tonimoss14

Hey know this might be a shot in the dark and from the looks of the date I'll be glad if you remember.... but my microbiology professor just gave me the exact same case study. I'm 99% sure it is Syphilis but this particular instructor gets tricky. If you could recall what the results were that would be great!!!

I haven't looked further into the prep classes for the CPNE( as I don't have all the test complete yet) but did read that there are weekend workshops to prepare you for the CPNE. If you don't pass on the 3rd attempt they refund you the cost of the class. I know it's an added expense but if it keeps you from having to take it twice it could save money!! Has anyone done the prep classes?? And I do agree with the others that this program is for peoe who are already comfortable in the clinical setting.

Thank you so much for the input. I have checked with the FBON and they do accept EC for direct liscensure. What other issues where you referring to as in down the road? BSN? I'm actually just looking to do nursing perdeum until I retire the fire department (11 more years) then look to do travel nursing! I feel as though , eventhough more structured, either option is a fully online program regarding the academics ( my "regular " program is also full on line except for clinicals weekly )! I guess it's just hard decision to make when there is an easy way out through EC. And by no means do I mean it's and easy program just would be easier for scheduling! Thanks again for you input it really does help:)

Lunah RN congrats on your graduation from EC!! I also see that you were a PM for 7 years prior?? I'm in that same boat now and would like a little advise. I am currently accepted into a regular "brick and mortar" school (as they say) and scheduled to start their online program in January 2011. The class work is on line with only 1-2 clinical days a week. I currently work as a FF/PM and have been a PM for 6 years. It would be difficult for me to constantly get time swaps for the clinical's (when it falls on my shift) and I've heard the instructors in nursing school take attendance very seriously!! Did you feel EC was a good program that prepared you for nursing position adequately? I feel as though I do well with self discipline and motivation to get the classes done but wanted to get your take on the program. Thanks for any advise or help you can offer:)))

I am a firefighter/ PM starting the RN program at Excelsior. My department has used Concentra for the past few years for our annual physicals. They are great with the physicals and seem to have a good working atmosphere. I did strike up a conversation with one of the tech last time I was in and she said she loved working there. She said it gave her great flexibility because they allow you to transfer between states fairly easy. It was an urgent care facility and an occupational health center as well. Hopefully this will help some what!

Thank you for that advise as well! I was able to defer my seat in the traditional program for a semester. This will allow me to start EC and have a fall back if for some reason I don't like it! I really excel at self study and have feel I have great motivation! Being a PM will help but I'm sure like everyone else the cpne will be challenging but not impossible:) thanks again and I'm sure I'll be posting updates in the future:-)

That's great!!! Congrats and good luck!!! I've made up my mind I'm definitely going to go to EC! Did you take micro prior to taking the nursing classes? Did you take micro with EC? I really excited about the program and the fact I don't have to put my life on hold for 2 years! I'm expecting to study hard but at least it's at my pace and not being bored in some classroom!!!! Thanks for all the advise:)

That's great congrats on completing the program! I'm 99% sure I'll be starting soon:) Have you heard of or did you experience any difficulties getting a job with the EC ADN? Just the fact that I work shift schedule and do have free time to really put time into the program to complete it asap! Did you find the free material was sufficent or did you need the actual RN books? Thank you soo much for all your input it is really helping me make a confident decision:-)

Thank you so much for the advise it really helps. This is only such a big decision for me because I already have been accepted into an mostly online program with a local college. The online is great but clinicals are still required and very time consuming. I feel as though EC would work beter for me because I have been a working paramedic for 8 years and have some base knowledge and clinical skills. In the past I have done well with self study but do understand this program will be very hard!!! Did you find a difference getting or applying for a job with the ADN from EC as apposed to a "traditional" program? This is my final deciding factor!! Thank you so much for all your advise and no you didn't sound discouraging at all just truthful and not sugar coating!!!!

Angela, If you go to Excelsior web site and navigate through to the location of what states accept Excelsiors degree immediately after successful completion of the NCLEX. What I found is 13 states ( except Florida just changed) require a range of clinical hours after becoming an RN. Some said 750hrs others were up to 2,000hrs. It seems many people are working in other states that don't require additional hours then transfer back. Hope this helps:)

Ncmomof2: thank you for your reply it really helps to have perspective from someone in the program. Do you find the provided study material is sufficient to learn the material and pass the exams? Also did you previously take micro and life span development? Thank you again for your advise it is really helping my decision to choose EC:) The program.

Are you still in the EC program? How did you like it? Any tips or advise you could give would be great. I am seriously considering signing up this week for the program!! :)

Wish I could help with your question.. but was wondering if you could just let me know how you liked the ADN program through Excelsior? I have to make a big decision between 2 schools and am trying to find out accurate information from a person who had completed the program. Any advise you can give would be great!!

Updated info.. Florida just passed a House Bill 1337 that allows nursing students from excelsior with prior LPN/PM license to have direct licenses. Meaning upon completion of the NCLEX no additional requirements or endorsements are required. Other states may require a set number of clinical hours as a nurse to be licensed in that state. Obviously just know what your state requires. This was confirmed with the Florida Board of Nursing.

How are things going in the Excelsior program? I am on the fence of starting the Excelsior route or with Broward College. Obviously the draw to not have to go to class and clinical is strong. I am currently working as a paramedic and previously worked in an hospital setting. I know Florida just passed the law for direct licensor after successful completion of the NCLEX for previous LPN/PM. Just wondering if the program is what they say it is... hard but do able for determined self discipline person.