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Discussion

Nursing Online

Hello!

My name is Ashley and I am new here. I'll give you a quick background:

When I first began college in 2004, I wanted to be a nurse. I completed my prerequisites and what are considered co-requisites in some states. I had a 3.85 nursing GPA. In my life, I have had a total of 8 years of experience working as a CNA: long term care, Alzheimer's, pediatric neuroscience/trauma, oncology and bone marrow transplant. I loved the field, but I hated, HATED being the pee-on CNA. I wanted to really use MY brain, not change bed pans. Due to some serious, unexpected life events, I changed my major in college and eventually earned my master's degree in another field.

Bottom line: I'm not happy and all I can do is think about going back to nursing school. Of course, I don't even have an LPN or an RN for that matter, and my CNA probably expired 7 years ago. I can't go the RN to BSN track online because like I said, I don't have an RN. The trouble is, my husband has a job that has required us to move 5 times in 5 years (4 different states). As you can probably see, it is difficult for me to set root in one place and go to nursing school face-to-face. I know that it is controversial, but are there options to at least take the theory-based classes online and then work out some kind of arrangement to complete practical, clinical experience at different hospitals in whatever area I may be living?

I'd be really grateful for any information that anyone could provide on this topic. I think the only way I'm going to get this out of my mind is to just go for it. I realize that nursing school, even at the community college level, is incredibly competitive right now. As a spiritual person however, I can't help but wonder if there is a reason why I am feeling this way.

Thanks for any help you can offer!

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    I've never heard of anyone being able to do what you are suggesting with the theory classes being done online....that doesn't mean it doesn't exist, but I haven't heard about it for someone who has no LPN or RN licensure.

    I would suggest that your best bet is to choose an accelerates BSN program. These usually last 12-18 months and are full-time. Hopefully your husband won't be transferred during that time, but if he is, you could stay behind a couple months and finish up your program before joining him.

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    • Author

    In my research, I am seeing that there are MSN direct entry programs that allow a student with a BA or MA (or equivalent) to enter a program from any field and earn both an MSN and an RN. I am not seeing any online options but am still looking. Thanks, Schnookimz, for your response. I had always planned on attending labs and clinicals face-to-face in some capacity... I just need to be able to do the bookwork from any given area at any given time. I do think that could be too much to ask in this hands-on field, however. :(

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    My thought is if you have family or friend that you could live with, do a ABSN program close to them. Once you finish then join your family wherever they are. It is not the most ideal situation but sometimes you have to do what you need to do for a short-term to pay off for the long-term.

    Only other alternative would be do a traditional LPN program and then do a program like Indiana State online LPN-BSN, which allows you to do classes online with clinicals in the state where you are living (if you live in a state that accepts their program).

    Indiana State University : Department of Baccalaureate Nursing Completion : LPN-BS

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    You may want to check out the possibility of the Excelsior College online nursing degree. It is probable that with your CNA experience that you would meet their acceptance requirements.

    [h=1][/h]Best of luck.

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    Excelsior College does offer an online, pre-licensure program that awards an associate's degree. But many states do not recognize the Excelsior program and will not permit you obtain a RN license until after you have worked in another state for 2000 hours or more (1 year full-time). If your husband relocates your family to a state that does not recognize Excelsior, you would be unable to get licensed.

    I would recommend taking the prerequiste classes now (A&P, micro, chemistry, etc.), and then applying for a community college program when you and your family think you will be in one place for at least 2 years.

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    Excelsior College is limited to currently licensed/practicing paramedics, LPN/LVN, certain military corpsman and registered respiratory therapists. 8 years CNA experience with a currently expired certification would not meet the admissions requirements for Excelsior College. See here: Admission Requirements for Associate Degree in Nursing Programs - excelsior.edu

    These are the states with additional requirements to be eligible for licensing as an RN. Some states will not accept the AS/AAS in nursing unless previously licensed/practicing as an LPN. State Board Requirements - excelsior.edu

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    Excelsior College is limited to currently licensed/practicing paramedics, LPN/LVN, certain military corpsman and registered respiratory therapists. 8 years CNA experience with a currently expired certification would not meet the admissions requirements for Excelsior College. See here: Admission Requirements for Associate Degree in Nursing Programs - excelsior.edu

    These are the states with additional requirements to be eligible for licensing as an RN. Some states will not accept the AS/AAS in nursing unless previously licensed/practicing as an LPN. State Board Requirements - excelsior.edu

    Thank you -- i knew there was a medical component requirement but wasn't sure of the specifics..

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    Hi guys Im new here and Im reading mostly all the post/comments here and it helps me a lot. thank y'all for sharing your thoughts.

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