New LPNs going to EC....why not?

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Hey everyone,

Im a soon to be new LPN (graduating in a week thank goodness!) and I have read in several threads and heard from many people that they dont advise new LPNs to get their RN through Excelsior.

The reason it bugs me is that through local traditional programs, the generic RN students get less clinical experience in two years than we got in one year in LPN school. I have also observed that at OUR clinical site(Im not saying generally, this is only my experience), the ASN and BSN students would be seen sitting all day long in the nursing station or simply following a nurse while us LPN students were in there actually working day in and day out. I also have heard other nurses talking about how the new RNs nowdays are clueless and seem like they never went to school a day in their life. I think its because they do so much theory they dont get a good grasp of what the one on one patient care is all about.

There are very few duties RNs do that LPNs cant, its mostly just a matter of a little more education/theory. Most LPNs who go to traditional ASN programs have said they are suprised that there really isnt a whole lot more to it, they only go into most of the same things in more detail. And as far as clinicals, they are a breeze after already taking LPN clinicals. I dont see much of a difference between LPN to RN online and RN to BSN online. You have already received the foundation. You learn the most when u actually get out there and work as a nurse, not in school. There are new RN grads out there with much less clinical experience than LPN school gives, yet everyone says you need to gain experience before going to Excelsior. I know the CPNE will be more challenging, but I dont see it as impossible. Most generic ASN programs dont require experience for their LPN to RN bridge, and EC doesnt specify this either.

Can someone please offer me another point of view? I just cant understand why this is. Not trying to start an argument here, Im genuinely interested in other opinions.

Specializes in Med/Surg, Tele, Peds, LDRP.

Hey guys,

still enjoying the feedback. Im bummed that a couple of local schools with LPN to RN bridge came to talk to my class, and there isnt any way possible of getting in for 1.5 to 2 years even if u already took the pre reqs (which I have, except micro and a&p 2). So that puts me 2.5 to 3 years from my RN and thats just not an amount of time Im willing to wait. So I guess my plan is going to be get a job in sub acute care, and work agency on the side to get as much experience as possible. I will probably start EC in January so that means Id take the CPNE probably the following January or even later, which means I will have over a year experience by then.

I think if I make a true effort to seek out as many learning experiences as possible, I will be prepared to not only take the test and pass, but to be competent as an RN, and no less competent than Id be as a new RN grad from any school. I just cant put my life on hold for as long as it would take to get in and finish a traditional program. Im also afraid life will get in the way if I dont go for my RN right away and the next thing you know Im one of those LPNs who intended to go back, but 10 years later it still hasnt happened. I also want to at least have my RN before I have kids. I would like to go on for my MSN, but if it doesnt happen, I would be happy that I at least accomplished that much. I dont think its going to make me less competent of a nurse that I went to EC sooner rather than later. Its my own responsibility to make sure I do what it takes to become a good nurse no matter where or when I go to school. When I get my RN Ill also make sure I go somewhere where they have an extensive orientation/preceptorship for their RNs. That was my plan no matter what.

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Specializes in ICU, PICC Nurse, Nursing Supervisor.

I do not agree with this at all. EMT's sure have more skills in emergency care but that is about it. LPN's have way more clinical and theory that they are responsible for. There is no way you can compare the hard and heavy year of med surg , pharm and all that other stuff I had to take to a 3 or 4 month course that a basic EMT is required to take. It dont even make sense.....

You might be surprised to know that those "short trained" EMT's have a pretty comparable knowledge base to that of an LPN and certainly have the assessment skills to back them up."
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I do not agree with this at all. EMT's sure have more skills in emergency care but that is about it. LPN's have way more clinical and theory that they are responsible for. There is no way you can compare the hard and heavy year of med surg , pharm and all that other stuff I had to take to a 3 or 4 month course that a basic EMT is required to take. It dont even make sense.....

What i find interesting..is that if CA had such a problem

with EC grads? Why did they not suspend them ASAP instead of providing a cutoff date? Also I find it interesting that many people on here have alot to say about EC grads working in CA and they don't live here!!! EC grads are not having a problem finding jobs here.

You might be surprised to know that those "short trained" EMT's have a pretty comparable knowledge base to that of an LPN and certainly have the assessment skills to back them up."
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Hey guys,

still enjoying the feedback. Im bummed that a couple of local schools with LPN to RN bridge came to talk to my class, and there isnt any way possible of getting in for 1.5 to 2 years even if u already took the pre reqs (which I have, except micro and a&p 2). So that puts me 2.5 to 3 years from my RN and thats just not an amount of time Im willing to wait. So I guess my plan is going to be get a job in sub acute care, and work agency on the side to get as much experience as possible. I will probably start EC in January so that means Id take the CPNE probably the following January or even later, which means I will have over a year experience by then.

I think if I make a true effort to seek out as many learning experiences as possible, I will be prepared to not only take the test and pass, but to be competent as an RN, and no less competent than Id be as a new RN grad from any school. I just cant put my life on hold for as long as it would take to get in and finish a traditional program. Im also afraid life will get in the way if I dont go for my RN right away and the next thing you know Im one of those LPNs who intended to go back, but 10 years later it still hasnt happened. I also want to at least have my RN before I have kids. I would like to go on for my MSN, but if it doesnt happen, I would be happy that I at least accomplished that much. I dont think its going to make me less competent of a nurse that I went to EC sooner rather than later. Its my own responsibility to make sure I do what it takes to become a good nurse no matter where or when I go to school. When I get my RN Ill also make sure I go somewhere where they have an extensive orientation/preceptorship for their RNs. That was my plan no matter what.

luv4nursing,

I am in the same situation. I finish my LPN in December and have been looking into both EC and the local LPN to RN programs to complete my degree. I have also been following this thread since it started. All I can say to many of the opinions and comments that have been posted is that when it comes to separating the good nurses from poor nurses the line is not drawn over where or how they got their RN, it is a matter of their character, devotion, and their ability to apply what they have learned to a real life situation.

You and I know ourselves. I know that I am not going to allow the doubtful to discourage me from my educational path. I plan to move forward and become physical evidence that it can be done and done well. The only group I will be seeking approval from is the Florida Board of Nursing and as of today they are willing to allow me and any other LPN the opportunity to succeed in their nursing educational goals through EC.

Cheri :)

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luv4nursing,

I am in the same situation. I finish my LPN in December and have been looking into both EC and the local LPN to RN programs to complete my degree. I have also been following this thread since it started. All I can say to many of the opinions and comments that have been posted is that when it comes to separating the good nurses from poor nurses the line is not drawn over where or how they got their RN, it is a matter of their character, devotion, and their ability to apply what they have learned to a real life situation.

You and I know ourselves. I know that I am not going to allow the doubtful to discourage me from my educational path. I plan to move forward and become physical evidence that it can be done and done well. The only group I will be seeking approval from is the Florida Board of Nursing and as of today they are willing to allow me and any other LPN the opportunity to succeed in their nursing educational goals through EC.

Cheri :)

Yes, but you must also realize when going this route that other states besides California are preparing to take a stand--Colorado being one of them. If you are one to move around then this probably isn't the program for you.

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Yes, but you must also realize when going this route that other states besides California are preparing to take a stand--Colorado being one of them. If you are one to move around then this probably isn't the program for you.

As I mentioned I have researched EC and have stayed up-to-date on this forum. I am well informed of the issue.

Thank you,

Cheri :)

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As I mentioned I have researched EC and have stayed up-to-date on this forum. I am well informed of the issue.

Thank you,

Cheri :)

We are both from Orlando, so you may find this of some interest...while working at ORMC one of the clinical instructors from Seminole community college approached me because she had always heard students say they would just go to EC if they were flunking--she said I was the first she had known to actually make it through the program. She said that unfortunely EC is viewed as a way for students who are flunking traditional schools to get a degree in nursing. I went to the new grad night ORMC held back in March and didn't receive one call back--the nurse manager at Arnold Palmer was somewhat skeptical about my credentials going the EC route...and I have 10+ years experience with peds. I even had a wonderful reference from my pediatric job that I worked at for the past five years. I did however obtain employment at ORMC but rather through "contacts" and not in the area of my choice, but rather an area they had several vacancies. I know you are keeping up with all this info but beware that even here in Orlando you will run into the "stigma." The board gives you the ok but it doesn't necessarily mean employers will think the same. I am fortunate to have done the program and my work has done nothing but give me great evaluations--but I wish I had just done a traditional program.

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Specializes in M/S, Foot Care, Rehab.
Haste makes waste, don't rush into it. I'm down on Excelsior right now, though they have tightened up their standards a little (it used to be any Tom Dick and Harry could get in their program, then when states started questioning this and one state banned their graduates altogether, they tried to save face, but they were a day late and a dollar short, I'm afraid) it they still allow people in the program they should not.

I am majorly opposed to a new LPN going through Excelsior. No amount of bookwork and theory classes can account for actual work experience, and this program is meant for those with experience. After being an LPN for 4 yrs. and then going through EC's program I can understand how it fits into place.

Also, if an LPN's skill level and knowledge base was that of an RN's there would be no distinction. Of course, you have exceptions. The best nurse I have ever seen is an LPN, but she has been working in many areas of care from the ER to OB for 25 yrs. It's a shame she did not further her education because while she has so much knowledge and such skill she does not have the options she would have had as an RN.

Also, I used to hear LPN's say "that RN didn't even know how to put in a catheter." Well, I'm sorry, but replacing a catheter or NG or PEG tube might be a *skill* but it's not exactly high tech, and these things can be learned in about 30 minutes. RN's spend a great deal of time on knowledge. But I can also see the point of argument for those who believe that all RN's should be required to become LPN's first. Each discipline is skilled in its own right.

True true true. I thought I knew so much when I got my LPN. Now after 1 1/2 years of science and prereqs for RN and just starting these new classes, it is very obvious that we are thinking at a whole different level. I feel like I really see the patient in a different light now, and know sooo much more what can go wrong and that I would be the one responsible when it did. It's not just memorizing steps for putting in a foley... I wouldn't go the short route either, you'll learn so much more in school and do a better job as a RN someday.

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Specializes in ICU, PICC Nurse, Nursing Supervisor.

i am not sure who this response is directed at, but i was commiting on the remark that someone made that emt's have just as much training/skills (by training not experience) than lvn's. i was not even talking about the ec issue.

what i find interesting..is that if ca had such a problem

with ec grads? why did they not suspend them asap instead of providing a cutoff date? also i find it interesting that many people on here have alot to say about ec grads working in ca and they don't live here!!! ec grads are not having a problem finding jobs here.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med/Surg, Tele, Peds, LDRP.
We are both from Orlando, so you may find this of some interest...while working at ORMC one of the clinical instructors from Seminole community college approached me because she had always heard students say they would just go to EC if they were flunking--she said I was the first she had known to actually make it through the program. She said that unfortunely EC is viewed as a way for students who are flunking traditional schools to get a degree in nursing. I went to the new grad night ORMC held back in March and didn't receive one call back--the nurse manager at Arnold Palmer was somewhat skeptical about my credentials going the EC route...and I have 10+ years experience with peds. I even had a wonderful reference from my pediatric job that I worked at for the past five years. I did however obtain employment at ORMC but rather through "contacts" and not in the area of my choice, but rather an area they had several vacancies. I know you are keeping up with all this info but beware that even here in Orlando you will run into the "stigma." The board gives you the ok but it doesn't necessarily mean employers will think the same. I am fortunate to have done the program and my work has done nothing but give me great evaluations--but I wish I had just done a traditional program.

I find this interesting and discouraging at the same time. How long have you been at ORMC? I have a friend who is an RN at ORMC and he says he knows several nurses who went to EC and didnt have a problem getting a job....but he is fairly new in the area so I wonder if its a matter of they are starting to have more of an open mind within the past year or two. Another thing I think will help decrease the stigma is Valencia revamping their RN-LPN bridge to totally online. They dont have many clinicals at all either. You can do 2 12 hr shifts every 3 months or something like that, and there is usually no clinical instructor there while u are at the hospital, so u are directly under your nurse. To me thats no different than gaining skills and experience working (for pay) as an LPN while I take the classes and prepare for the CPNE. So I think that if Valencia is respected as a program then EC should be as well.

I guess if it comes down to me pleading my case then so be it. I plan to go on to UCF eventually anyway and hope to get my BSN/MSN from them. Then at least maybe UCF would cancel out EC....lol. Ironically, UCF has an online option for their degree too, but I guess employers just like local schools for some reason. I see EC as a stepping stone, just like getting my LPN was a stepping stone. Its a means to an end, which will be my RN, BSN and hopefully MSN.

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I find this interesting and discouraging at the same time. How long have you been at ORMC? I have a friend who is an RN at ORMC and he says he knows several nurses who went to EC and didnt have a problem getting a job....but he is fairly new in the area so I wonder if its a matter of they are starting to have more of an open mind within the past year or two. Another thing I think will help decrease the stigma is Valencia revamping their RN-LPN bridge to totally online. They dont have many clinicals at all either. You can do 2 12 hr shifts every 3 months or something like that, and there is usually no clinical instructor there while u are at the hospital, so u are directly under your nurse. To me thats no different than gaining skills and experience working (for pay) as an LPN while I take the classes and prepare for the CPNE. So I think that if Valencia is respected as a program then EC should be as well.

I guess if it comes down to me pleading my case then so be it. I plan to go on to UCF eventually anyway and hope to get my BSN/MSN from them. Then at least maybe UCF would cancel out EC....lol. Ironically, UCF has an online option for their degree too, but I guess employers just like local schools for some reason. I see EC as a stepping stone, just like getting my LPN was a stepping stone. Its a means to an end, which will be my RN, BSN and hopefully MSN.

I really think the ORMC thing is dependent upon the nurse manager that you interview with. The first one I interviewed with was very skeptical. The next one that I went to went very well and she thought it was interesting...this was on a unit that is always hiring though and not really my best area of interest. I think once you have a year of RN hospital experience it will no longer matter. The initial hire is the hardest in my opinion. I must say this for EC, I was one of the only new grad RN's to pass their PBDS. I like you am planning to get my BSN from a state school and think that will make my credentials better. Do all the research you can and then weigh the options. This option even with all it's pitfalls, was the best option at the time for me. I took boards and passed with 75 questions on the first try. I had excellent reviews on my evaluations and great comments from my preceptors...Like another poster said, it is you and how you present and package yourself--not just the school you attended.

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Specializes in Med/Surg, Tele, Peds, LDRP.
I really think the ORMC thing is dependent upon the nurse manager that you interview with. The first one I interviewed with was very skeptical. The next one that I went to went very well and she thought it was interesting...this was on a unit that is always hiring though and not really my best area of interest. I think once you have a year of RN hospital experience it will no longer matter. The initial hire is the hardest in my opinion. I must say this for EC, I was one of the only new grad RN's to pass their PBDS. I like you am planning to get my BSN from a state school and think that will make my credentials better. Do all the research you can and then weigh the options. This option even with all it's pitfalls, was the best option at the time for me. I took boards and passed with 75 questions on the first try. I had excellent reviews on my evaluations and great comments from my preceptors...Like another poster said, it is you and how you present and package yourself--not just the school you attended.

very true :) thx for the input. Like you, even with the pitfalls, I think this may be the best option for me right now and Ill just have to have my future credentials and experience help me later on. In the meantime, luckily there are enough RN jobs that there should still be plenty who could care less where you went to school. You could have graduated from Walt Disney School of Nursing, and it wouldnt really matter....lol. Thats also another reason Im in a hurry to get my RN. There are so many more opportunities here for RNs than LPNs. I see 10 RN jobs for every 1 lpn job in the paper! thanks again and best of luck.

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