Paramedic to RN via Excelsior?

CRNA2007 · Nov 13, 2007

I received my ASN through Excelsior (Regents College) as a paramedic

Are there any Paramedic to RN via Excelsior students on the board?
How long would you recommend someone practice as an medic befor trying for Excelsior?
What about the accelerated Paramedic programs? Would they be enough for skills work?

DutchgirlRN, ASN, RN · Nov 13, 2007

You will need to do some real study work to prep for the CPNE, the dreaded practical exam. If I were you I'd try to get an ED tech job somewhere. Those "nursing" skills like turning, ambulating and dressing changes are things that need to be practiced.

The dreaded CPNE is a "clinical" exam and you need to know much more than turning and ambulating. You must have a firm grasp on nursing skills and critical thinking. I don't think an ED tech job would be of any help.

Ronnie22 · Nov 13, 2007

Hi,

If you are still interested, I too am a paramedic taking the Excelsior nursing program. I have been a paramedic for 20 years on the streets, and worked in two E.D. Personally I believe you gain invaluable knowledge working in the E.D. that you can't get from the field, and you will need as you transition to a R.N. You can also bring some insight to the E.D. staff.

Good luck.

Editorial Team / Moderator · Nov 13, 2007

I'm also an Excelsior Student/Paramedic/ED Tech. :) I've learned so much by working in the ED, both from patient contact, observing, and from the nurses and docs I work with -- they love to teach!

I'm going to take a workshop to help me prepare for the CPNE. I'm also going to rope my coworkers into helping me practice stuff. I've submitted my application for the CPNE -- anticipating a test date of May or June.

taxifolia · Nov 13, 2007

I did this program 8 years ago when it was Regents, after 25 years as a Paramedic. I put a lot into it and did very well. including the CPNE, I did not attend their prep workshop, although I wanted to, it was very stressful, but I passed all of my stations first try and was the first person to complete. and I am a bit of a perfectionist which is both the good news/bad news here. I had no prior hospital experience. and maybe not enough knowledge about the culture of nursing for lack of a better way to put it.

I was hired immediatly at the first place I applied, a small rural hospital. without going into the long details everything seemed to be great until the other nurses found out that I had gone through Regents. I went from being great to being a new grad without support, a active preceptor or a teamwork environment. and the other nurses, I was told by the DON, just felt they were not sure they could count on me to pull my share when things got tight, and this was not because of errors in practice or lack of knowledge, but because I was just somehow different than they were used to. and maybe too independent. this is perhaps something an ex paramedic needs to watch. but it is serious. nursing is a teamwork environment, and you need to be able to work as a team member, I think you learn that "culture" and practice in nursing school, not in distance learning. and it did seem the harder I tried to worse it got. I was fired and devasted.

I tried to enter a re-entry program at a local community college to get additional training, even though I had a active license, they would not take me but would accept me to re-take the entire two year program.

In summary, while there are many sucess stories, in the context of nurses "eating" their young this degree and preparation does at least provide another opportunity. and some states will not license its graduates.

CraigB-RN, MSN, RN · Nov 15, 2007

Everyone is different. You have to look at YOUR skills and abilititied, the local job market and such when looking at programs. I've never had anyone even ask were I got my initial nursing education. They look at my resume and the 30 years I've been doing this and either hire me on the spot or tell me I'm to qualified. I've worked as a Director of Nursing as well as a staff nurse. All with a Paramedic education, (back in the days before AS programs) some military medic stuff and a bunch of EC (regents) exams.

I had payed attention while working as a medic, and learned to do things. I only had to scan the books before taking the exams. Did a test a month, and got through the CPNE the first try. (the only complaint was that I didn't wash my hands enough).

EC is doable, and it can get you in the door. I've also never had anyone question it while moving up the nursing education ladder.

Are there problems out there for EC grads, Yes there are, but I've also seen grad from Emory and Hopkins not be able to get a job were they wanted. So keep it all in perspective. Is it for everyone, deffintily not, do I recoment it to people, yes I do. I've helped at least 30 USAF Medics get their AAS through Regents/Excelsior over the years. Remember correct patient assessment is correct patient assessment no matter what the letter after you name are. Takeing the full time to assess bowel sounds is the correct way to do it.

I do recomend getting some inpatient time, one way or another. It can help in the confidence level.

As to the poster who got fired. Well I can come up with 3 peopel who were told, your kidding , you realy got a mail order degree, how did you get to be so good then. They are directors of large midwest flight services now.

Go for it, Take a test or two to see how you do and make the commitment. Just make sure you do all the homework before, ie were in the country you want to work, because there are a few programs out there that won't license an EC grad.

TexnMedic · Nov 15, 2007

I am a Paramedic. I am about to take the NC1 and Microbiology tests through EC. I am testing the week after Thanksgiving. I start NC3 on 12/06/07. Hopefully everything goes well and I finish by next year. I am doing NC1-NC7, Microbiology and A&P through EC. The rest of my pre reqs were done at a traditional college. I just dont have time for a traditional two year program.

DutchgirlRN, ASN, RN · Nov 15, 2007

I was told by the DON, just felt they were not sure they could count on me to pull my share when things got tight, and this was not because of errors in practice or lack of knowledge, but because I was just somehow different than they were used to. I was fired and devasted.

I also went to EC and graduated when it was Regents College. If the only reason you got fired was because you attended Regents/Excelsior then you should have reported the employer and contacted an attorney. That is against the law.

If your state accepts an Excelsior degree, allows you to sit for boards and you pass then you are an RN the same as any RN no matter where you/they went to school. I think being different than they were used to had to have more to do with you than where you went to school. Sorry, IMHO

CraigB-RN, MSN, RN · Nov 15, 2007

I also went to EC and graduated when it was Regents College. If the only reason you got fired was because you attended Regents/Excelsior then you should have reported the employer and contacted an attorney. That is against the law.
If your state accepts an Excelsior degree, allows you to sit for boards and you pass then you are an RN the same as any RN no matter where you/they went to school. I think being different than they were used to had to have more to do with you than where you went to school. Sorry, IMHO

Nope it's not illegal. Most states are "right to work" states and unless there is a union contract to the contrary can pretty much fire you for anything. Just not fitting in is as good as excuse as any.

In all these kind of post's I always assume that there is more information than we are getting. But then again I'm a cynic.

Medic/Nurse, BSN, RN · Nov 16, 2007

Do a "search" on this topic - there are volumes of info on this site and also on http://www.flightweb.com

================================================================

I did it.

I became a medic in 1994. My medic program was university degree based (one of the best in the US). I had high acuity field experience (aka "Street Medic") and some "tech" work in the hospital too. (It did help with the CPNE :) )

I started the EC exams in November finished in March and did the CPNE in December with the degree in February 2003. I had ALL the other classes from prior college credits - so I just had to do the nursing portion. I did not use any of the "publishing houses" (Chancellors, The College Network, Rue, etc - these add THOUSANDS to the cost of your degree and IMHO - are not necessary) to prepare. I did not buy any books - I borrowed a Fundamentals of Nursing text - reviewed the chapter summaries in areas I was "weak" in and then I WENT AND TOOK THE TESTS. It is easy to get "stuck" with this program IF you look at the volumes of reference. I think most paramedics that can function well in critical care areas AND have prior college AND are motivated generally do well.

I did 2 CPNE workshops - the EC one and Chancellors. Both were money well spent. Passed in straight PCS's and lab. I think the most important thing for most medics is to enter the CPNE without telling ANYONE that you are a medic. Like it or not - some folks have preconceived ideas about medics. :eek:

My advice:

• Do all the "other" classes necessary prior to the EC program.

• Register on the EC site - print the EC study guides.

• Register and takes any nursing exams that you can PRIOR to enrollment in EC.

• Enroll in EC and be ready to take the exams ASAP (try and avoid the annual fee - this is charged if it takes you over a year to complete the program)

• Get a CPNE date ASAP - be willing to travel and be flexible.

• Take CPNE prep classes while waiting for your exam date.

• Take and PASS the CPNE.

• Get degree.

• Pass NCLEX.

• Go be a great nurse! Stay involved in EMS! Be wicked good at whatever you DO!

PM me if you have further ?'s.

Good LUCK.

Practice SAFE!

cpnegrad07 · Nov 19, 2007

boy, you just summed up my work life!! i was a Paramedic for 24 years, did very well with EC, and just got my first RN job. 2 months now and it has been rough. Getting better, tho. But all the points you made really hit home with me. In retrospect, i don't think EC and the Paramedic experience are enuf to get you ready for "floor nursing". Maybe some other kind, but i bet 90% of their grads are in it for the standard hosp. nurse positions.

So, how does your story end?

---W:uhoh3:

I did this program 8 years ago when it was Regents, after 25 years as a Paramedic. I put a lot into it and did very well. including the CPNE, I did not attend their prep workshop, although I wanted to, it was very stressful, but I passed all of my stations first try and was the first person to complete. and I am a bit of a perfectionist which is both the good news/bad news here. I had no prior hospital experience. and maybe not enough knowledge about the culture of nursing for lack of a better way to put it.
I was hired immediatly at the first place I applied, a small rural hospital. without going into the long details everything seemed to be great until the other nurses found out that I had gone through Regents. I went from being great to being a new grad without support, a active preceptor or a teamwork environment. and the other nurses, I was told by the DON, just felt they were not sure they could count on me to pull my share when things got tight, and this was not because of errors in practice or lack of knowledge, but because I was just somehow different than they were used to. and maybe too independent. this is perhaps something an ex paramedic needs to watch. but it is serious. nursing is a teamwork environment, and you need to be able to work as a team member, I think you learn that "culture" and practice in nursing school, not in distance learning. and it did seem the harder I tried to worse it got. I was fired and devasted.
I tried to enter a re-entry program at a local community college to get additional training, even though I had a active license, they would not take me but would accept me to re-take the entire two year program.
In summary, while there are many sucess stories, in the context of nurses "eating" their young this degree and preparation does at least provide another opportunity. and some states will not license its graduates.

taxifolia · Nov 22, 2007

I now work in a clinic, find it more rewarding than I expected, others seem impressed with my knowledge, I avoid discussions with co-workers that could go to nursing school (of course it was on my application).