I'm fairly new to this site, being this is my 2nd post. I'm in a bind and any advice offered would be fully appreciated. I completed 3/4 semesters of an associate's nursing program but b/c I failed the final by a few points, I cannot progress to my last and final semester. So now I'm on a waiting list to get back in and repeat the course. But who knows how long I have to wait. This is why I'm asking what to do in the meantime instead of wasting a semester. I've considered:
1. Calling other nursing schools but I would have to start all over again and is a waste of time and money. That would be last option.
2. An expensive 11-month LPN program. But does this mean I going backwards? I know if I do very well, it will be easier to bridge to an LPN-RN program.
3. Excelsior Program: I've considered this because a) I have so many credits but no degree to show for it, & b) I qualify b/c I've completed 50% of the RN program. My main concern and fear is the CPNE. I've been reading the posts of students failing for not slowing down the IV push, not microwaving Jell-O. This is a very expensive exam and would hate to fail for any little thing. I've read the workshops are very helpful and the CDs/DVDs from former students are great too. Is it really possible to pass the CPNE with little training? I work as a nurse tech and have worked as a home health aide. The skills I know of are the ones taught in nursing school. Can someone please break down what was asked of you each day when you did the CPNE?
Not quite anywhere ... there are some states where you will never be able to work as an RN as an EC grad, and others have varying additional requirements:
I bought the recommended fundamentals previous ed for $10 on half.com,Medsurg($55) and already had the peds book. I recommend buying the mental health book. Buying the (some not all) books make it easier to follow the content guide but if you can't affort to buy the books, just make sure your books cover everything in the content guide. Good Luck!
I feel your pain about "regular classes"!!!!! Have been in the medical field for 15 years as a paramedic. Decided to try to get compensated for what medics can do and go to nursing school. Really got fed up with the B>S> and instructors who have been in the classroom too long, and are out of touch with reality. None of my classes were counted so I just buckled down and did all 8 theory exams in 4 months. What you do all depends on how bad you want this. If you have the ready cash, (no financial aid), and the drive to get thru, then this is for you. If you cannot motivate yourself, then go back to a brick-and-mortar school. This program is lonely, except for these types of message boards, you have no one to study with. Search your heart. Good luck.
Lunah, MSN, RN
14 Articles; 13,773 Posts
Not quite anywhere ... there are some states where you will never be able to work as an RN as an EC grad, and others have varying additional requirements:
http://www.istudysmart.com/content.asp?cid=70
However, do I regret doing EC? Nope. :)