Quality of distance learning

rehab nurse · Jul 22, 2006

I'm more curious than anything, but I've read in several threads about LPN OR RN/BSN programs....my question more applies to LPN/RN online, but for those of you pursuing or completed that transition online, how did you feel when you tested out for the RN NCLEX? Did you feel prepared? How did you feel when you started nursing on the RN level? I'm curious because this path may suit me better than any other due to family/work constraints, but would like a cold honest opinion.

hi there! i am not quite done with excelsior (just have the cpne and nclex to finish) but i can tell you that i feel you get what you put into this type of education. in no way do i think someone could just "fly by" and end up becoming an RN this way. it takes studying, dedication and motivation. with the exception of english and nc5, i made all A's. i do believe my LPN education and my 10 years experience helped ME to understand nursing better. i have learned an enormous amount of info in the past year and a half since i started. i was lucky to be able to put my knowledge into my practice immediately, and my coworkers are all amazed at the knowledge i have accumulated studying on my own. i hope i don't sound conceited, i don't want to come across that way. for me, a single mom who has to work full time, going back to traditional school was not an option. i loved studying at my own pace, and on my own terms. i googled a lot, read my books, took my notes, and finished the nursing part in just under 7 months. i also had to do all the prereqs, so it took me a bit longer to finish everything. i take my cpne in november. i am very grateful for this program, because otherwise it would be a very long time before i could ever become an RN.

good luck to you in what you decide! feel free to pm me if you want more info. there are quite a few other successful ec grads on this BB. i'm sure they'll pop in to answer your questions!

there is also a wealth of info about excelsior on this site, just do a search. lots of people have similar questions.

:balloons:

anticoagulationurse · Jul 24, 2006

I too, am waiting for the CPNE before I can take the NCLEX. But, I do want to add - even though it does not directly answer your Q - I think it is impossible to squeak by in Excelsior. Even if one is simply a good test taker, the exams test for comprehensive knowledge not just book knowledge. They test your comprehension and understanding. A student simply cannot show up to class, do the minimum assignments, do "okay" in clinicals for a couple of weeks and pass. It is far from a free ride, or "pay for the degree" program. I think Excelsior's pass rates for the NCLEX speak volumes for the quality of the education.

An EC student gets out what they put in, and cuts out all the crap that is not necessary, all that is political and cumbersome to what nursing education is... lifelong. Not just a diploma.

Sorry. I get a bit fired up and defensive about the question at hand. Since I did all the work - not an instructor or a student who is smarter than I - I get a little fired up. :)

pedinurse05 · Jul 24, 2006

The Excelsior program is what you make out of it. I think that the program covers everything a traditional program does theory wise. The clinical is not the same as traditional clinicals. The CPNE is just 2.5 days and tests very basic nursing skills. Work experience as an LPN will greatly enhance your ability to get a job and function as a new RN. I strongly discourage anyone who does not have prior medical experience (and more than what is provided in LPN or paramedic training...actually work experience unrelated to school) to go the traditional route. If you have experience and pass the exams and clinicals...then you should be ok. I felt the program was solid.