Questions about Excelsior?

DutchgirlRN, ASN, RN · Feb 17, 2006

Has anyone taken any courses from here, if so how did you like it? Or has anyone graduated with their RN and if so, what is your input on this program?

I graduated 4+ years ago. I thought it was a wonderful program. You don't actually take courses. You do self study and then test out of the courses.

(CLEP) The hardest part is being self-motivated. If you aren't then you won't be successful.

viper66 · Feb 17, 2006

i would have to agree....i took a job in the ed as a paramedic/tech. it was a downgrade from the autonamy i have in the field but it has enabled me to learn so much more. although i don't get to intubate anymore i can out stick almost any nurse in the ed, and have learned tons i would not have otherwise...foleys, inpatient critical care, stuff you learn about as a medic but don't practice....
if you don't have "nursing" experience in an inpatient or ed setting i would recommend it.....even if it is only prn 1 day a week.
---kurt

i do not have "nursing" experience. all my medical experience is in civilian ems as a medic or combat stuff. no foley cath's out there in the field, lol!

but the way i look at it is most new rn students don't have much or any medical experience when they start school (just a guess). so i should be ok!

dutchgirlrn: you are correct self motivation is key with dl. since i have done more than my fair share of dl classes i concure wholeheartedly!!

not an easy thing doing classes w/o the "direct" interaction and support of an instructor or other students.

:roll

DutchgirlRN, ASN, RN · Feb 17, 2006

Although I think current clinical experience is helpful it certainly does make the difference between passing or failing. When I went there were alot of LPN's who had only worked in Dr's offices, etc and they did fine. I had been doing private duty (very easy stuff) for 8 years before Regents (Excelsior) and during my studies and there were no problems for me. It may be a little more difficult when starting a new job as an RN. Make sure the orientation is at least 6 weeks with a preceptor.

Medic2RN, BSN, RN, EMT-P · Feb 17, 2006

I decided to go through EC because it was the ONLY program I found that would allow me to keep my full time job as a firefighter/paramedic. Personally, I believe I got more out of this program because I had to teach and research everything myself. You must definitely be motivated and disciplined in order to do this type of learning. During my course of study, I moved several times, built a house, took my CPNE 33 weeks pregnant, worked full time and all with a 2 y/o and now a 2 month old. I recently graduated and sit for the boards next month. It is very doable - just complete it in your time frame and be dedicated.

Good luck!

viper66 · Feb 17, 2006

Thanks for the words of encouragement!

yvette7719 · Feb 18, 2006

I agree with all the posts EC is great. If you want more clinical experience after getting your RN from EC, you can always get your BSN through a regular university. At least then, you will still be making RN money!

viper66 · Feb 18, 2006

you know something, i was thinking the very same thing. you my friend are a mind reader.. the funny thing is, is that many traditional colleges offer the dl rn to bsn schooling.. i thought that was ironic and kind of funny at the same time..

you know, i have seen some negative posts on this website from traditional nursing grads the more i read through the threads. negative in the way that they don't understand what it really is. or think they know what it is.

i have not seen many posts directly addressing an ec grads competency. all i have seen is what someone "thinks" about an ec nurse. imho that does not amount to much..

on poster made reference to the fact that a few states are making ec grads go through more clinical time. if this was an attempt to discredit the school it was a bit weak. i too believe that more clinical time would benefit ec students. again, imho more clinical time helps everyone in the medical field. with all my years in the military and civilian medical arena i learn new things everyday.

but to get back, yes, med surg clinical was my only concern with ec.

but i could probably get sed surg time at an army hospital opposed to what we do at a field medical unit.

sak25 · Feb 22, 2006

I also just signed up to start my DL courses through the College network, after I finish one-two classes I can sign up for EC. I am concerned however about the expense and the fact that they do not have FA. What do you do?

viper66 · Feb 22, 2006

They don't have FA? The military can use TA with EC without a problem...

sak25 · Feb 22, 2006

I'm sorry, what is TA?

mewmeow · Feb 26, 2006

Re: Excelsior

Can anyone tell me about the "clicals". sound interesting but somewhat scary!!! What were they like????

Thanks

mewmeow

SK_LPN · Mar 3, 2006

Did anyone buy the recommended texts? I was wondering if it matters if you buy say from 2005 or if you could purchase books from 2003 or something. Please let me know.

Thx