Anyone doing Excelsior College's LPN-RN program?

Kay the ec program is a disciplinary centered program. I did not take a quick fix, i may be an exception to the rule, i was an lpn in a hosp for yrs, having said that you have to volunteer and or seek out your own study plsn, it is not for the weak of heart. On the intrrnet NCBSN thry are many learning tools, the local comm. College is another avenue to gain knowledge. Traditional school you get an opportunity to observe, i have ovrr the years met BSN students that NEVRR inserted a foley, started sn iv, know how to receive report etc, this is basic training . If u live in new york i can help

ctcpete in Brick, New Jersey said: Hi,

I recently found this site. I'm an EC student in NJ. Licensed LPN.

I'm looking forward to my cpne (well "looking forward" sounds too pleasant,how about "preparing myself"?). I have a few more EC classes to go. Working on LS1 now.

I have heard of a nurse who worked for EC for 18 years and holds cpne seminars in her house. Anyone with contact info? It may have been imgladitsover who mentioned her in a previous post.

Good luck everyone and thanks.

Pete,
I singled you out based on location alone. I am very interested in starting Excelsior using the bridge RRT-RN program, but after reading through this website it sounds like the CPNE at the end is a scary prospect.
Like you I have plenty of bedside experience in ICU/ER, and have my BS in Respiratory Care/Cardiopulmonary disease, but it seems Respiratory Therapy is a waning field so I thought I might be a good fit for Excelsiors program, and was wondering if you have found any issues such as (necessary clinical hours) and such that the NJ Board of Nursing requires?
Would you be willing to keep in touch with me about your CPNE - any workshops you took, etc, etc. I could use a buddy if I decide to take this road.
Thanks so much,
Annie

i agree with other posts, you really have no clue what your talking about when it comes to the ECC program. if you have completed it you must be a self starter with impeccable planning and studying skills. we do not get a group participation grade, quiz grade, project grade, or showing up grade!! We have one test that tests on the core knowledge and we have to pass, all in a self study and preparation aspect that doesnt give us dates or times to be done. Our clinical hours are done in LPN class, which is why this program is even available. The CPNE at the end assures that we know our assessments, and lets face it, they arent rocket science. To boot, you didnt know one lung sound from the other until you were on the floor 24-7 to learn as we did. Don't hate us because we are superior in course and academic levels. Marvel at our endurance and culpability!!

Well said imgladitsover. I just don't get why some people are so mean spirited. Life is too short for such nonsense and I believe in karma and just being a nice guy as much as possible. I believe any kindness done returns to you one day.

I hope I can say regarding EC one day.."I'm glad its over" ha ha after passing of course. BTY, did you get my e mail I sent yesterday?

I also went to the first page of this thread and read some troubling stuff. One thing for sure now I really want to over prepare for the cpne.

And ANNIERRT, feel free to contact me anytime. I don't think you have to be an LPN to start the EC course although that is a common scenario. From what I know, NJ does not require any additional clinical hours, at least for LPNs. I'd contact one of the EC advisers and ask some questions. And maybe the board of nursing in NJ too. I'm surprised that respiratory therapy is a waning field, had no idea. I've learned a bit in my time doing the pre reqs and EC classes and also belong to an EC yahoo group or two.

If you want to reach me, feel free. I'm not sure of a good way to exchange e mails here, I've heard that it's not good to post your e mail in a public forum..spam bots can flood your inbox and I don't think we can do a PM here either.

Clinical training is not assessment skills. EC is basically a testing out center for those who cannot be bothered with returning to a traditional school. Wish some can just admit it.

punix0583 in Horseheads, New York said: Kay the ec program is a disciplinary centered program. I did not take a quick fix, i may be an exception to the rule, i was an lpn in a hosp for yrs, having said that you have to volunteer and or seek out your own study plsn, it is not for the weak of heart. On the intrrnet NCBSN thry are many learning tools, the local comm. College is another avenue to gain knowledge. Traditional school you get an opportunity to observe, i have ovrr the years met BSN students that NEVER inserted a foley, started sn iv, know how to receive report etc, this is basic training . If u live in new york i can help

A school with that many complaints and which gives you no assessment skills should not be charging 2ooo bucks. A BSN programs have you on the floor for a full day for a month! This allows you see many different types of skills and patients needing different levels of care

No it is not, but very important

UNfortunately this forum is supposed to be for people to help each other. Your attacks at a school you would never have been able to do are sad as some of us worked harder than you had to in order to get the same degree. Can we stick to actually helping the people on the site that are looking for answers, and if you have never done the Excelsior Program why are you even in this conversation?

i dont think i got your email so send it again to crazycool8@yahoo.com

Kay in Schenectady, New York said: Clinical training is not assessment skills. EC is basically a testing out center for those who cannot be bothered with returning to a traditional school. Wish some can just admit it.

I gotta agree with you there. When I was an LPN, I tried Excelsior & did really well on all the exams. But there is no substitute for actual hands-on clinical learning. Thats why California doesnt allow Excelsior graduates to have a CA RN license, sorry to say. I ended up going to a two year college for my degree.

imgladitsover in Cape Coral, Florida said: AKA you couldnt hack it!!

I am an RN just like you are. I just took the traditional route.

Why don't you 'hack it'. Is that nursing language?

@imgladitsove

Sorry about that hack it comment. Thought it was for me. :)

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 say go for it you have nothing too loose and all to gain...

Amy it has it's risks. A friend of mine did it and passed. She was from GA so had to take the boards in another state. Just be aware of what you are getting into.

I went to Dutchess Community College in Poughkeepsie, NY after trying Excelsior. I graduated with honors & passed the NCLEX on the first try. Hows that for hacking it?

Very sad, I am used to other forums where people are pretty nice. The problem with the internet at times is the anonymous nature, with troubled or angry people I do better interacting in person. I would take everything here with a big grain of salt, that said there are some who I do think are being honest.

I have read back to all previous messages pages and pages and I now realize that this forum has all sorts of folks, some very angry, or some who take some strange pleasure in being negative or have an agenda to push. I could speculate why but who cares?

I am not an employee, I am a student who is about 2/3s through the classes. I can't go back to the beginning and make another decision, actually EC was the only way for me to do the RN route (many reasons). I have commited to EC. Reading all the negatives about the CPNE is somewhat frightening but has also served to strengthen my resolve to pass so thanks for all those scary posts ha ha.

For those considering EC, do your homework, don't do the college network etc, you can buy there stuff if you really want it (some like the info) on e bay, don't sign any contracts, just my opinion. Read all the other posts, only 28 pages!

For those who would do better in a classroom, do it and good luck, much easier route IMHO. Once again just my opinion.

For those who can't for whatever reason do the classroom thing, EC is an option. It is doable, it won't be easy but others have done it.

Any how have a good day and good luck to everyone.

Kay in Schenectady, New York said: @pete in Brick

Good luck paying 200 dollars to test out. The failure rate is high for those who HAVE studied. I went the traditional route to a real school where real concepts are taught.

Yes Kay you are obviously superior to most of us here.

nynurse in Hyde Park, New York said: I went to Dutchess Community College in Poughkeepsie, NY after trying Excelsior. I graduated with honors & passed the NCLEX on the first try. Hows that for hacking it?

Congratulations on your success nynurse.

Folks, we can be nice here, we all have opinions and we can post and be civil. Life is too short. I guess that goes for me too, I'll be the first to say sorry if I peeved anybody off. this stuff is stressful.

pete in Brick, New Jersey said: And I have spent time as an LPN student on the floor with RN students who where allowed to do next to nothing. We did the heavy lifting and all the direct pt care including what some would consider the "dirty" jobs, I consider it paying my dues, I'm kind of old school that way. Of course I am sure each program and situation is different.

So how does a new nurse get this valuable hands on experience? Everyone had to start somewhere.

Like I said my LPN program was very good, highly rated and most local facilities welcomed us for clinicals, we did a lot of hands on, caths etc. Run by some tough as nails veteran nurses who quickly weeded out the rif raff. Since graduating I have concentrated on getting my RN. Had a few full time offers right away but I knew I would never get my RN if I went that route and all the local RN programs had waiting lists a mile long. The only program my instructors would recommend was EC.

Any advice is welcome. Thanks in advance.

Stay focused, i am a graduate 2008 , ignore the negative postings, i teach the clinicals for years, working on a web site now, which will have testimonials, this forum is to help not tear down folk, it is not for everyone

imgladitsover in Cape Coral, Florida said: i dont think i got your email so send it again to crazycool8@yahoo.com

I sent it again did you get it? Maybe went to your spam folder? I sent it Tues at 9:46 am.

LPN in Port Richey, Florida said: I am an LPN working for Baycare and went to a Baycare educational fair and spoke to a representative with Career Learning Center and they use excelsior for testing. Has anyone used this as an LPN to RN avenue? Especially any other Baycare employees?

Hi I am an an LPN going through Excelsior for my RN. I am waiting to start the FCCA part. It has taken me about 7 months to do all the nursing test. It is very doable if you are self motivated. I found that since I am a Home Health LPN that it was fairly easy, since I see everything lol. I did all my prereqs at PHCC and ST pete. If you have any ? Kristieyoung79@yahoo.com

JOBLESS in Taunton, Massachusetts said: I agree clinical contact with patients is so important and more realistic. I have nothing against nurses who continue with online education but you miss the learning experience of 1:1 anyone can be book smart and get all A's but when reality hits and your on the floor with someone who is in flash pulmonary edema hands on and clinical experience ARE A BIG ASSET!!!!!!!!!!

Most EC students are EXPERIENCED nurses already. How many times have you witnessed a BSN from a traditional school on the floor who is absolutely clueless? As for their clinicals - they follow the instructor around and never actually 'do' any hands on. As an LPN I can already run circles around them, can't wait for CPNE to PROVE it.

Kay in Schenectady, New York said: A school with that many complaints and which gives you no assessment skills should not be charging 2ooo bucks. A BSN programs have you on the floor for a full day for a month! This allows you see many different types of skills and patients needing different levels of care

Kay - why are you on this forum if you aren't interested in doing the EC program? Any program has complaints - EC is NOT easy and can be very, very hard depending on your experience. As in my last post, most EC students are EXPERIENCED nurses already who can run circles around those b/m BSN students. And do you think the respiratory techs and paramedics who are doing the program have never 'listened to lung sounds' or had experience in emergency situations? IMHO they will make better nurses than the straight through community college grads.

Could not agree more , 26 yrs before rn i was an lpn had to repeat cpne because of nerves, had rn one month later, i teach, 100, 000 $ a yr and counting thanks EC, AND my daughter graduated medical school, there is a GOD

punix0583 in Horseheads, New York said: Could not agree more , 26 yrs before rn i was an lpn had to repeat cpne because of nerves, had rn one month later, i teach, 100, 000 $ a yr and counting thanks EC, AND my daughter graduated medical school, there is a GOD

Congrats on your success and your daughter's you should be proud as I'm sure you are. I've been thinking of leaving this forum but things have become more civil thank goodness.

There is room for disagreement of course.

I'm doing LS1 on Friday. Wish me luck, no, on 2nd thought "break a leg". Ha ha.

Keep practicing and timing yourself, have introductory statement, rationals, the 10 c/plans thst ec suggest, grid, narratives, etc memorized if u can write this info down on a blank piece of paper u are ready, if u need help send me a private email, i am innew york

punix0583 in Horseheads, New York said: Keep practicing and timing yourself, have introductory statement, rationals, the 10 c/plans thst ec suggest, grid, narratives, etc memorized if u can write this info down on a blank piece of paper u are ready, if u need help send me a private email, i am innew york

Good luck , google up Let's conquer cpne beast for furthrr encouragement also, look on u tube for free videos,

No one has answered the question... How long does it take?

Sorry I can't help you never did the program but there are alot of nurses on that site that have done it. Keep looking good-luck.

What was the question, i do not know BUT if u are asking how long it takes to finish program it all depends on how many gen ed credits u already have, if u have to take just nursing courses 6 months to a year along with the clinicals

Linda in Muskegon, Michigan said: DeeDee619-just call me if you need more info on the workshop--check out the website, my # is posted there---cpne of michigan---we will talk soon. Linda

Is there a workshop in Atlanta area for cpne. I am taking the skills test 2for fourth time due to hard ship . I need help I have study guide 101 what else specifically can I go to. Help didi wants to finish. Also what does the fcca involve I don't know anything about it and how long it takes what I need for it etc. I just need help with life skills 2 fcca and cpne in detail. Please someone help me I have to be done before July if possible Email me at Mandyhm@bellsouth.net

Linda in Muskegon, Michigan said: DeeDee619-just call me if you need more info on the workshop--check out the website, my # is posted there---cpne of michigan---we will talk soon. Linda

Is there a workshop in Atlanta area for cpne. I am taking the skills test 2for fourth time due to hard ship . I need help I have study guide 101 what else specifically can I go to. Help didi wants to finish. Also what does the fcca involve I don't know anything about it and how long it takes what I need for it etc. I just need help with life skills 2 fcca and cpne in detail. Please someone help me I have to be done before July if possible Email me at Mandyhm@bellsouth.net. I'm a person who needs details not just get this book and study lol. Can anyone help me please

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.

Hey Ann, could you e-mail me so I could ask you some questions about the program? I am thinking about doing it but scared to death.

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.

Hey Ann, could you e-mail me so I could ask you some questions about the program? I am thinking about doing it but scared to death. Gayletraver@aol.com

Can anyone that has completed the Excelsior Program and passed the clinicals e-mail me? I am wanting to do it but would just like to talk with someone that has done it. Thanks.

Gayletraver@aol.com

annamaria32 in Denver, Colorado said: 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.

Did you ever end up passing Excelsior or going to California to work? I need to hear from some folks, because I am a native Californian, working as an LPN in NC. I am thinking about Excelsior and want to eventually go back to California, but only if they accept the Excelsior grads. Help Please!

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.

How much does this cost and how long will it take to finish the school?

How much does it take to finish the program and how long does it take? What about the clinical house,how do the school arrange the clinical?

6 mo to a year

karrikon@yahoo.com in Fletcher, North Carolina said: Did you ever end up passing Excelsior or going to California to work? I need to hear from some folks, because I am a native Californian, working as an LPN in NC. I am thinking about Excelsior and want to eventually go back to California, but only if they accept the Excelsior grads. Help Please!

Calif. Do not accept ec grads

You guys are AWESOME! I personally plan to study to become an LPN first then move on to RN! I was suggested to check out www.lpnonlineclass.com and it has been very helpful so far. I think after I pass my test and get my LPN license my life will totally change for the better. By the way is the transition from LPN-RN hard?

Dee Dee, have you looked into Sherry Taylor's CPNE Workshop in Atlants? I hear good things, but also to take the practice CPNE from Excelsior.

Annie,
I am an RRT in Florida taking Excelsior for RN. Pretty straightforward and IMHO, pretty easy for the Nursing Theory Exams. I am doing 1 every month to 6 weeks. I am a little concerned, however, about the Focused Clinical Competency Assessment since RRT does not do entire body. I plan on seeing if I can audit some local community college assessments. Also there are tons of videos on You Tube. Good luck.

Imgladitsover,
I have seen you post on other forums, and thank you! I am in Tallahassee and am an RRT taking ECC RRT-RN. Hope to be done with Theory courses by August and then FCCA and the CPNE - woot! Did you take Sherry Taylor's CPNE practice?

Just saw this topic - I graduated from Regents/Excelsior (was Regents College back then) 25 years ago (!!!!). Now I feel old -- although I was only about 20 then.

Passed the CPNE on my first try. From what I see on the boards, the CPNE has not changed all that much except to incorporate newer skills and technology. The basic format is still the same.

Have been an RN for all those years and have never run into any difficulties finding or keeping a position - even in California, where I was licensed loooong before they decided not to take EC grads.

EC is not a scam and has produced many great nurses, including my manager who completed both the ASN and BSN with EC and is now moving on to become an NP.

scotty in Fort Lauderdale, Florida said: thanks for responding. please contact me at blib777@hotmail.com

I am an LVN in Houston- have been for 14 yrs. I am looking into starting RUE. I have read plenty of negative comments on line but would like to know if it has even a positive experience for anyone??? I work full time and I am a mother. I need flexibility. Any advise would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks! Jen

Don't do RUE! Go straight thru excelsior. You would be paying extra money for nothing. Tehy aren't even affiliated with Excelsior! IT's like a tutoring program, not an actual degree program. Just apply directly to Excelsior because they grant degrees and Rue does not!!!

featherz in Upstate, New York said: Just saw this topic - I graduated from Regents/Excelsior (was Regents College back then) 25 years ago (!!!!). Now I feel old -- although I was only about 20 then.

Passed the CPNE on my first try. From what I see on the boards, the CPNE has not changed all that much except to incorporate newer skills and technology. The basic format is still the same.

Have been an RN for all those years and have never run into any difficulties finding or keeping a position - even in California, where I was licensed loooong before they decided not to take EC grads.

EC is not a scam and has produced many great nurses, including my manager who completed both the ASN and BSN with EC and is now moving on to become an NP.

So you would recommend it? My aunt did this program back in 1988, also 25 yrs ago in California, when it was Regents and Cali accepted it. She also passed on first attempt. She was just a school nurse back then, so she did not work in LTC like me. I am considering taking it. I live in NC now and want to move back to Cali again one day. So, if you think it was a good program, I will consider it. I have already been accepted. California will only accept it once you have experience in the field in your state that it's accepted in. You cannot do the program anymore while living in California.

Hi Jen, I'm not sure what RUE is but they are not affiliated with EC. Nor is College Network. College Network has you sign a contract lots of $, when you can buy their stuff on e bay cheap from other students who where roped in. Do not sign any contracts. You only need the EC text books which they tell you to buy depending on the class, in some cases your old LPN books may work.

Talk with an EC adviser..or check in to the all nurses forum there is an Excelsior section there.

Good luck. The program is doable. I'm an LPN and am towards the end..