RN-BSN with EC Sciences?

[Lunah, MSN, RN]

Yes, I know I don't QUITE have that RN yet, but I'm working on it! What can I say, I like to plan things in advance ...

In doing EC's ASN, I took EC's Micro and A&P exams, neither of which have a lab component. I've noticed that many of the distance learning RN-BSN programs require students to have had these sciences with a lab component, and they probably won't accept my EC credits. In the interest of not having to repeat those classes elsewhere with a lab, am I "stuck" (so to speak) with EC for my RN-BSN, or have any of you been accepted to any other distance learning RN-BSN programs with only the EC sciences-by-exam?

Not that I mind doing it through EC, and I probably will anyway, but I'm just wanting to look at all my options. :) Thanks!!

[erinp88]

What about ISU's RN-BSN program? I think for their LPN to BSN program, uses Excelsior's science credits. Plus I think you get better financial aid through them. I've also heard that some programs see that you have an RN, grant X amt of credits for that RN license and admit you into the program.

I am worried about that also. I can't decide what to do for my Microbiology course. I want to be done with this crap, but I'm tired of having credits that don't count for anything (LPN courses)!

[Lunah, MSN, RN]

Oh, that's right! I forgot that ISU students do EC exams ... you're such a smart cookie! :) I'll look into that!

[BBFRN, BSN, PhD]

Just wanted to say that I am so glad that you're continuing on so soon. It is best to do it while you're in 'the mode,' especially since you'll be working in an area familiar to you. You go, girl!

[Lunah, MSN, RN]

I'm going to give myself a teensy little break ... maybe 5 or 6 months? I'm trying to decide if I want to do the CEN stuff first.

[erinp88]

Keep me posted in what you find out with your research.. I often think about this too.. Even though the last thing I want to think about is more school right now!

[EricJRN, MSN, RN]

I'm trying to decide if I want to do the CEN stuff first.

That's a good thought. You should have no trouble with the CEN exam with some good review. I've seen lots of advice to get a year of ER RN experience first, but I completely disagree. That exam is much more about book learning than any real world experience. I passed it before working a day in the ER as a nurse (was trying to wedge my way into a PRN ER side job).

[CraigB-RN, MSN, RN]

I'm going to give myself a teensy little break ... maybe 5 or 6 months? I'm trying to decide if I want to do the CEN stuff first.

I'm going to play devils advocate about getting the CEN. Don't be in to much of a hurry. Just learn the job first, learn to be a NURSE. Study and learn the inns and outs of emergency nursing, you'll wake up one day and realize that your ready. You don't really learn the stuff if you just "review" Get yourself a copy of Sheehey's as well as a few other references. DO the alphabet soup, ACLS (which you prob already have an aa medici) PALS, TNCC, (again, PHTSL was harder), ENPC, all that kind of stuff. Use the CEN exam as confirmation that you've got it all. The goal for me when I made the medic to RN transition was to be a better nurse than I was a medic. And it's not about time, it's about YOU and your ability to learn and absorb the information and BECOME an ER Nurse.

. The time that it takes to be ready, will be different depending on the person and the location.

One of the previous posters was correct, it's a knowledge based exam. But if you just take a test, without learning the material, the letters after you name won't mean anything. Truly knowing the material, so you don't have to think about it, will do wonders for your test anxiety anyway. :)

As the the science part, Look beyond the BSN to what you might want to do in the future. If your thinking about grad school, then look at what the schools are going to require, don't get tunnel vision on the BSN requirements, plan ahead.