Share you Deaconess Experiences!

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I've started looking into the Deaconess route for the LPN to RN program.

I'd appreciate it if anyone would share their experiences (good and bad) with Deaconess, even if you decided not to enroll... and why. What was the typical wait list like?

Thanks!

I graduated from EC 3 years ago and feel I got a very good education. You get out of it what you put into it. I did not use any "for-profit" study guides. I used the free EC study guides, purchased the texts suggested in the study guide through www.half.com. You don't have to get the current most expensive edition. Suppose they suggest the 12th edition, buy the 11th edition, the info is the same and the book is much, much cheaper. I passed each test with an A or a B. Courses took me anywhere from 6 weeks - 6 months to prepare for (A&P, Micro). My education cost me very little.

Know what you mean about the publishing comapny study guides. I haven't gone through any publishing companies and thank goodness, they will take you to the cleaners (and I have seen one of the study guides from Moore Publishing for A&P, it didn't tell you a thing you couldn't learn from the free study guide from Excelsior).

Since December '04 I have taken NC 1, 3, 4, A&P and Microbiology using nothing but the EC study guides and that may be a lot to take in a few weeks but I have managed to pass with a B on every one so far (taking NC 5 next week), which should tell you something about how thorough the EC study guides are. I prepared for A&P in two weeks and Microbiology in about 4 days...though I wouldn't suggest doing that if you want to keep your sanity, 5 minutes of my day didn't go by I wasn't studying in some form or another.

Anyhow, this isn't about Deaconess, sorry OP.

I would like to ask the OP why she doesn't consider Excelsior? Excelsior isn't a fly by night school with a terrible reputation or anything, and if you compare the cost to Deaconess you can't beat it.

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Been watching the debate here, and aren't EC and Deaconess just two different programs? As I understand, Deaconess you are actually instructed, and do clinicals, whereas EC you study on your own and take exams and then have a clinical test at the end.

Also, can't you enter Deaconess with no prior medical experience, whereas with EC you have to be an LPN or EMT?

Anyway, there are a lot of schools that cost less than Deaconess, and a lot that cost more, but the distance format is essential to some that can not do other programs. I am not doing either, but am doing all of my pre-reqs online, and can tell you, I am paying a bit more for that service and it is worth it to me. To each his own.

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i think deaconess is a great way to go for those that can not attend traditional college courses and have no clinical back ground. i really don't think it is tooo unreasonable considering that this college allows for most students to receive some kind of student aid. my husband received his bachelors degree from uf traditionally--talk about debt lol! uf is a state school--was it worth it? yes. learning is invaluable and what a great way to invest. i did ec because i have been an lpn for almost 10 years...had i not had experience in the field i would have highly considered deaconess. good luck to all deaconess students!!!! i have heard more positives than negatives about this nursing program.

kim

quote of attacking post removed.

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I really appreciate EVERYONE'S input on this topic (even the EC input).

My biggest reason for turning to Deaconess is the problems that Kansas is now having with EC and not being able to take the boards. I live on the Kansas-Missouri state line (about 3 miles from the KS line), so having the ability to practice in both Missouri and Kansas are important to me.

I have heard good things from those who've went the EC route, however I am concerned about what other states might follow Kansas. I would hate to invest time and money and have the floor drop out on me.

Back to Deaconess questions.... What is the clinical week like? I think I also heard something about needing to find a local site that would allow me to do clinicals..... anyone know anything about this? St. Louis is only about a 4 hours drive for me, so it's no issue to make the trip each semester.

Thanks to all of you! :)

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Locking this thread until posters cool off, and stop sniping at each other! :rolleyes:

Okay, thread has been edited and re-opened, and the guilty parties PM'd. Any further flames will result in its permanent locking. Please RESPECT EACH OTHER'S OPINIONS!!

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Hi, any replies yet on Kate930's questions re: Deaconess clinicals? Am interested to know too because I'm looking at Deaconess as a possibility. Thanks everybody.

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What is the clinical week like? I think I also heard something about needing to find a local site that would allow me to do clinicals..... anyone know anything about this?

kate930,

I have only attended the 1st semseter basic skills evaluation which is done in the lab. From what I have been told by my professors, the clinical validation week is completed at the end of semseters 2-6 (the LPN to RN students only complete semesters 4-6). During a 4 day weekend students demonstrate specific nursing skills at Forest Park Hospital (Deaconess is located on same campus). Students are given patient assignments and work on the floor as a group with their professor who follows them and checks off on their skills performed.

As far as your clinical hours during the semester, students are required to find a local facility for clinical practice unless they are close enough to St Louis to attend Deaconess's clinical practice at Forest Park Hospital. Deaconess establishes an affiliate contract with the facility you find willing to provide you with precepted instruction. Because you are considering the LPN to RN program you would be required to complete ~72 hours of clinical practice time per semester (for three semesters).

I hope this is helpful.

Cheri

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kate930,

I have only attended the 1st semseter basic skills evaluation which is done in the lab. From what I have been told by my professors, the clinical validation week is completed at the end of semseters 2-6 (the LPN to RN students only complete semesters 4-6). During a 4 day weekend students demonstrate specific nursing skills at Forest Park Hospital (Deaconess is located on same campus). Students are given patient assignments and work on the floor as a group with their professor who follows them and checks off on their skills performed.

As far as your clinical hours during the semester, students are required to find a local facility for clinical practice unless they are close enough to St Louis to attend Deaconess's clinical practice at Forest Park Hospital. Deaconess establishes an affiliate contract with the facility you find willing to provide you with precepted instruction. Because you are considering the LPN to RN program you would be required to complete ~72 hours of clinical practice time per semester (for three semesters).

I hope this is helpful.

Cheri

Hi, another question. Do you take your pre reqs at Deaconess also or somewhere else (for thr LPN to RN program)?

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Specializes in Child/Adolescent Mental Health.
Hi another question. Do you take your pre reqs at Deaconess also or somewhere else (for thr LPN to RN program)?[/quote']

You can take your prereq's elsewhere. Usually this is no problem. However, one thing I will stress is to always get approval from them in regards to what to take, etc.

Good Luck

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Hi another question. Do you take your pre reqs at Deaconess also or somewhere else (for thr LPN to RN program)?[/quote']

I have taken prereqs through my local CC. The only one I had to do through Deaconess (actually through their affiliate Fontebonne) was Interpersonal Communication, this one can is difficult to find an equivalent for so most everyone takes it through Deaconess.

I am doing the full ASN program as I am not an LPN, but the prereqs are the same except that LPNs do not have to take Nutrition and Developmental Psych as these are part of the credits awarded to LPNs based on their licensure.

Cheri

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You can take your prereq's elsewhere. Usually this is no problem. However, one thing I will stress is to always get approval from them in regards to what to take, etc.

Good Luck

Most credits qualify for transfer but always verify transfer eligibility before starting any new courses...just to be on the safe side...(especially on the sciences)

Cheri

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Hi Kate,

I would be happy to share my experiences with DCN. I am pretty happy with the program. The instructors are great and I am learning a lot. Currently, I am in my 4 semester and I will graduate in Dec 05. The pros of this program would be the online format/delivery and the autonomy that it provides. The cons are that communication could be better and the traveling to St Louis each semester.

If your interested, go for it. I think that the other poster who said that the waiting list is much shorter for the LPN is correct.

Feel free to pm me for more info and good luck in whatever you decide. :)

Hi Mona, I am in my second semester at Deaconess. I am complete maternal/child and peds this semester. What state do you live in and where are you completing your clinicals? I am having a hard time finding facilities for my preceptor. Did you also take courses during the summer semester?

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