ID-SRNA

Lilia... That is a pretty broad brush you used to describe all of the graduates coming out of a program. There will always be students who fail to impress but they cant be described as representative of every classmate. I have inadequate students in my program as I am sure you had in yours. We would both take issue if someone tried to describe us as inept or "snobbish" based on an experience with other classmates. Any school or any program is what you make of it. I hope you can proctor a student who changes your mind.

I think most admission committees appreciate unique experience and education that some applicants have. It sets them apart. There are other paramedics in my program as well as NP's, and RT's. It wont be the thing that gets you in the program but it helps, IMO.

While some may disagree with this logic, now that you are in nursing school and as you transition to your first RN position, my advice is to keep your ambitions to yourself. There is alot of animosity out there towards those who know exactly what they want from those who do not or can not. Plus, if along the road you suffer some disappointment in applying to any programs, you dont give those people an opportunity to say "told you so". You will run across nurses who consider themselves very big fish but give no consideration to the very small pond in which they live. They won't or can't take the next step and have an opinion on why you shouldn't or can't as well. Now for the advice you really didnt want. Grades and Experience will get you an interview. So, right now, that should be your focus. The other will come in time.

There are still alot of people out there who have a hard time understanding, not to mention accepting EC. The advice I can give is dont let people out there undermine what you have worked hard for so long. When I was interviewing for my Masters program, I obsessed about how I would answer those inevitable Excelsior College questions. Those questions never came and I got a slot in school that many people wanted. There is definite value in an EC degree. If a person understands how difficult it can be and the self motivation it takes, then they get an accurate measure of that person. If you happen to run across someone who sees it as a disadvantage, move on. There are plenty of people out there that know what it took to get that degree. Dont ever see yourself as anything other than competitive. I am almost done and it all started with that "mail order" degree.

Well said.

It must be inconceivable to the various BON's that an Excelsior Graduate can pass the NCLEX with the minimum number of questions. Congratulations.

There is no reason that an individual couldn't become a successful RN by attending Excelsior College. A negative experience with a graduate of any program should not be used to characterize all that have or may choose to attend EC in the future. Any education is as only as good as the amount of effort a person puts into it. Excelsior, without doubt, has put out sub-par graduates but name a university or community college that has not. People do not trust what they don't fully understand.

I had just the opposite experience. When I talked to two different, large universities they said they required the ASN to come from a accredited instituion which it does and secondly, was to have an unencumbered RN license. I had a BSN 4 semesters later.

Just a personal observation, it seems that EC grads are more common in certain areas of the country than others. For instance, when I finished EC I moved into the ED where there were several EC grads and the nurse manager had no hesitation in hiring me. Later, I moved back to the southeast US and found myself in a unique situation. Many there had never heard of EC and didnt really know how to respond when I tried to explain what it meant to accomplish the program and that it wasnt some "mail order outfit". Ultimately, the fact that I had previous nursing experience weighed heavier than my clinical education and I got a job in a very high acuity ICU. The moral of the story is those bumps that you might experience trying to get your foot in the door won't follow you long term. Once you develop a work history and prove yourself a competent RN then any hesitation they might have regarding this unique program will be quickly erased. Good luck. You will find a job that is a perfect fit.

Actually, some places will interview you if you are in the process of completing your BSN. I do know of a couple of individuals who letter of acceptance came with the condition that their BSN would be completed before the program started. So it is possible in some programs. It should be noted though that the nurses that received this invitation had several years of experience and were good candidates. So it is possible. Just my experience. G.

Thank you Elkpark. This was exactly the answer I was seeking. I also appreciate your answer without condescension. The reason for the original question was simply intrigue. I did not ask it hoping someone would give me direction as if it applied to me. It does not. My EC degree came well before the "grandfather" date the CA BON required. I only wanted to know how strong a stance the BON has taken regarding EC and I appreciate you sharing what you know. On a different note. I think the same courtesies should be shown here as they should be shown personally or clinically. It is not conducive to learning to make a person uncomfortable to ask a question or seek an answer for fear of belittlement. I dont feel an orientee or coworker should be treated that way nor an anonymous person who asks a simple answer to a simple question on a internet bulletin board. A less thick-skinned person could be hesitant to seek an answer to a sincere question and that is unfortunate.

Hi guys. I have a question. I am well aware of the ongoing tension between Excelsior College and the California Board of Nursing. I am also aware of the deadline the BON provided for grandfathering EC grads. My question is this. Are there any CA RN's out there that received their initial licensure through EC after the deadline and then continued their education (ie. BSN or APN) and still had difficulties aquiring licensure even after receiving additional education? Now it is not necessary to state the obvious that I should call the BON. I dont have the interest in making a dozen phone calls to a dozen people before actually talking to someone who has the authority to render an opinion. I am really just interested if any one has an experience similiar to this and their interactions with the CA BON. Thanks

Unnecessary.I am not asking for an answer that could encompass every unique and individual variable. I am intrigued as to if there was an EC grad who completed a BSN a more traditional way and continued to have issues with the CA BON? I only used my circumstances to try to provide clarification on the question I was trying to ask. Isn't the purpose of this board to ask and receive informal answers to informal questions?

I have had my share of difficulties with individual Boards of Nursing regarding EC licensure, also. In this case, I am completely comfortable with "heresay". I was only curious if someone whos associates degree nursing foundation was EC would have difficulty with the CA BON even if they had completed a more "traditional" BSN program? That is a legitamite question that some on this board may be qualified to answer. I understand the unique circumstances of individuals but a general answer to this question would satisfy the original reason for the post, curiosity.

Eric.... Is this to say that if I had not have finished EC prior the December 2003 deadline then I would not have been able to practice either as an RN since completing a BSN from a "brick and mortar" school or as an APN when I finish anesthesia school? I was certain that continued education and experience would erase any hesitation the CA BON would have on the issue. This was only an assumption and I must say I am not interested enough in working in CA to go through the hassle of calling them to find out. I am sure someone here would have the answer for the sake of curiosity.