herbivorousRN

Congratulations,Lunah!! You continue to prove to the critics of Excelsior College that the program is,in fact, an excellent program that produces high caliber RNs. Well done!! I and your other fellow Excelsior alumni are very proud. Cheryl

Changeofpace, I am a "tad north of Tampa" myself! Great place to live and work, don't you agree?

Florida RN here... I was an LPN for 12 years before getting my ASN from Excelsior. I graduated in March 2007, and passed NCLEX-RN less than a month later. No problems whatsoever...with the Florida BON or with finding a job. I never regretted my decision to go the Excelsior route....and I recommend them wholeheartedly. Congratulations and best of luck to you!! Cheryl

A few years ago I worked at a SNF with an LPN that was OBVIOUSLY under the influence of narcotics. She would sometimes sit in a catatonic state at the nurses station, staring at the wall for an hour. She fell asleep STANDING AT HER MED CART on a couple of occasions. She fell asleep giving shift report, her narcotic drawer count was always off. When staff reported her to the DON---NUMEROUS complaints, by several different staff members---she would be sent home and she would be out for a few days. But she always came back, and the situation never changed. The DON would tell us that she had prescriptions for all the meds she was taking---and there were ALOT. (The nurse herself mentioned that she was on oxycontin,duragesic, and others.) I was under the impression that working as a nurse while under the influence of narcotics was ILLEGAL, regardless whether they were legally prescribed or not. This nurse was a danger to the 30 patients she was responsible for ,as well as to herself. She had a couple of car accidents leaving work because she "fell asleep" at the wheel at 3pm !!!! I and a few other employees considered going to the Florida BON because the DON was doing nothing, but we never did. I was so disgusted with the situation, I eventually left that SNF. A month ago, I happened to look at the obituaries in the local paper---and guess whose name was there? Yep---that very nurse. She was only 34 years old and left behind two young children. I can't help but feel a little responsible. If I had gone to the BON and reported her, I might have prevented it. I didn't want the hassle, and I chose to just walk away. And I regret it.

I am proud to be an Excelsior-educated RN, practicing in the great state of Florida. It takes ALOT of preparation, knowledge, skill, confidence,and commitment to earn a degree from Excelsior College. The Excelsior program turns out competent nurses----and, as evidenced by the fact that your inflammatory and ill-informed post has failed to incite us to treat you in any way but a polite and welcoming manner to this board, we are PROFFESSIONAL in every sense of the word as well !!!

I flew alone from Tampa to Plano in January 2007 for my CPNE. Everyone is different, but I focused so much better without anyone else there. As a "mom" to two rottweilers myself, I am tempted to tell you to bring Sweetpea along for the wonderful company she would no doubt provide......but I shudder to think what kind of damage a bored and lonely rottweiler could do to a hotel room while you are at the hospital testing !!!

I was an LPN for 12 years before graduating from Excelsior in March 2007. Since graduation, I have been working on a cardiac step-down unit at a Florida hospital. I am in a BSN program now at a state university. I am currently studying for the CCRN exam, then I will be transferring into open heart recovery and CVICU. I wholeheartedly recommend Excelsior College to anyone considering it.... they have made all my dreams a reality.

H-- hand wash I--- introduce self to patient N--name band check D--don gloves S--solution infusing I--- infusion rate T--- tubing E---examine site During the first 20 minutes, you must check pt ID, and if they have an IV (or tube feeding) you have to verify solution infusing, infusion rate,check tubing for kinks, and look at site to make sure it has no s/s infection or infiltration. DO IT AS SOON AS YOU ENTER THAT PT'S ROOM !! Your nerves are shot and the minutes tick away FAST. Above is the neumonic I used for my 20 minute check when I took (and passed) CPNE in Plano last January. God....can't believe it's been a year and a half ago!! I still remember it like yesterday) Good luck to you and everyone else here cheryl

Sue, So sorry to hear about your CPNE. I know how stressful that exam is...I took it in January 2007. By the grace of God, I passed it..but I still vividly remember the stress of those 2 and a half days in Plano. People cannot understand the stress level until they have taken that exam. But you HAVE taken it , so now you know EXACTLY what to expect the next time around. I know several people who didn't make it the first time they tested...but kicked @*$ when they went back for round two. You will, too !! Good luck and God Bless!!

It really wasn't bad because I already had all my prereq's done. (I had AA degree from a community college here in Florida). So I just had to do the nursing exams and the CPNE. I have nothing but WONDERFUL things to say about Excelsior...and I would encourage anyone to pursue a degree from them. I know about $$$ issues and time constraints, too. I also have 3 children. It can be done.... ! Good luck! I would be happy to answer any questions you may have.

Excelsior College is a wonderful option.....that is how I got my RN.

I agree with the above post. I do not support the idea of LPNs challenging the NCLEX-RN. Just because an individual has experience as an LPN,it does not equal the education that is received in that additional RN training. I feel qualified to speak on this matter as I was an LPN for 12 years before I got my RN. If you want the additional opportunities, salary, and responsibility that comes with RN liscensure, then go back to school.

Hi, I live in Pasco County, Florida....the county in which Wesley Chapel is. I am not an LPN now, but I worked as one in this area for 12 years before I got my RN from Excelsior in 2007. The jobs for LPNs are numerous here...primarily in nursing homes. The rate of pay will depend on your years of experience....but expect an hourly rate in the low 20's. You will like it here....I have lived here my whole life,and I never will move! Wesley Chapel is an area of HUGE growth in recent years....alot of opportunity. If I can be of any help to you during your transition here, please let me know. Good luck and welcome to Florida! Cheryl

While I do sympathize with your situation OP, I cannot help but take offense at your username on this website. It was my understanding when registering on AllNurses, an individual could not use a title like "RN" in their username if they were NOT legally licensed to do so.

Hi Melody! I graduated from Excelsior in March, and I just enrolled in the BSN program. I didn't go into the RN-MS program because I want to get my MSN and NP from the University of South Florida. ( I see you are from Florida,too!) I have nothing but praise for Excelsior College...and I am proud to be a graduate (with High Honors!!)