Newsflash

mona b RN, BSN, RN · Nov 28, 2004

No one comes out of nursing school - any nursing school - completely confident in all aspects of the job. My wife didn't - and she did a traditional program. I didn't - and I did EC. But my Orientation to the ER and her Orientation to the ICU did it for both of us.
If you want a clinical component, take the workshops. If three days isn't enough for you, try the week-long one in Salt Lake City.
Just remember, you're not going to be an expert in the job on day one.
Chip

Yes, I agree that the workshops would probably be very helpful. :) I would think that it would be a good way, although not the only way, to prepare for the cpne.

chris_at_lucas_RN, RN · Nov 28, 2004

I would be the last person to knock DL . I'm not quite sure where in my post that you thought that I was insinuating DL is wrong or that I don't want to learn by distance. All I am saying is that it wouldn't be such a bad idea to incorporate a clinical in EC's program. For this you think my suggestion of a hands on clinical is "ludicrous". Seems a bit strong to me. Actually, I am a little nervous about the cpne and was really just commenting on how a hands on clinical would maybe alleviate some of the fear associated with the cpne.

mona b, let me apologize, here, publicly. I did not mean to insult you. My intention was to point out what I thought was being overlooked: that if you want distance learning, then accept distance learning for what it is, distance learning. We can get clinical instruction the same way we get our academics--by finding it in the world, rather than being required to show up in a lab or to clinicals.

I love clinicals when I went to the trad school that first year, but honestly, I didn't learn much. I prepared a lot, I was probably near the top of my class in terms of nursing skills, patient care, having the right attitude and not ticking off the instructors or the hospital staff where we rotated. BUT there wasn't a thing I couldn't have gotten (except maybe careplanning, which you can get in the two day CPNE workshop EC puts on) elsewhere.

I just think, distance is distance and traditional is traditional. If I am looking for a diamond, I'll be disappointed if I'm sorting through rubies wishing they were more diamond-like.

Now, about the CPNE--when you look over the "critical elements" description in the CPNE study guide, you will see the general topics of various skills also mentioned. Look those skills up in a good skills book. If you haven't done them, get with an RN or LPN, or someone who has at least completed their CPNE, and go over them. Granted, it doesn't equal the opportunity afforded by regular clinicals, but it should be sufficient. When you look at that stuff, you'll see what I mean. I hope you'll email or PM me (or another EC grad) when you get to that point, because we can be helpful too.

And like somebody said, further down the thread, no new grad is proficient or competent, regardless of their style of nursing school. (I would tend to shy away from the "program" in Salt Lake City, however; last I talked with them, they had no nurses on their staff, just one on contract who looked over some of their study materials for the NC exams. I hear very good things about Indiana, and I attended the EC three day thing, which was priced right, presented by people who have actually administered the CPNE, and, IMHO, was absolutely excellent.)

Again, I apologize for having offended you with my choice of a strong word.

mona b RN, BSN, RN · Nov 28, 2004

mona b, let me apologize, here, publicly. I did not mean to insult you. My intention was to point out what I thought was being overlooked: that if you want distance learning, then accept distance learning for what it is, distance learning. We can get clinical instruction the same way we get our academics--by finding it in the world, rather than being required to show up in a lab or to clinicals.
I love clinicals when I went to the trad school that first year, but honestly, I didn't learn much. I prepared a lot, I was probably near the top of my class in terms of nursing skills, patient care, having the right attitude and not ticking off the instructors or the hospital staff where we rotated. BUT there wasn't a thing I couldn't have gotten (except maybe careplanning, which you can get in the two day CPNE workshop EC puts on) elsewhere.
I just think, distance is distance and traditional is traditional. If I am looking for a diamond, I'll be disappointed if I'm sorting through rubies wishing they were more diamond-like.
Now, about the CPNE--when you look over the "critical elements" description in the CPNE study guide, you will see the general topics of various skills also mentioned. Look those skills up in a good skills book. If you haven't done them, get with an RN or LPN, or someone who has at least completed their CPNE, and go over them. Granted, it doesn't equal the opportunity afforded by regular clinicals, but it should be sufficient. When you look at that stuff, you'll see what I mean. I hope you'll email or PM me (or another EC grad) when you get to that point, because we can be helpful too.
And like somebody said, further down the thread, no new grad is proficient or competent, regardless of their style of nursing school. (I would tend to shy away from the "program" in Salt Lake City, however; last I talked with them, they had no nurses on their staff, just one on contract who looked over some of their study materials for the NC exams. I hear very good things about Indiana, and I attended the EC three day thing, which was priced right, presented by people who have actually administered the CPNE, and, IMHO, was absolutely excellent.)
Again, I apologize for having offended you with my choice of a strong word.

Thank You Chris. :)

FYI, I have saved all of your posts regarding EC. I think that you have tremendous input and advice that will surely help me(us) along in this academic undertaking and adventure.

chris_at_lucas_RN, RN · Nov 28, 2004

Thank You Chris. :)
FYI, I have saved all of your posts regarding EC. I think that you have tremendous input and advice that will surely help me(us) along in this academic undertaking and adventure.

Awwwww...... you make me blush!

Thanks!

SN3135 · Nov 29, 2004

Thanks for the information, I wonder if EC is working with any other states to do that such as WA have you heard?

Hey you guys, get a load of this...you know how some people rag on Excelsior because California will no longer accept their graduates? Well, they (EC) are now negotiating with California to have an externship at some of the junior colleges throughout California (like, an 80 hr. clinical) that will then fulfill the clinical requirement for California. So new EC grads you may be locked out of California now but just sit tight it shouldn't last for long. :balloons:

Jo Dirt · Nov 29, 2004

A representative for Washington state told me that they are very accomodating to EC grads and they have an externship program in place in Washington already.