Anyone doing Excelsior College's LPN-RN program?

Is the Lpn test hard an how can i take it i attended the classes but i could not afford to take my test

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.

Thanks!!
Symone

I am an RN and considering relocating to Georgia, is it possible to make over $30 an hour in Georgia with 5 years experience. If not can anyone tell me what is the starting pay for RN in the atlanta area.

Thanks!

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.

My name is tisha williams and I'm interested in excelsior colleges lpn/rn program, but I'm having a hard time getting started. any pointers that may help.

Tisha,

Check out some of the earlier post. I made comment about using Lisa Arends($75)and Medstrong($50)software. WAY!!! Cheaper than TCN or RUE. You will have two sources to study from, I have passed NC 1 & 2 using only Lisa Arends. You will have to study the information, but she has it focused on what you need to learn to pass the exams.

Good Luck!!

I wanted to know what resources, textbooks or materials you used to study with and how long did it take you to complete the program.Did you fail any of the exams and what is the cpne really like.

hiya

anyone who has gone through excelsior's program can you tell me how long it took you and did you work full or part time while you did it, how long did you study for each module before you took the test just wondering thanks :)

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!

Hi Annie, I am also in florida. I'm very excited about expanding my knowledge and becoming an RN. However, I am a bit skeptical about this "nontraditional" route of education. I am curious to know; how long it took you to complete the Bridge process and on a scale of 1-10 how would you rate your experience?
Have you completed the cpne yet, and/or taken your boards?? I am looking to begin this program in Jan. 2009.

Thanks for any info.

FYI if anyone has any Excelsior input, please feel free to post a forum/blog. Any info at this point will be greatly appreciated. I am ready to start this program, I just want to set a realistic goal and completion date. . . .And by the way I have every pre requisite that excelsior requires for the ASN except: information literacy. Does anyone have a clue of approximately how long it might take me to finish...

Interactive NCLEX Tutoring for RN and LPN in Miami
Contact
Email nclex27@gmail.com
Upcoming class Jan 19, 2009

symone in Smyrna, Georgia said: 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

In reference to the above, Is it a fact that the state of Georgia does not accept RN's that have graduated from Excelsior College??? I am moving to
Georgia in the near future and if this is true, I feel that I've been misled.

Symone in Symrna (and anyone else this applies to)
As of December 19, 2008- IF you have graduated from Excelsior prior to July 1, 2008, you are eligible to transfer your license to Georgia. ALSO, IF you were enrolled prior to July 1, 2008 and will graduate by July 1, 2010, you will be eligible to transfer your license to Georgia. This decision came after Gov. Perdue fired 3 of the Board Members and appointed 3 other people. He knows the importance of nurses and how the decision by the BON will affect the healthcare in the state of Georgia.

Lucius

.

Lucius in Decatur, Georgia said: Symone in Symrna (and anyone else this applies to)
As of December 19, 2008- IF you have graduated from Excelsior prior to July 1, 2008, you are eligible to transfer your license to Georgia. ALSO, IF you were enrolled prior to July 1, 2008 and will graduate by July 1, 2010, you will be eligible to transfer your license to Georgia. This decision came after Gov. Perdue fired 3 of the Board Members and appointed 3 other people. He knows the importance of nurses and how the decision by the BON will affect the healthcare in the state of Georgia.

Lucius

.

Thank you for the reply! Do you know why the former board members were fired? And, Do you know exactly WHY the state of Georgia will not accept graduates from the Excelsior Nursing program. Or is it only graduates from the LPN/RN bridge?

I don't know why the former board members were fired, but the Gov. does. You could ask the same question"Why did those board members decide not to accept Excelsior graduates?" I don't know the answer but I bet they do. Once again, Georgia WILL accept your license IF you graduated before July 1, 2008. Also, IF you are/were enrolled before July 1, 2008 they will accept your license if you graduate before July 1, 2010.
Lucius

Once again, Thank you for your reply. I enrolled in November of 2008. I've decided to perservere and finish what I started. I'm still a resident of Florida and because of the economic downturn and unable to sell my home, I will probably continue to live and work in Florida for longer than I had anticipated. I guess things could be a lot worse....Kea

Kea,

It's good that you are going to stick with it! God may have a plan for you in Florida, it may be why you are still there. Anyway, once you finish Excelsior, sit for your NY boards and then you can work as a travel nurse in the states that do accept EC graduates. You never know what can happen, look at the situation in Georgia, in just 3 months they went from not accepting any grads to allowing a large majority of them to transfer their license. Don't lose hope, study, make sure you are comfortable with the material. If you go back in this blog you will see some of my comments. I listed several inexpensive resources that you should look at purchasing along with whatever material you are using.

Lucius

Hi Lucius, I just finished Health Safety. I am reviewing my books and notes and feel like I need more time before I schedule my test. Could you suggest other resources that I can read to prepare for this exam? Thanks! Kea

bglaze1956 in Rockingham, North Carolina said: Could you please tell me what travel company you are with, and what are their requirements for hiring an LPN. I am a new grad LPN in Rockingham, NC and its tough here in the sticks to find a LPN job. Does the travel company require any experience before they'll hire you or do you know? Please send me the name of the company. You can email me at bglaze1956@yahoo.com or just reply here. I thank you in advance for the information.

Barbara

Hello I was wondering if the travel company that u work for will hire a new LPN i have got my rn done but need the cash now to take the boards. Thank-u! danette

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!!!

Hi Amy,
I lived and worked in S.F. as an LVN. for 28 yrs. Currently living in Sheboygan, WI. During the 80's and 90's there were many LVN's doing the RN program through Excelsior, and yes they all were employed and highly regarded. I do remember around 2000?, there was a great controversy as to whether CA. would recognize this program. I was enrolled and tried to support their program. I left my beloved S.F. in 2004. I had no idea that this passed and Excelsior is no longer recognized in CA. I for myself really didn't want to continue with their program, knowing the problems. If I'm going to invest tons of money and time to become an RN. I do not want any restrictions. You know, I certainly do understand your situation and now is the worst of financial times for everyone. But, I say just do what you have to do to get your RN. You WILL make up the money in no time!! Just do it real and you will NEVER regret it!!...KR

Can you start with Excelsior without being an lpn or any of the other health care fields that's listed on their website? I'm in search of an online program that will allow you to complete must of your studies online and have a clinical site for you to attended that's near by. I've already done some of the general education courses, and i'm currently in the state of Ga but are looking to relocate in the near furture.

Lucius in Atlanta, Georgia said: Tisha,

Check out some of the earlier post. I made comment about using Lisa Arends($75)and Medstrong($50)software. WAY!!! Cheaper than TCN or RUE. You will have two sources to study from, I have passed NC 1 & 2 using only Lisa Arends. You will have to study the information, but she has it focused on what you need to learn to pass the exams.

Good Luck!!

hi
i'm curious to know which program did you go through to take your boards i'm not understanding if you actually did a program or what is lisa arends. is it a online program or a personal tutor?
thank you adrien

Adrian in Chicago,

My last post:
Check out some of the earlier post. I made comment about using Lisa Arends($75)and Medstrong($50)software. WAY!!! Cheaper than TCN or RUE. You will have two sources to study from, I have passed NC 1 & 2 using only Lisa Arends. You will have to study the information, but she has it focused on what you need to learn to pass the exams.

Good Luck!!

I am currently in the Excelsior Program. Lisa Arends is former Excelsior student who developed her software(study material) to help people past the exams. Medstrong is a group of former nursing students who also developed software
to help sudents. TCN & RUE are companies who have developed study materials as well but they are very expensive!!! Ex: TCN study materials for Nursing Concepts1/Essential of Nursing Care Health Safety cost $495 (study materials only),RUE $395 (I believe, it might be a little less but I know it is $300 plus) Lisa Arends it cost $12.95 Medstrong $12.95 $480 cheaper than TCN and $300 less than RUE. Everybody whom I have informed about Lisa Arends and Medstrong state that they are a lot better than TCN & RUE. It would be cheaper to pay for Lisa Arends & Medstrong to get double the sudy materials. I passed NC 1&2 with Lisa Arends only, It saved me $1,000 on just two test! I have taking other exams but I am getting back to the nursing starting Feb'09. I was just offering a less expensive way to pay for your study materials. Good Luck

I completed my AAS in April 2006, immediately took and passed the NCLEX. Excelsior's program is great for those of us who learn best by reading the text ourselves versus waiting for the instructor to spoon feed us the answers. I would highly recommend this program to anyone.

Katherine White, RN in Phoenix, Arizona said: I completed my AAS in April 2006, immediately took and passed the NCLEX. Excelsior's program is great for those of us who learn best by reading the text ourselves versus waiting for the instructor to spoon feed us the answers. I would highly recommend this program to anyone.

Hey Katherine,
My name is Symone. I am waiting to take my boards, was an LPN for 17 yrs, just graduated with Excelsior Dec 14th(passed CPNE), i'm waiting my official graduation date of Feb 20th, then i test for my boards. How soon after did u test? were u an LPN first?,Was it very difficult( your boards) and how did u prepare? When did u start seeing the difference in pay??
Thanks(smile)
symone

hello symone, i was wondering what to expect with the cpne. how was it?

tishwil in Emerson, Arkansas said: hello symone, i was wondering what to expect with the cpne. how was it?

Hey there Tishwil,
All i can say is....pls have the 2 books they want u to have re: careplans and drug books. I thought it would be sorta challenging, but challenging is not the word. On the bright side. They disc that Excelsior sends u, is so wonderful in my opinion, that was all i really needed. It prpares you every stey of the way. One of the other most valuable things for me were the flashcards. Just know that the examiners are checking off everything as u are doing them, so be prepared. no take backs!! Anyway, One great thing is that i passed and learned to look at nursing a wbhole new way, its a priviledge and my CA was great!! i tested in Madison WI.
Symone

hey symone thanks for the info. also what is a good way to prepare for the content exams.

tishwil in Emerson, Arkansas said: hey symone thanks for the info. also what is a good way to prepare for the content exams.

Hey Tishwil,
I actually got the disc, and added myself to cpnestudygroup.com....This was so helpful. I was there 3 days. First evening is introduction and Lab. My best advice is to practice with the most critical person in the world so that when the actual examiners are watching u, u won't care or get too nervous. Above all pray!! Then be yourself.Don't cram. Know taht when you get off the plane you've studied and done your best. Everything is timed. I've always been the type person to do things the correct way, no short cuts, so things like wearing gloves or using the alcohol pads to clean ports were a given. what i didn't do was read the careplan book(atleast review it) prior. So whatever they recommend do it, so u wont find yourself panicing.
Symone

Hi symonelondon,

I currently study the concepts and hope to finish and take the CPNE by the deadline. Where are you planning on working after you get endorsed which I heard is pain in it self? I was wondering with everything going on here in GA will it be hard to be hired as new RN seeing we graduated from Excelsior college?
Are you going to do some kind of extern/internship as well?

I was wondering if any of you have use the accelerated nursing guides like RUE or just accelerated inc? Is it worth the money? I have already paid for college network study guides but not motivated to use them.

Tracy in Murfreesboro

If you would scroll back to some of the earlier comments. Check out some of mine. I mentioned a few resources you could use that are not as expensive as TCN or RUE.

Lucius

how do i get a copy of lisa arends notes because i want to take 1 and 2 next month . im enrolled in excelsior

Wendy,

To get Lisa Arends, just go to Ebay and order the cd's. There only $12(includes s/h) or $72 for the entire set 1-8.
Lucius

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!!!

YOU CAN ALWAYS WORK AT A VA HOSPITAL AS AN RN. TRYING TAKING THE NCLEX IN ANOTHER STATE THEN WORK AT THE VA IN YOUR STATE TRY LOOKING INTO THAT

Hey sunshine!
Not sure if you are aware but on Dec. 19th the board met again and the prior decision not to let RN graduates from excelsior practice, was lifted ofcourse with the deadline stipulation. I already have a great new job here in GA! just finish as soon as you can Good luck!!
Symone

symonelondon@yahoo.com in Lithonia, Georgia said: Hey sunshine!
Not sure if you are aware but on Dec. 19th the board met again and the prior decision not to let RN graduates from excelsior practice, was lifted ofcourse with the deadline stipulation. I already have a great new job here in GA! just finish as soon as you can Good luck!!
Symone

What IS the deadline stipulation? Anyone out there that knows, please explain. Thank You, Kea

I believe the deadline is July 2010. It either June or July. Not sure what the stipulations will be thereafter.
Good Luck!!
Symone

Thank you!! Carolyn,
As it relates to the CPNE, I passed the first time, 7 in the group, 2 failed(i believe). One of the most rewarding yet challenging experiences that i've ever had. What prepared me the most, without question, was the actual disk that excelsior sends out once u finish all your concepts. It really prepared me from begging to end. It was definitely no joke!! But do-able. I prepared for about 3 months. Grab a hold of your nerves at all times! Remmeber you've come too far to fail. Pray, study, and go in confidence. If you fail one part, digest it, but then move on, part is not all! Get plenty of rest.
Good Luck!!
Symone