Thinking of EC/ need some encouragement :)

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Specializes in Psych/Substance Abuse, Ambulatory Care.

The next LPN-RN program at my local community college starts Fall 2012, which means I can't even apply for possible admission until 1 year from now. In the meantime, I planned on taking the rest of my non-nursing classes over the next two semesters (at the same community college) until I can apply. So I registered for 3 online courses. I have been getting the runaround from the college between the student help desk and the registrars office regarding not being able to view my courses online, which are to start on Monday. Long story short, I'm really turned off by the help (or lack-there-of) that I'm getting from the community college and I'm going to give it one more chance on Monday morning by going down there (yet again) to ask them to resolve the issue so that I can access my online courses. If I get nowhere, then I'm going to have to withdraw from the classes and take my money back (it will be the last day that I can do so and receive a full refund). :eek:

I have always thought about Excelsior, but been afraid because of the dreaded CPNE. I weigh the pros and cons in my head all the time about whether I should move forward with Excelsior or stick with the traditional brick-and-mortar school that I've been having a difficult time with.

I guess I'm looking to hear from you nurses that have been unsure and still gone ahead with the Excelsior route. Is the communication good with EC? Is it easy to navigate the program and figure out what you need to get done, or do you find yourself frustrated trying to figure things out by yourself? How are you preparing for your CPNE??

Any words of advice would be great... thanks in advance for any information at all! :nurse:

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The only reason I would go with EC at this point is that you do not want to wait out the year. You can actually finish EC by the time the other school's acceptance or rejection letter reaches your mailbox. The CPNE comes with three chances. Many people are able to pass by the time they have done it for the second time. That is just a chance you take. Move right along with the program and you will still have the other program as your backup.

I would normally recommend that you approach it from the other direction, but you probably do not want to look at the year long wait until you can apply.

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Specializes in Home Health, Podiatry, Neurology, Case Mgmt.

I really was scared about EC...i'm STILL worried about the CPNE of course because it's a huge exam, and a lot of stress, but I feel soooooooooo proud of all the work i have accomplished ON MY OWN. Being home and studying, being with my kids, able to work my exams around family time, work, and other life things that pop up. Everyone on this board is very helpful, EC is EXTREMELY helpful everytime i have needed to call them and ask a question. It will come down to you, your determination, and motivation =) You can see all the exams and dates i've taken them in my signature! Feel free to ask me anything, i do not feel i'm an expert by any means, but this has been an amazing ride and a real eye opener to me!

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Specializes in Psych/Substance Abuse, Ambulatory Care.

Thank you, Tasha! Do you have a date for your CPNE yet? Are you planning on a workshop ahead of time? It all seems so expensive!

I really was scared about EC...i'm STILL worried about the CPNE of course because it's a huge exam, and a lot of stress, but I feel soooooooooo proud of all the work i have accomplished ON MY OWN. Being home and studying, being with my kids, able to work my exams around family time, work, and other life things that pop up. Everyone on this board is very helpful, EC is EXTREMELY helpful everytime i have needed to call them and ask a question. It will come down to you, your determination, and motivation =) You can see all the exams and dates i've taken them in my signature! Feel free to ask me anything, i do not feel i'm an expert by any means, but this has been an amazing ride and a real eye opener to me!
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Specializes in LTC.

I am an EC ASN student just starting out, I have done Mirco, Anatomy and Life Span Psychology so far.

I get very nervous about the Peds portion of the CPNE, where I live LPNs have a very limited choice of clinical settings to work in.

I am in my 18th year of LTC and facing adult clinicals doesn't stress me to the level a Peds case does.

But, I simply refuse to give up on my years of experience and start at ground zero to go back to school. I am certified out the wazoo and all the assessments I've done to Medicare chart are not something I take lightly. I have looked at all 3 local colleges and what I get is my LPN/experience is zero but I would be expected to 'know everything'.

There's the wait also, I am 41 and you don't get younger.

Weigh your options, there are plenty out there to choose from.

If you want to know anything about getting started feel free to ask me. I don't know alot but since I am just starting out I get what it means to feel unsure of what's gonna happen next.

Everytime I've spoke to EC advisors I get an email of what the call was about, they work very hard to help and are friendly too.

While the CPNE makes me nervous, I am satisfied with my choice to go the EC route to my degree and RN.

Word of advice, contact your state board of nursing to see if they accept EC's degree for the NCLEX-RN test. Some states don't and some require endorsement or preceptor time before you can take the boards.

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I put off doing Excelsior for 2 years because I was afraid of the CPNE. When I read other peoples experience, I decided to do it. I started last November and I am done . Just waiting for Excelsior to update my paperwork and take the Nclex. Yes, the CPNE is difficult, but people pass every weekend. In a year you can be an RN, not just starting

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I too just started my journey with EC..I am studying for my first exam (H&S)..I also was sceptical about the program and put it off because of the CPNE...but then I met a couple people who completed the program and found this site and it gave me alot of encouragement...I also figure your chances with the CPNE are about like having to pass the HESI exam alot of traditional schools are adding to their program...I heard it is very intense and no pass/no graduate...well good luck with whatever you decide.

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Specializes in Psych/Substance Abuse, Ambulatory Care.

You guys are awesome... thanks for the input :)

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