DYatesRN

I share this problem too. You know it is bad when the preschool teacher asks you if you are a nurse. I inquire, "well, yes, I am. How do you know?" The teacher replies your daughter washed her hands about 20 times with the hand sanitizing gel she carries in her pocket and really works up a good lather when washing at the sink...pretty impressive for a four year old :) My thirteen year old daughter was with me the day the teacher inquired about my profession and was quick to say, "see Mom, you really are a weirdo." I guess I join the rest of the "germ" freaks on this thread. I also carry this gel with me wherever I go and use it constantly after touching ANYTHING anyone else touches!

I agree with the Saunders guide. I took LPN boards in 95. I don't remember what I used for it but I did use saunders comprehensive guide for the RN boards and passed on try one using Saunders. I recommend studying like the above poster. Good Luck!

Your comment to her was very immature and was not a good example to be setting...this however does not give ANYONE the right to hit someone else. I would report it. I think if I were you I would refrain from such sarcasm in the future.

Did they compensate any of the students for their travel time??? To wait several months and be canceled after traveling several miles.....that is a bad!

Well stated! This is so true in any profession!

I was qouting someone else saying in this thread that the RN program was "only six months more." I know it takes more time than that. Yes, I wish there were more programs that would fast track experienced LPN's like yourself...it is unfortunate. I still think RN opens more doors and pays better in general. I was given credit for my previous LPN experience, so not all places deny you credit for LPN experience....

If you have those pre-req's why not move on to much more money if you feel you are doing near the same job. Yes. there are nurses of all types that sit around...I am not disputing that one! I am just saying that an LPN certificate/degree is not equal to the RN degree...most boards justify this. My point is I tire of LPN's saying it is almost equal--and 9 times out of 10 we do carry the same jobs--so move on, get that last little "6 months" and get the pay YOU deserve for your hard work. There is always going to be the butt sitting BSN, LPN, CNA...we know this BUT there are some EXCELLENT bedside BSN, ADN, LPN, and CNA's. It is quite unfair to bash one. One of my best friends is a bedside BSN--one of the best nurses I know. I started at the bottom CNA-5 years, LPN 10 years, RN-less than a year, BSN in the works...we all start somewhere. I say move on LPN's if you are doing the same thing and know more than the BSN--get the degree for the extra pay if nothing else!

RN's have more than just 6 months extra schooling...most have a year of pre-req's that include intense sciences classes with labs (I had micro, Anatomy, physiology). I tire quite easily of bashing each other's degree. LPN's serve their place as well as all levels of RN's. So a BSN may not have put a foley in (this is basic and can be learned on the job) but an LPN is not qualified to carry the supervisory responsiblity of the BSN--nor are they licensed to do so.......

This is so true! Boards make changes and adaptations all the time as well. Just because today EC is accepted in a certain state does not mean it will be the same tomorrow. I am glad that Excelsior was able to offer me an option that allowed me to avoid daycare and remain working but my first choice would have been a traditional college. I am moving to CA in 2 weeks and was able to gain licensure because my enrollment was before the deadline...had it been after I would have been unable to move to California. Things come up and it is hard if you have restrictions. Thanks for pointing this out Suzanne.

Good Luck at the clinical. Where are you taking yours?

Amy-- Around here if you are accepted into a nursing program several local hospitals will pay for it if you sign a contract. Please check into it in your area. This is mainly for those seeking RN programs. I would suggest you take out a student loan...you should qualify for one. The first step is to contact the financial aid office at the school you wish to attend and they can give you many options. Don't give up on your dream even if you must take out a student loan. Some states as well as employers will pay off your student loans if you work for them so long as well. Seems strange to me that you aren't able to get a pell grant at all. I got a pell grant working part time and my husband was working full time...and we have 2 kids. Before you say you can't get anything get the word directly from the financial aid office. Scholarships are also available...do some homework and I think you will find some great options! p.s. I was born the within a month of you...and I also have learned that I should have listened to my parents...I graduated in 90 from H.S., the LPN program in 1995, and now the RN program in March of this year. It took me awhile but my dreams are slowly happening...next it is on to BSN :) Dee

Actually Kansas has set up clinicals at a few colleges free to obtain clinical hours and they will allow endorsement after so many hours. Illinois will allow licensure after two years experience as an RN in another state. I believe the only outright ban is California. There are state boards that are considering not allowing Excelsior graduates licensure...Colorado and Wyoming are two that I know are looking into this type of degree. California acted appropriately by allowing those enrolled to obtain licensure. They set a date to allow students enrolled and just enrolling to still obtain licensure. Who knows...Excelsior lost some of integrity in my opinion.

I hope it works out. I have heard on another board that many colleges won't just let you in on their clinicals, but hopefully that is not the case. I wish Excelsior would set up some kind of clinicals there that would meet the boards requirement or allow preceptorship like Washington state. Good Luck!!!

Not here, because the hospital I work at has no LPN's...only clin tech's and RN's. The patients here certainly aren't waiting to be discharged by LPN's. Go for your RN, it really isn't too much longer and the pay, respect, and benefits are better. Keep on going!!!! I took a 10 year stop before I made the transition. You can do it!!!

well said! Some people are just not good test takers!