I am new here.I am an LPN and interested in taking the next step to become an RN. I am thinking about to enroll in the ADN program through Excelsior College.I talked to College Network about it today.But I am still kind of skeptical about the program. Therefore, I like to hear you guys experience and maybe advices. How long did it take you guys to finish the program? Thanks for your help.
Thank you for being open-minded, LunahRN. In the future, I will forego the phrase mickey mouse. Perhaps "questionable" would have been a more appropriate description? In any case, I hope 2011 is treating you well.
LOL ... I think "non-traditional" would ruffle fewer feathers.
2011 is rockin' ... I was selected by the Army Nurse Corps for active duty, one of 50-ish RNs selected nationwide from a pool of 300+ applicants. Not bad for an EC grad, eh?
"Do employers look down on it? Sure, if they take it at face value." You said it yourself. Look. No offense whatsoever. Personally, I won't have an issue with an Excelsior nurse taking care of me. I know the clinical exams are demanding. In fact, they are very, very hard to pass. Still, employers will learn where you obtained your degree by way of your interview and resume. It's unavoidable. The bottom line is that it's especially hard for newer Excelsior grads to gain employment. As I factually said. Some states won't even grant you a license if you go this route. Sure, if you have several years of experience, a particular employer "may" be willing to overlook the fact that you got your RN through Excelsior. Believe me. It initially sounded like a good program. Then I did a little investigating which included talking to various hospital department heads. Comparatively speaking, when it comes to landing jobs, Excelsior grads will always be at disadvantage compared to those who went the traditional route, i.e. though a universally accepted program. You can get your license, in most states, but simply being NLNAC-accredited doesn't mean hospital X will hire or even look at you.
Sorry, I have to disagree with you. Don't know if you're familiar with Hershey Medical Ctr. in Pennsylvania but it is a VERY respected hospital and they hire EC grads without any problem. I have many friends that are EC grads and work in their ER, Trauma neuro and NICU units. http://www.pennstatehershey.org/home/ I myself am a EC graduate and I already have a job on my telemetry unit and I'm being oriented into the ICU and ER.
Lunah, MSN, RN
14 Articles; 13,773 Posts
LOL ... I think "non-traditional" would ruffle fewer feathers.
2011 is rockin' ... I was selected by the Army Nurse Corps for active duty, one of 50-ish RNs selected nationwide from a pool of 300+ applicants. Not bad for an EC grad, eh?