Anyone doing Excelsior College's LPN-RN program?

I just recently graduated and passed my boards as an LPN. I have talked with Excelsior and I am just wondering if there is anybody who has done the program and is working as an RN. I am curious how many people are doing this route.
If this is something that you have done I would greatly appreciate a response letting me know how it went and if you are working as an RN now.

Adrienne,
Did your cousing have to arrange clinicals in her area? Do you know how long her clinicals were?

PLEEEAAASE look into which states accept excelsior's accredidation. I have heard through the grapevine that many don't. ALSO, online nursing school can be tricky. Look into completing it through a LOCAL community or university that is accredidated.

Amy in Saint Cloud, Minnesota said: I just recently graduated and passed my boards as an LPN. I have talked with Excelsior and I am just wondering if there is anybody who has done the program and is working as an RN. I am curious how many people are doing this route.
If this is something that you have done I would greatly appreciate a response letting me know how it went and if you are working as an RN now.

I've just completed the nursing classes and I am waiting for my clinical date. I live in Florida and there is no problem. An RN is an RN and as long as you pass your Boards you are an RN. I've enquired about becoming a travelling nurse in most states (not CA and NY as I'm not interested) and there is no problem.
Hope this helps.

Paula in Albany, New York said: PLEASE call Excelsior College for any information regarding licensure in the different states across the nation? We are a highly regarded, well respected, accredited instition of higher learning and Excelsior College grads are able to get license in all states excepte MD as of this date..8/1/08..

State Board Office
888-647-2388; prompt 1-3-1-5

Thank you for your comment. I am waiting for my clinical date with Excelsior and have a high regard for Excelsior. I have enquired in most states (except CA and NY) for travelling jobs and ALL of them cannot wait until I am an RN to offer a position. Go Excelsior!

Can Excelsior can assin aa clinical hours in pa or somewhere?

Amy in Saint Cloud, Minnesota said: I have talked with Excelsior and the states that do not allow licensure are California and Alabama. Minnesota does. I don't really want to go to a local college because I will not be able to work while I go to school then. I have taken enough time off to get my LPN, now I need to work while I go back to school. Thanks for the input!!!

I am doing the Excelsior course because I just don't have time to go back to college it has worked out for me so far I am over half way there.

Hi Robin,

Sounds like our program is the perfect fit for you!!! Great!!

Alabama, does accept EC grads, if you are an LPN, they review on a case by case basis....

Good studying! My best adice would be to talk with your academic advisor from time to time

Sincerely

Can anybody help me out as i have few doubts regarding doing a LPN course... As i am on H4 visa in US and dont have work permit right now.And i am planning to do LPN course here in chicago.So after i finish my course can i work legally in any hospital??? And do we get placed easily after doing LPN or we need to do RN as a must??? Also i would like to know when does the admissions start for LPN??? I wasted my 2 years as housewife in US so i would like to work ASAP also i cannot afford to spend more money. And my Qualification is i have done my Bachelors of Science in Microbiology from INDIA along with Post Graduation in MEDICAL LAB TECHNICIAN (INDIA). So can anybody help me out with my problem??

Annie in Palm Harbor, Florida said: I've just completed the nursing classes and I am waiting for my clinical date. I live in Florida and there is no problem. An RN is an RN and as long as you pass your Boards you are an RN. I've enquired about becoming a travelling nurse in most states (not CA and NY as I'm not interested) and there is no problem.
Hope this helps.

On a piece of paper a RN is a RN, and thats about it. Once you get out there and really see that the fact of another human beings life is in your hands you will see the true meaning. Would you want someone with that thought taking care of your family member in a critical situation? I know I wouldn't. Just because you have a piece of paper with those 2 initals on it, doesnt mean you are a TRUE RN. That will come with time and experience. The best nurses that I have ever worked with are the ones who started out at the bottom and worked there way up, and have been working for severl yrs. I wish you luck on your adventure and in a couple of yrs we will see if you still think a RN is a RN.

Amy in Saint Cloud, Minnesota said: I just recently graduated and passed my boards as an LPN. I have talked with Excelsior and I am just wondering if there is anybody who has done the program and is working as an RN. I am curious how many people are doing this route.
If this is something that you have done I would greatly appreciate a response letting me know how it went and if you are working as an RN now.

I worked as an LPN for 12 years, graduated from Excelsior in 2006 and I hold a NC RN license and FLorida RN license. It worked for me. Yes, it's a very hard program, especially the CPNE. The public perception is that the program is easy and you don't get the training. I passed the NCLEX with no problem, actually thought it was super easy. Why, because Excelsior College prepared me for the NCLEX. Hard program, but great nurses who make it through.

Annie in Palm Harbor, Florida said: Thank you for your comment. I am waiting for my clinical date with Excelsior and have a high regard for Excelsior. I have enquired in most states (except CA and NY) for travelling jobs and ALL of them cannot wait until I am an RN to offer a position. Go Excelsior!

I am an LPN at the JAH VA in Tampa and I am getting ready to start with Excelsior. Would you have any materials for sale or any good suggestions?

Thanks,

Ken

Pookie in Wesley Chapel, Florida said: I worked as an LPN for 12 years, graduated from Excelsior in 2006 and I hold a NC RN license and FLorida RN license. It worked for me. Yes, it's a very hard program, especially the CPNE. The public perception is that the program is easy and you don't get the training. I passed the NCLEX with no problem, actually thought it was super easy. Why, because Excelsior College prepared me for the NCLEX. Hard program, but great nurses who make it through.

Thanks for that info. I am getting ready to start with Excelsior.

Any online school that's offering the online LPN to RN or any nursing program, needs to be check by the STATE BOARD for which ever you reside in or plan to work. The State of Georgia is no longer accepting EXCELSIOR gradutes cause they say excelsior don't provide enough clincal hours. It's over 17,000 graduates and students current enrolled there, that can't get licenses or finish classes because Georgia no longer accepts credits from Excelsior. It's more than that school but they had the most students. So please call you State Board to find out which schools do they accept that are offered online, cause these school will tell you anything to get your MONEY.

Does anyone know if one can get a nursing licence in NC after graduating from excelsior

Anyone knows where can I find a LPn job in tampa.It's kinda of hard specially new grad with no exp.

I am a travel LPN currently, and work in CA quite often, (which I am in now). I am getting ready to take my first test. I have read the book several times, and awnsered the questions at the end of the book, any sugestions on taking the test ?

Did you try the Tampa VA?

what travel company do you use? or do u have any suggestions on any companies that are good? i am not having any luck finding a good one and any help would be appreciated!!

I do not use a travel co. I have been with Veterans Affairs since graduating in 1993. I have moved around with the VA, from Ohio to Florida.

Ken

I am an LPN and am starting Excelsior College taking exams. Does anyone know if it is good to take the practice exams and/or if I should try a company like I study smart! ? I have not taken a test yet but am reg. for Essentials of Nursing Care: Chronicity and so far find the free down load packets vague. thankyou have a good day Ed

[QUOTE who="DANIEL in Fishers, Indiana"

Hello Daniel,
Are you talking about The College Network & Indiana State University?
Thanks,
Donna

I am taking EC program. It is easy to do the written exam ,but it takes so long to get an date to do the CPNE(up to 8 months)and only 65% of people pass in this exam. So, I am kind of disappointed in this aspect.

DO NOT use the College Network!!!! It's a total rip-off!!!! They are NOT Excelsior...they only seel books and charge fees. Please. please,please watchout...they will hold you to anything if you sign up and wont let you cancel!!!!!

Zen in Modesto, California said: For Someone who has been an RN for 25 years, "an RN IS NOT AN RN." There is much to be learned during the clinical period. There is also something to be said about the lack of work ethics with newer RNs.

An RN is an RN as I have been a med/surgical nurse for nearly 7 yrs and doing the work off an RN and getting paid as an LPN, some would say thats my fault others would say that is taking iniative, I am close to completing my RN from excelsior with just the clinical component left to do. If you dont have the experience in a hospital or other setting I think this program would be more difficult

SassieMom in Phoenix, Arizona said: DO NOT use the College Network!!!! It's a total rip-off!!!! They are NOT Excelsior...they only seel books and charge fees. Please. please,please watchout...they will hold you to anything if you sign up and wont let you cancel!!!!!

i am currently in the program for my rn with college network and you have to get your books from someone with the basics english anatomy etc. after you complete the required college courses you then will enroll with excelsior when u begin your nursing concepts. and college network will assist you in anything you need.

How long did the EC LPN-RN course take??

Personal Experiences would be nice. Just trying to get an average idea. Site says 2 yrs but that is with the General education requirements too.

please does anyone knows about medical lab assistant courses offred in B.C.
To do it in vancour communty college how much really needed

Anyone considering Excelsior College, it is a good route IF you have a LPN or some type of clinical medical experience. You will not be as lost trying to understand the material. I am presently taking the exam and I would advise anyone to get more than one resource. I personally use the Lisa Arends and I have passed 2 exams with only her material. I am purchasing medstrong/ MyStudyGroup 101 as an additional resource. The College Network and RUE charge THOUSANDSSSSSSS OF DOLLARS!!!!! Lisa Arends was only $70 for Health Differences 1-8 and Medstrong is only $50 for their CD's. Compared to $500 per study guide for TCN (8 study guides X $500 = $4000)or $400 for RUE. For anyone in Georgia the board may change their decision next year, if not there are plenty of Federal facilities that will take take Excelsior Graduates, Federal facilities work under different laws than the state. They can hire people with out of state licenses. And they are ready, I am in a Army Reserve medical unit and we drill at the Atlanta VA, so I know for a fact. God Bless & Good Luck to all of you that are working on your RN!!!

Pookie in Wesley Chapel, Florida said: I worked as an LPN for 12 years, graduated from Excelsior in 2006 and I hold a NC RN license and FLorida RN license. It worked for me. Yes, it's a very hard program, especially the CPNE. The public perception is that the program is easy and you don't get the training. I passed the NCLEX with no problem, actually thought it was super easy. Why, because Excelsior College prepared me for the NCLEX. Hard program, but great nurses who make it through.

I agree. I just started the program and find it to be mostly review from LPN school here in Denver. The cost is reasonable and you don't have to miss work to attend classes. I also check with CA board of nursing. Once you have a year of experience as an RN, you can get a license there. There are alot of loopholes you can use to get around these things. You can also get a temp license in CA and once you have experience, you're good.

Hi,
I live in Denver. Denver is nice, but I'm having a hard time finding an LPN job right now. I work for Kaiser (they're in GA too) but everyone wants experience. I'm probably going to leave Kaiser and go to a Long term care facility to get the experience. The pay is pretty good here for LPN's...so that's always nice. You can get a long term care job starting at $20 an hour.

Also, Since GA has decided not to take Excelsior how difficult is it working for the VA in Atlanta?... This may save me from relocating.
Symone

Does Denver require a wait after Becoming an Rn from Excelsior.
Symone

LOL!! Ok Queen of Loop holes. Pls tell me something. My original homestate is WI who is also a compact state. Could you pls tell me how it works. Cause when I get my License in WI can I use it in Colorado"??. What do I do ?.. Like just show the Board in CO, my License from WI?
Help... I use to be the Queen of loop wholes but i'm all tied up!! LOL
Symone

annamaria32 in Denver, Colorado said: No, you just have to complete an additional 350 clinical hours with a preceptor. Me and my friend are going to use her cousin to help us. The cousin is an RN. Or.. I may go to TX where my mom lives and sit for their boards. TX and CO are part of the licensure compact. You can use a TX license for CO and other states. I'm the queen of loopholes.

Look below,, I got a question about compact states.
Symone

Symone,

Once you have your RN it's not hard at all getting a job with the VA. You don't actually have to work at the VA, you could work at one of the satelite sites they have all over the state. They are starting to open more clinics to keep the thousands of veterans from having to come all the way to the VA. They just opened a clinic in Decatur, GA. Also you can work at any one of the military installations(Ft's. Stewart, Gordon, Benning, Machpherson)in GA. Any Federal facility. No matter what state you are in if get a job with a military/federal facility all they care about is if you have a valid license. Also the VA has travel opportunities if you want to be a travel nurse(you can only work at VA facilities) and you don't have to keep paying fees to transfer your license.

could i transfer nursing classes to excelsior and finish there with what i have left. i already completed 3 med-surg, mental health, OB, nursing transition role, health assessment, pathophysiology, pediatrics, pharmacology, and fundamentals...

I actually did school out of state but am a California resident. I applied everywhere else but no one wants to take me because in order to graduate from the school name i need the 45-credits requirement which I do not even need to take with all the classes i've finished. Is there a representative who may help me with my situation?

Sounds like you have your LPN then right? You use your LPN as a way to do the LPN-RN program. You don't need the Patho for Excelsior and your Nursing Transition should carry over as well. You may only need 5 classes with Excelsior. If you need more info, email me at annamaria0621@yahoo.com

tanya in Fort Lauderdale, Florida said: Please tell me about the CPNE clinical for EC.I want to go through EC to bridge in,but i am worried about this exam at the end cause i hate wasting money and can't make through this part.Let me know if anyone out there has been there.
TXs

Ijust finished my cpne, been an lpn for 20 years. I passed. Only 3
out of 7 passed. I cried all weekend. Very sressful. Good luck.

Just remember, just because you have been an LPN, paramedic, ect.
the clinicals are all about being a student again. Know what they want. I flunked my first patient assignment for doing a radial pulse rather than an apical.

eastside407 in Orlando, Florida said: Is the Lpn test hard an how can i take it i attended the classes but i could not afford to take my test

What Lpn test do you mean?

Amy-

I am currently enrolled in the LPN to RN program thru Excelsior College. I contacted the Minnesota Board of Nursing prior to enrolling and they stated that any college that is qualified to take State Boards is qualified in Minnesota. Since Excelsior is qualified by the New York State Nursing Boards, Minnesota will accept them. They also have the NLNAC which some colleges don't even have.

symonelondon@yahoo.com in Silver Spring, Maryland said: LOL!! Ok Queen of Loop holes. Pls tell me something. My original homestate is WI who is also a compact state. Could you pls tell me how it works. Cause when I get my License in WI can I use it in Colorado"??. What do I do ?.. Like just show the Board in CO, my License from WI?
Help... I use to be the Queen of loop wholes but i'm all tied up!! LOL
Symone

Symore,
Unfortunatly your license has to say Compact state on it. Most do, for some reason there is still a handful of them that do not. If yours is set for compact state then you can work in any other compact state without even including the board because keep in mind that if you officially move that you ave to transfer your license, but if you are doing just a travel job or go over a state line to work, then you do not have to involve the board so long as each are compact states. I live in Maryland and I have worked in Delaware, Virginia, and New York as well as Maryland without doing anything except be hired like anywhere else.I hope this helps.

Ken Hines in Wesley Chapel, Florida said: I do not use a travel co. I have been with Veterans Affairs since graduating in 1993. I have moved around with the VA, from Ohio to Florida.

Ken

Hi Ken
One quick question, I am awating my boards, finished Excelsior and GA board states they wom't except RNs from Excelsior;So that leaves me with federal facilities. I've always been told the VA was a lot of work. Is it very hard?
Symone

i just graduated from an LPN program and i am tryin to find a job as an interim permit nurse while waiting for my ATT to arrive.pls anyone knows who is hiring?

I do not think that the VA is any harder than any other institution. I have worked at 3 different VA's and they are all about the same. The VA does have a leading edge on technology. Another good point about the VA is that no matter how low the census, you will not be sent home; only by choice and to top it off, you'll still get paid. I hope that I have helped answer some of your questions.

Good Luck,

Ken

Ken Hines in Wesley Chapel, Florida said: I do not think that the VA is any harder than any other institution. I have worked at 3 different VA's and they are all about the same. The VA does have a leading edge on technology. Another good point about the VA is that no matter how low the census, you will not be sent home; only by choice and to top it off, you'll still get paid. I hope that I have helped answer some of your questions.

Good Luck,

Ken

Thanks Ken,
by the way, how long was the application process for the VA once u were Licensed?

The process is quite lengthy, but in my opinion it is worth it. Working for the US Government has a lot of perks. Are you prior military? Which VA are you considering?

Ken

Hey Ken,
thx 4 responding so fast. Was thimking about VA in Atlanta. Though i may relocate to Colorado. Although i'm a military brat, I, myself, am not prior military.

I agree with Ken, I travel all over the US working with the VA systems. And Vet Pro (which is a extensive background clearance) does take a long time, but its worth it in the long run, just keep it updated after each assignment. And there is ALWAYS positions in the VA systems.