The RN-BSN self-torture comes to a close ...

Nursing Students Online Learning

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Sorta. :D

I have narrowed the RN-BSN program field to three candidates, and I'm stopping there! No more researching programs ... I can't take it! :) I have compiled a spreadsheet, for I am a dork. But enough is enough. I must pick!

Here are the top 3:

http://bsnlinc.wisconsin.edu/ -- UW-Green Bay. This one is my favorite, overall. I'd have to take chemistry, but that's okay. I just have a good feeling about this program, for whatever reason. Maybe because I like the color green? Who knows. (I'm kidding.)

http://www.chamberlain.edu/Default.aspx?tabid=110 -- Chamberlain. I think I like this one because you get awarded lots of credit for being an RN. However, they're jerking me around with the transfer credits, but that was addressed in my other post. ;) We'll see how it all shakes out. I have a feeling, though, that this one will be too spendy. Seriously.

http://www.sru.edu/pages/13569.asp -- Slippery Rock University. I've read a few recent posts from SRU students, and it does sound like a good program. I'm planning on applying and seeing where I land as far as what I'll have to take.

Specializes in OR, PACU, GI, med-surg, OB, school nursing.

I'm in the SRU program, and I would heartily recommend it. There has been one lousy professor, but that is my only major complaint.

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Just wondering why not excelsior for your BSN?

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Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.
Just wondering why not excelsior for your BSN?

EC did an "unofficial" evaluation of my 206 college credits (I'm not kidding, I really have that many), and they still want me to take 10 gen. ed. credits. They also didn't give me credit for the stats class that I took way back in the day (1991), so I called them and asked about that. They said hey, scan in your syllabus (yes, I still have it) and send it in -- we'll take a look at it. Great! So then I get a message that said sorry, while the syllabus looks promising, they can't officially evaluate that syllabus for credit until I enroll. So I started to look around at other programs, and found several that are comparable in price, don't charge a ginormous enrollment fee ($895), and don't charge a student services annual fee ($440). I wrote EC back and told them that as a recent grad, I was disappointed in their response and that I'd be going elsewhere to further my education. Hmmmph.

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Specializes in LTC, case mgmt, agency.

So Lunah, have you looked at Northern Arizona University Distance Program out of Flagstaff? It looks promising.:D Or have you made a final decision yet?

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Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.

Nope ... I'm not inclined to repeat my A&P or Micro -- I took the EC exams, so no lab. But thanks!! :)

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Specializes in LTC, case mgmt, agency.

So have the ones you've looked at been wanting you to repeat some courses because of the " no labs " being done with the EC exams? I ran into that problem with a few. They keep wanting me to take biology again since it's been a while or they want me to take something over again.

It's too bad EC was not willing to give a little for their alumni. :no: Good luck with your BSN.:D

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Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.

No, I purposely avoided ones that wanted me to repeat those. With UW-Green Bay, I'd have to do chemistry, but that's okay -- I haven't had chemistry since oh, 10th grade. LOL. The UW-Green Bay guy wrote me today and told me I wasn't alone, a lot of RNs haven't had chemistry, but they have an option that "isn't like nails on a chalkboard." LOL!! I like that school already. :D

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Specializes in LTC, case mgmt, agency.

I would so love to take chemistry again.:heartbeat I took it in 12th grade got a B but I enjoyed the class. I wouldn't mind taking another biology course, I just don't want to repeat biology 101 again. :specs: I actually start school again in the Spring with Theories and Concepts in Nursing and The Nurse in Today's Society. But, if I find something online in the meantime I might give that some thought too. Especially if they have a MSN program too.:up:

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Specializes in OR, PACU, GI, med-surg, OB, school nursing.

I looked at the Excelsior program back when it was Regents. If I remember correctly, they don't actually teach you anything, you just pay them to take a bunch of tests instead. If I'm going to pay, I expect a school to provide an education. Also, the big practical exam at the end (CPOE?) would kill me with the stress. No thanks.

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Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.

Yeah, it's self-study/independent learning. The CPNE (Clinical Performance in Nursing Examination) is indeed VERY stressful. But do-able, for many. :)

The RN-BSN and RN-MSN actually have a lot of online courses, so it's not just testing out. Of course, it's more expensive than the ADN for that reason!

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Specializes in Geriatrics.
Nope ... I'm not inclined to repeat my A&P or Micro -- I took the EC exams, so no lab. But thanks!! :)

Lisa, I too took EC's A&P and Micro and do not wish to repeat.Could you let us know which BSN online programs you come across that will accept these. I'm not quite done with EC, but I also like to plan ahead!

I am also interested in SRU since I am in PA.Do you know yet if they will accept them? I looked into Penn State online RN to BSN, but to expensive for my little pocket book,lol. Thanks,Cissy

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Lunah, the spreadsheet is awesome. If it is ok with you, I want to adapt it for myself (locations, costs, MSN). I havent done my CPNE yet, but I have been looking at MSN programs, Excelsior included. My problem has been similar to your stats issue; I had stats and probability in college, 1980. In the past 4 years I've taken A&P I&II, Chemistry, Microbiology with labs because they, like me, were old (I graduated in 1985 with a BA in Political Science). Got my LPN, almost RN and all of the MSN programs I am looking at require a BSN. DUH? Is it me, or what? I don't mind a nursing transitions course but I can't seem to get thru to anyone on this issue, although the asst dean at Fitchburg State MSN in Forensic Nursing said she would think about me when she received my app. I think one bachelor's degree is enough. So anyway, thanks for spreadsheet and I am going to check them all out.

Thanx, Maureen

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