are really helpful. I love that I can manage to work while studying, the option to quit work for full time school wasn't something I could do. There are NO bridge programs in my area, I would be at square one with the RN programs locally. And that equals at the least, 3 years. No can do.

I wasn't 4.0 in LPN school, and I have passed all 3 Excelsior tests the first time without difficulty.

Good Luck with this and I hope something works out for you! :)

BeachieRN84 · Jan 28, 2011

You may complete the first two nursing exams, which is what I did, prior to enrolling. I was so skeptical about being able to do the whole self-study aspect of it (I am quite the procrastinator) and I found that just for the few months I've been doing Excelsior exams I have become much more disciplined. I think that knowing failing an exam is another $250 out of my pocket helps me have more motivation to pass, too, since I am paying cash for the program.

Try to take the Health Safety exam, which is the first and most fundamental of the Excelsior nursing exams. When I passed this and the Transition to the RN exam, I knew I could do it.

There are no bridge programs in my area and I too would have to start @ square one... doing Excelsior is my only choice.

The advisors are so helpful too. I am in contact w/mine atleast once a week. Excelsior, IMO, does want you to do well. I have also found so much info and support on this board. We all motivate each other to do well and keep each other on track. I even met another LPN that works at the same hospital as me who is doing the program too so that is a huge help!!!

Good luck with whatever you decide and I am so sorry to hear about you losing your mom.

butrfli · Feb 7, 2011

Thanks so much for the advice. I did call the SBofNursing and cannot sit for the LPN boards unless I've finished an LPN program but it was worth the try. I'm gonna go on and pursue the Excelsior route. I'm sending in my application today with the application fee. My transcripts have already been sent to them over 2 weeks ago but I'm going to call to be sure they have it on file. I just hope I hear back from them on what I need to take sooner than 6 weeks; That's a long time and I'm eager! :)

Conqueror+, BSN, RN · Feb 7, 2011

Do you have other clinical background? If you are not eligible for the NCLEX-PN you may not be eligible for Excelsior's program either. I would contact them before spending any money. I would hate to see it go to waste. If nursing is what you want don't give up. :)

butrfli · Feb 7, 2011

If I understand the excelsior program correctly, I do qualify because I've successfully completed one year of nursing school. I did get clinical experience with it also. I currently work at a hospital so I'm constantly exposed to nursing care too which will help with the 3 day clinical performance at the end of this program. Thanks for encouraging me to push forward and your concern. Much appreciated!

allymaye · Feb 7, 2011

Many people in my class have the same problem with testing. Don't create your own story for the question. They want to know A + B = C, Not A + B = C and then D, E, F. You will get your questions wrong if you do that.

Also go with your first answer. Most of the time if you change an answer it will turn out to be wrong because you have over thought it.

If you have those questions that give you a list of patients and they want to know which patient you would help first, use the ABC's Airway, Breathing, Circulation to prioritize them.

Remember, the questions on the board are about the perfect patients in the perfect hospital. The answer for the board may not always be the answer in real life.

If you get a review book that give you the reason why the right answer is right AND why the wrong answers are wrong. These kind of books are so helpful because it explains what is wrong with the other answer choices.

I hope this helps you with your testing. No matter which program or path you choose, they all end at the boards so testing is going to be the most important skills you have to learn. Good Luck! Just remember nothing worth doing is easy... :)

Conqueror+, BSN, RN · Feb 7, 2011

If I understand the excelsior program correctly, I do qualify because I've successfully completed one year of nursing school. I did get clinical experience with it also. I currently work at a hospital so I'm constantly exposed to nursing care too which will help with the 3 day clinical performance at the end of this program. Thanks for encouraging me to push forward and your concern. Much appreciated!

Actually it's 50 % of all of your clinical hours that must be completed. I would just encourage you to speak with them directly before spending any money. Hope everything works out for you :)

N1colina · Feb 8, 2011

hey butrfli- i was sort of in your shoes at one point also. i am a lpn, but i also went to a hospital school of nursing near me, and i was one semester away from graduating....i failed out due to personal issues in my life at the time. i was passing with b's but i was not focused at all during my clinicals. now that i am living a happy, stable lifestyle and seem to have better coping skills, i am almost done with excelsior's program. i take the cpne in march! if i made it through, (so far) so can you! good luck and let me know if you need anything! :)

butrfli · Feb 8, 2011

Thank you!!! I did call excelsior today and sent in my application and fee so I guess you can say I've put one foot forward, :) Now just waiting to hear back.