Qick question about Excelsior

[jamienR]

So I have started my prereq's for my local community colleges nursing program and I have a 2 year old and am 19 weeks with my second. I was a medic in the Army for a year but got out when I had my son. Excelsior says I am eligible for applying to the RN program (which would fit my life 100 times better than the community college route) but I am concerned because its been a while since I've worked with I.V's, shots and interacted with actual patients. I was a home health aide for a girl with cerebral palsy so I am fairly current with lifting procedures etc. Anyways, does anyone have some advice? I don't want to complete the program then feel like an idiot when I get a job if I haven't been sufficently taught. I am a quick learner though so it may not be a problem. Thanks everyone!! Sorry for the typo in the title I really can spell!

[caliotter3]

Most of your clinical skills will be developed on the job anyway, so don't let that stop you. But if you can attend a traditional program, although it will take longer, it is easier. Try to save Excelsior for Plan B unless you have strong reasons to choose this route rather than a traditional program.

[rshenry]

Hi, I graduated from Excelsior May of this year! I passed the NCLEX on the first try. As a Paramedic for the past 22 years, I can tell you that your limited Paramedic experience is just fine! It was a great program for me! Good luck to you!

Robin RN

[GreyGull]

Make sure your state BON is on board with Excelsior.

Also, due to the expense of Excelsior, see what classes are online at your community college. You might be surprised at how easy it is now to finish a college degree for nursing at your community college without spending thousands of dollars and worrying if any of the credits will transfer later if you decide to move on.

[jamienR]

Thanks everyone for your replies. I think I'm going to talk to them and finish the general ed classes at the community college and take my nursing theory at Excelsiors. I'm also going to take the CNA class and CNA clinicals at the community college so I can brush up a bit. I just read a post about taking I.V. certification so I guess that's also something else I will need to look into. Thanks again!