Trouble getting job

Kashlee · Aug 27, 2005

Has anyone here that has done the RN program through Excelsior's had a problem getting a job?

Thanks,

Kathy

DYatesRN · Aug 27, 2005

not at all. I was hired by the major hospital system here in Orlando without ANY problems. Good Luck!

Kashlee · Aug 27, 2005

Thanks for the reply! I don't want to get through this and find out I can't get a job! But it looks like a lot of people have done this I have been watching post on this site and some yahoo groups! This sounds like a great way for me to get my RN degree. I am a single mom, and just don't want to or have time to spend all my time in a college!! This helps. :wink2:

Thanks,

Kathy

mobileLPN · Aug 27, 2005

Just finished Excelsior last month. I already have several offers.

One recruiter was like "Oh wow, you're pretty hardcore to do that program".

Just be aware that not all states recognize excelsior. Most do, so call your board of nursing and check before you enroll.

suzanne4, RN · Aug 27, 2005

Please do a search of this site.................you will find much information on the subject.

Nurseinthemaking · Aug 27, 2005

Have you had someone look over your resume? Could it be that?

medicrnohio, RN · Aug 27, 2005

I had no problems at all. Everyone I interviewed with seemed to think it was a very interesting way of getting a degree and were very impressed.

Laurie888 · Aug 27, 2005

But if I were to walk into the hospital I work in and apply for a job I'd probably get it.

It is apparent I probably won't get a job on my floor, and that's what I want. Right now, these are 'my' nurses, 'my' aides, 'my' floor ... I'm the boss 'cuz I'm the unit secretary. I recently started half and half as CNA and U.S. I'm hoping that will help. The problem is because I've been here so long, they know me, and they know the program I am doing. Most are very cool with it (though some still think it's some kind of 'online nursing degree'. My manager is skeptical, because I am NOT an LPN. I told her I had more school-related clinicals than the new grad LPNs she just hired, since I went 3/4 through a traditional RN program and 1/3 of an LPN program before that and my jaw just dropped when she asked me "but can you PROVE it?" I told her that you couldn't even be a student of Excelsior without meeting those requirements and again she asked if I could prove it. Sigh. You know, I can, but I'm not gonna. I worked hard to get where I am and I won't put myself in a spot where I feel I have to be twice as good to prove myself. I am taking my CPNE in November. I believe this view is shared between my manager and HER manager, so I have to see how that relates to working on another floor.

On the plus side, the educational department refunds my test fees as if it were tuition. They even back-dated some of it, because it took me a year and a half to realize I should ASK if they would. (Just a note for anyone whose policy states 'tuition only' each of those tests earns 4 credits and you won't get the money if you don't at least ask!).

So there might be a problem, for me, but only because my (and some of my nurses' and doctors') heart was set at remaining on the ortho/neuro/trauma floor. Lot of learning to be had here.

Jo Dirt · Aug 28, 2005

I haven't graduated from Excelsior yet but I have a job offer (though I don't want to work in this particular place). I'm not sure if you can jump into some specialized nursing discipline after just graduating but I think that goes for most new RN's.

Just a word of warning: if you might ever move to California don't do this program because you cannot get a license there. It may not seem like a big deal if you don't think you'll ever go to California now but it just gets on my nerves to know this, so I'm probably going to go to CA just so I can go through their 30 unit program and get a license in that state.

suzanne4, RN · Aug 28, 2005

There are actually about six states now that will not accept the degree.....

And never say never about living in Ca...........I always thought the same thing and am doing a travel assignment here and keep extending. You do not know what is going to be down the road for you...........I highly recommend a program that is accepted in all fifty states.

Neilsbiggestfan · Aug 28, 2005

There are actually about six states now that will not accept the degree......

It's not true to say these states will not accept the degree, because the only state not accepting Excelsior graduates at all is California. These other states that don't directly accept the degree *will* accept it with some stipulations, like Illinois, Washington, Georgia (North or South Dakota will only accept BSN's in the first place), and Kansas.