kate930

I went to Concorde in KC for my LPN, graduated in 2005. I did see on their website the other day that they now have an RN program. I will tell you... OMG it was tough both mentally and emotionally. Every single person in my graduating class (8 of us) passed the NCLEX on the 1st try. However, having said that... I think we started out with 28ish.... and only 8 of those original 28 graduated on time with us. There were a few that dropped out temporarily and came back with the next class. I haven't kept in touch with anyone, so I'm not sure how many more that dropped from my class came back and finished. Those that did not come back to finish, and were dropped, had this happen only because they did not apply themselves to the program 100%. You need to be prepared to give up almost everything, 7 days a week, for about 13 months. 3 of those 8 that graduated with us were accepted right away into Park University's bridge program. 3 tested and competed for the limited seats at Park's bridge program, and 3 were accepted. Rain, snow, sleet or heart attacks.... you went to school. I say heart attacks because my husband had a mild heart attack about halfway through the program and I did not miss a day of school. (we also had a guy in our class who had a heart attack about 1/3 of the way through and needed a bypass.... he came back with a later class to finish) Two days after he had a heart attack and was still at St. Luke's, I had clinicals.... you cannot miss clinical! While they instructors would have been understanding about my situation, they do not bend the rules. I was offered their sympathy (and hugs) and was told that they understood if I needed to drop and pick up in a few months with the next class. I decided to just make the best of the situation and work through it. Thankfully, my husband wasn't in serious condition and only needed an angiogram. He was out of the hospital in only 3 days. This is probably more than you were wanting to know.... but, just know that this is a no nonsense program at Concorde. Even though I *almost* hated every day ... their program is good and I was definitely prepared for the NCLEX and the workplace. If I still lived in the KC area and trying to bridge, I would definitely consider going back to Concorde. Oh, one last tidbit.... I can't remember the exact cost.... but the LPN program was about $15,000.

Oh how frustrating and disheartening! Sorry this has happened. I appreciate you posting about your experience. It just seems like they should have an option that you could accept the first available testing date at any and all testing sites, if that was your preference. I know that students can choose to receive last minute dates in case someone drops.... it just seems like the same concept could apply for all testing sites and not just one when applying for the CPNE. Well, hopefully all this will quickly be forgotten for you when you hear you've passed the CPNE! Best wishes and lots of luck!

It's been a while since this thread was originally started and I was curious if anyone had looked into their program and what kind of information you received. I did just look around their website and they still have the "openings" on their website, so I called the nurse recruiters and left a voicemail asking them to call me back. I'll post what I learn and let ya'll know :) Oh.... I live in North Carolina. Just thought I'd mention this since I'd be looking at the online program, and just in case anyone else was in a similar boat as me :)

Thanks for all the replies :)

Is there a list that shows what states are ok with EC as well as any other relevent information concerning each state? We are a military family and knowing what states have EC obstacles would be good to know before I jump in the water. Thanks!

Thank you all for the kind words and the congrats! I wish all of you who are waiting for results or waiting to test, the absolute best!!!! Well, this means on Monday I will be job searching and sending in my application for EC!! I'm so nervous about going out looking for a job. Keep your fingers crossed for me! I'd really like a M/S job 2 to 3 shifts a week (12's). kate930, LPN

i Passed!!!!!!!!!

Thanks for replying. It is hard not to get fixated on the number though!!!! I didn't think that I'd be able to check since the letter I received from Pearson-Vue said that I'd be able to get results in Two Business Days. However, I will try!!!

Anyone know of someone who failed with only 5 questions???? I took my exam today. Holy cow! I do not feel like I was prepared, but the computer shut off at 85 questions. I wasn't even thinking when I scheduled my exam for a Thursday... the two wait will be until Monday for me. Keep your fingers crossed for me!!!

I went into preterm with triplets at 22 weeks. They were able to stop my labor with Mag, and the decided to try a switch to Nifedipine. Because the contractions had stopped with the Mag, the Nifedipine kept them from restarting for a couple more weeks. Then they tried Terbutaline. Finally after the Terbutaline stopped working, they switched me back to Mag. From what I understand (and it's been 4 1/2 years since this happened), I think they consider Mag to be the big guns and the Nifedipine to just be the pea-shooter. I think they just use what they need to until things require a stronger or weaker med. We were able to hold off delivery until 27 weeks 6 days. Good luck! I'll be thinking good thoughts for you two!

I believe they are mostly members of the Kingman family. (or something close to that)O

I graduate LPN school in 52 days!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Anyhow, I'm seriously considering going the Excelsior route now that Kansas SBN has made a "friendlier" ruling on Excelsior students. So, anyhow..... I'm interested in seeing if there is a Kansas City Excelsior study group or if there are any EC students from KC interested in starting one. Let me know.... cause I want to keep moving while I got the studying momentum!

What is the admissions process like for Excelsior? Time frame, etc. Just curious if anyone has heard of someone, who's an LPN, NOT getting into Excelsior.

I gave birth at Tripler Army Medical Center in 1990. Sadly, everyone calls it Crippler. Having had two other births at two other hospitals, I would say, without hesitation, the medical and nursing care was substandard, and I would never have another baby there. Nor would I go there for any other kind of treatment. I have heard numerous horror stories over the years about Tripler (thankfully, none as bad as this one).

I've seen the advertisement on here for The College Network for those who want to go LPN to RN. Whenever I click on the link, I get a info form so they can contact me if I have questions. I'd prefer not to give out my personal info to College Network until I know more. Anyone have any info or experience with them? Thanks!

Any one care for some dip????? :-) I am actively looking into going the Deaconess route, and really appreciate everyone's input. Anyone have any suggestions on how they secured their clinical site?

I graduate in May and know that there is a new format for the NCLEX that will be started in April of this year. Has anyone found good study guides/courses that are specifically designed for the new format? We are at a loss. We have not had any help in starting to focus in this direction, nor have we started testing in the new format way. We're really concerned and would like to be prepared when we graduate in May. Any help would be GREATLY appreciated!!!

I really appreciate EVERYONE'S input on this topic (even the EC input). My biggest reason for turning to Deaconess is the problems that Kansas is now having with EC and not being able to take the boards. I live on the Kansas-Missouri state line (about 3 miles from the KS line), so having the ability to practice in both Missouri and Kansas are important to me. I have heard good things from those who've went the EC route, however I am concerned about what other states might follow Kansas. I would hate to invest time and money and have the floor drop out on me. Back to Deaconess questions.... What is the clinical week like? I think I also heard something about needing to find a local site that would allow me to do clinicals..... anyone know anything about this? St. Louis is only about a 4 hours drive for me, so it's no issue to make the trip each semester. Thanks to all of you! :)

I've started looking into the Deaconess route for the LPN to RN program. I'd appreciate it if anyone would share their experiences (good and bad) with Deaconess, even if you decided not to enroll... and why. What was the typical wait list like? Thanks!

Thank you for taking the time to reply!!! :) Our textbook shows a chart with various diagnostic tests. All three (PT, PTT, and APTT) are shown, as well as their lab values. For the tests PTT and APTT, it does say they are the same, however it shows different normal lab values for APTT and PTT (not to be confused with PT). I guess I'm trying to figure out that since PTT and APTT are the same test, why are the normal lab values different, and what would any (if any) differences there are????? Oh the joys of being a nursing student!!!! :chuckle Thanks again!!!!!!

Other than the normal values, what is the difference between the APTT and the PTT? Since the lab values are difference, I would "assume" that there has to be some different between the two, other than the name. All I find is that PTT is also called APTT, however, this really confuses me since their normal values are very different. What would you use one for, but not the other? Thanks! :)

I believe it's called copyright infringment. I believe it's punishable, first offense, $200,000 fine and/or 7 years imprisonment. I've seen this happen at my own school. I've heard some instructors brush it off saying it's "for educational purposes" it's ok. That's not true, especially since the school (and the instructor's job) are financially benefitting from their "stealing" of the material. By us paying tuition and the instructor recieving pay, they are "stealing", plain and simple, and it is copyright infringement.

I would find out who his SNCOIC (a 1st Sgt, MSgt... or whomever) is and make an appointment to see him. There is no reason for his behavior, nor his unprofessional conduct. I can guarantee you that the AFR does not want him out there behaving this way. My husband has been an active duty Marine for 20 years. While the military has been a good life for us, there have been many frustrating times. Your first few years in the AFR, you will not make as much as an LVN, however, the benefits (medical, GI Bill, etc) are unbeatable. If your desire is to join, don't let this yahoo ruin a good opportunity for you. Right now, the Air Force is way under quota for recruits... this guy might be stressing to make his monthly quota, and feels like he needs to use a different approach. Or he could just be a jerk. Regardless, take the path YOU want. Call a recruiter in a different area and tell him of your history with your present recruiter. Good luck!

About 2 years ago, my husband and I were sitting in church and realized that a couple we usually sat near, weren't there. We knew she was pregnant and due any day, so we were curious. About that time, someone walked into the chapel and told my husband he had an emergency phone call. Apparently, she went intot labor, and her husband (who is a Marine) was in the "field" and couldn't be located. She needed a ride to the hospital. So, my husband and I rushed to pick her up. When we arrived at the L&D, our nurse was one of the men in our church's leadership. The doctor.... was a member of another congregation (same type of church as ours). We all knew each other, and even without her husband there, it was such a wonderful experience!!! After she delivered, the male nurse also turned out to be in charge of teaching the new mothers how to nurse!!!! In one section of the hallway, was a very large bulletin board that highlighted the LDRP nursing staff. One whole section had pictures of some regional conference on how this male nurse had started some widely used breastfeeding classes and support network!!!!

I worked at Southeast Hospital in Cape Girardeau, MO in December of 1988 when Lifebeat crashed. Lifebeat was from St. Joseph hospital, but from the same town. Being a small town, everyone kinda knew everyone at the "other" hospital. I was on the 7p to 7a shift in our SICU, when the news hit. Apparently, they were trying to land at the small airport, and clipped a power line. My roommate (who later became my sister-in-law), at the time, was just telling the story (again) how the Flight Therapist had come over to our hospital earlier in the day to draw a Christmas greeting on the Respiratory Therapy chalk board. Still incredibly sad when we stop to think about this.