Question about paramedic to RN...Missouri here

HAPPYNPROUD · Aug 2, 2008

yes, MO recognizes EC--i worked as an LPN before doing EC. Also work with another RN in the ER at a Level 1 Trauma Center who was a medic before EC. Good Luck!!

Medic15251 · Aug 2, 2008

I am a paramedic and from missouri. I am finishing up my degree with excelsior. The general ed requirements took me a while. I was working full time when I did most of them. The nursing classes have gone by pretty quick, but I stopped working full time while I was doing these. I think it's all just about motivation and time management. Once you get a few down you will get motivated to knock the rest out.

As far as excelsior being accepted in MO, it is currently and there are no restrictions. You can call the state nursing board too. I don't think most employers care where you got your education as long as your name has rn after it. In fact, with your experience as a medic, I think you would be a shoe in for a job.

Pacman RN · Nov 30, 2008

Medic 074

I am taking my last test in a couple of weeks. I am a medic with many years experience. I choose Excelsior because of limitations posed by child support/custody issues. Going part time to do nursing school wasn't an option. Excelsior certainly gives you the flexability to meet your schedule. The down side is you have to be a very motivated person to get the work done! No one is looking over your shoulder to keep you on track. Other than scheduling a 30 min phone interview with an instructor, you don't have much contact with the school. It's all you with a workbook & text learning the material. It's a ton of work, but in my view worth it in the end. You don't do clinical rotations, but in the end take a 3 day in-hospital clinical skills exam. It was the hardest thing I've ever gone through in my life.

For me it was the right move. Just take it a step at a time and before you know it, you'll be where I am...1 test away from being a grad nurse and ready for the NCLEX. Email me, if you have any other questions about excelsior. I have some good tips about books and study materials, etc.

Good luck

Paul

Please do not post email addresses in the public threads. Once you have 15 posts, other members can PM or email you through your profile. Thanks.

ivanh3 · Nov 30, 2008

I have a question. What do people think about going to Excelsior for the RN program? I am a paramedic with 17 years of experience in the field of EMS. I am from the state of Missouri. Anyone out there gone this route? Difficult to do while working full time? I work EMS with a 24 on and 48 off schedule. Although lately more 48 on and 24 off. Does Missouri recognize this program?
Any information that anyone would like to share, I would appreciate hearing it. Thanks so much!

It is doable, but it can be much work and like others have said, you must be motivated because there are no real deadlines or assignments. I did it as have many others. One thing to consider is how many prereqs do you need? I did some of my prereqs when I was still on the bus (doing 24/48). I just did some of trades.

The big concern is there are caveats for EC grads in other states. Also, like in Georgia's case, EC might be accepted now in your state, but what about in the future (as in right before you are done) In Georgia we have examples of people who have passed their final test with EC, but GA won't let them work. Lots of talk about that on this forum. Check it out. It could happen to you. Is there any chance that you would ever leave your state? EC isn't accepted everywhere. In any case, it is a lot of work for a degree not recognized everywhere.

My advice is to go the traditional route. I have known many medics who worked 24s and went to brick/mortar programs. You don't have to trade the whole shift, just the part for school. How are people where you are about doing trades.

For the record, I am not down on EC at all. I think it is a great program, particularly for medics. It is just as a medic you will be disappointed by the penny anny BS politics of nursing. One example of that is states that don't like EC. Don't get me started...

These are some of the things that I would consider (and did consider). Hope that helps.

nurse_mo1986 · Nov 30, 2008

I'm a LPN in the state of MO. My hospital has no problem with Excelsior, and actually encourages LPN's to use their program, they have a tuition assistance fund for the excelsior students, and will pay 100% of the program for us if we just meet certain guidelines. I'm loving it, and doing it. whatever works:)