Going to R.N. from L.V.N. fast!

kat in Oxnard, California said: I had a frustrating experience with College Network. Brian Confer, Program Advisor, came to my house to discuss the program. I showed him my foreign transcript and he told me which classes were credited. He also said I won't have a problem using a transcript evaluated by another company (not WES) since I already have my record with that company which I used for the LVN program. He told me to have the transcript submitted to TCN. Of course, it was rejected. When I finally had the WES transcript sent I was told I have to submit my transcript to ISU since it's a foreign transcript. ISU never credited anything in the transcript and I was advised to either take those classes in the community college or thru TCN before I could apply and you're not guaranteed you will be accepted... very different from what the Program Advisor told me. The Program Advisor should have told me the proper procedure to avoid the cost involve. And yes, they can't refund my money. When I spoke with Brian Confer about the experience I went through he sounded irritated and gave me a very sarcastic:"Well, if that's what the center wants then you should follow it!". I am now enrolled in a community college and I was informed that I only have 5 classes to take to join the RN program. I felt so betrayed by TCN and my frustration was even bigger. I hope nobody would experience what I've gone through.

KAT,I,m almost in tears after reading your post.i cry for myself b/c i seem to be in thesame boat.the diff with me is i haven't taken any test yet but plan on doing that this week after 10m0mnths.the qt is;is it worth it?i've heard soo many scary stuff about this prog.the most annoying part is the money they keep taking from my account.i'm currently enrolled in a colllege b/c i deeply think that's the only way out.i'll keep you updated if i find out anything

Gaby in San Francisco, California said: Anyone enrolled with The college network LVN to RN (BSN). I recently enrolled and did not like how the exam fees increases, when I tried to get a refund they dont allow it. I am afraid to continue I am in phase I and only need one class to go to phase II. Also if you call the other two colleges, you have to apply and wait to get in their nursing programs. Not guaranteed you will be in. Anyone has any problem with the College network ?

hey there,what do you mean by you're not guaranteed? omg!i thought they said there was no waiting list? one gt;did you do all your stage 1 courses through the college network?if so,please enlighten me on how to go about.i still haven't taken one but planning to do that next week

HELLO SHIPMATE !
I AM A GRADUATE OF EXCELSIOR COLLEGE AND AT ONE TIME IN MY LIFE I WAS A HOSPITAL CORPSMAN.I OBTAINED MY LVN (CALIFORNIA) WHILE I WAS IN THE NAVY. I AM LICENSED IN 8 STATES AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. THE PROGRAM IS REALLY FOR PEOPLE WHO HAVE AN EXTENSIVE BACKGROUND THAT INCLUDES A SOUND CLINICAL BACKGROUND(I.E. HOSPITAL CORPSMAN, LPN/LVN) WHEN YOU WORK FOR THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT YOU ARE NOT REQUIRED TO HOLD A LICENSE FROM THE STATE YOU ARE WORKING IN.
HOW EVER IF YOU ARE WORKING FOR A STATE AGENCY YOU ARE REQUIRED TO HOLD A LICENSE IN THAT STATE.

ADDENDUM- GEORGIA DOES NOT ALLOW EXCELSIOR COLLEGE GRADS TO SIT FOR THE BOARD BUT I WAS ABLE TO ENDORSE MY LICENSE INTO GEORGIA WITHOUT NO PROBLEMS.

Has there been any California graduates from the Excelsior Nursing program who enrolled after December 2003? I read on the CA BRN that they review applications on a case by case basis...I've been trying to contact the BRN regarding Excelsior with questions, but no luck....

Anybody graduate from Excelsior with an ASN/BSN and were able to somehow endorse/take examination through California? I contacted the BRN for California and no luck in a response....If I get my ASN from Excelsior and don't take the NCLEX in California but take it in another state and enroll in a BSN or MSN program that California recognizes, and then take the exam in Califonia..would that be possible? I want to know of anybody who has been successful at getting licensed in California as an Excelsior grad who was enrolled after December 2003

Bruce,L.V.N. in San Diego, California said: I'm a L.V.N. in S.D.,CA. and I'm trying to get into a L.V.N. to R.N. program fast. I challenged the board for my license and didn't go to a formal L.V.N. school. I got trained in the U.S. Navy and only California recognizes the Navy program. Most R.N. school's want you do be a graduate of a L.V.N. school. Any suggestions!

I just got out of the ARMY I was a medic and am interested to know how you challenged the LVN test?Were you a Corpsman or a nurse in the NAVY?

I was a Corpsmen. If you are a 91-C, you shouldn't have any problems challenging the Board for your LVN license's in any state. Many states recognizes the Army 91-C Program, because it's a year long program. I worked at Fitzsimmons Army Base in Colorado and I know alot about the Army Medical Services. I hope the suggestion's will help you in your pursuit for your license's. Good Luck! Write or call the Board and explain your situation and they will mail you the appropiate application.

I was a 91w didnt go to the lpn program at Walter Read.I called the bord and they said apply and we will review info .I was a field medic for most of the time but worked for a FAST team in Afganistan for over a year performing nursing tasks.Do you think i'll qualify?

Bruce,L.V.N. in San Diego, California said: I'm a L.V.N. in S.D.,CA. and I'm trying to get into a L.V.N. to R.N. program fast. I challenged the board for my license and didn't go to a formal L.V.N. school. I got trained in the U.S. Navy and only California recognizes the Navy program. Most R.N. school's want you do be a graduate of a L.V.N. school. Any suggestions!

here is a lvn to RN program that will accept you its an 18 mo. program .If you are prior military you just need to take a test.Hope this helps .I talked to a guy named Doug the # is 323-8054665

I think you have a good shot at it. Contact the Board and have them send you an application. Also talk to them about your situation, I believe you have to perform nursing duties for a year to qualify. I think combat experience would count, but I am not for sure. Good Luck!

Give it your best shoot! California nursing shortage is getting greater and greater by the day because of the high cost of living here and the growing demand for patient care. So go head and apply and just see what the education evaluator tells you. Good luck to you and I am praying for you.

hello,just took two modules with clep.the qts are tricky.had a c in both modules.will be transfering the credits to a nearby college

Anna in Covina California in Upland, California said: hello,just took two modules with clep.the qts are tricky.had a c in both modules.will be transfering the credits to a nearby college

Hi Anna,
where did you take the tests?I live in San dimas and am interested in Cleping out some classes .
Joe

My friend is a licensed LPN in California, is there any reciprocity with the State of Pennsylvania? Her husband has had a massive stroke and although she maintains her CEU's and license they are now in PA. Can she change her Calif. license to a PA. license? How is this done?
Thank You,
When you email me with a reply please make sure I know the reply is from you or I may delete it.

hey joe,clep testing is in azusa pacific university.call them and ask to talk to somebody in the student enrichment center.they will tell you how to register for clep only
good luck

Your friend should check the PA Board of VN. I have a friend who moved to TX and she was able to changed her CA license to TX license. CA has reciprocity agreement with a lot of States. It's worth checking it... goodluck.

you know, many community colleges just require you to have your lvn license and the prereqs to grad.

Any Junior college will accept you as long as you have the required classes (pre-req). I aplied to three school and all accepted me. FYI I did challenge also

Is the L.V.N. school very hard?

No, LVN is not hard as long as you study. My classmates didn't study as much as I did so they had a hard time passing the exams. After I graduated, I studied for whole month and I passed the Board exam. some of my classmates haven't passed yet... Our instructors always tell us that there is no such thing as "too much studying". And they're right.

Debbie in Keller, Texas said: I enrolled in the college network over a year ago. I started out really motivated; but, I heard from other nurses that they had problems with the clinicals. The nurses informed me that they tend to fail people so they have to go through it again. I became nervous after discussing the issue with TCN. They told me that you can't just read their manuals and take their pretests-you have to develop charts and different ways to help you retain the information so you will pass. I have been limited as an LVN/LPN in Texas to long-term care facilities and feel hesitant to risk additional fees. I am not sure how other LVNs are treated in Texas-I do know that in the Fort Worth area; jobs are limited to nursing homes and agency. The hospitals are hiring RN's and some have emphasized to LVN's they will need to get their RN.

.
The problem of failing nurses in clinicals is even in regular college based nursing.A dentist from other country enrolled in CA community college RN program was kicked out in last four weeks of graduation after spending 5 years on getting pre-req and core nursing courses with A grades. similarly another doctor lfrom other country and 7 even born in CA were kicked out in final semester. IT is Policy of present day NUrsing teachers and percecepters becuse inherently they do not want flood of nurses becusae I heard from one that NOw they are enjoying best wages bec of shortage but as soon as flood of nurses come they being old will loose thier jobs fast.So, At heart, this is theier problem. Being teachers, They should teach proper way with patience instead of kicking a student and wasting here 5-7 yr study work useless bec they ruin the file of student with safety paper.THat is what happened with my freind , a very bright person but got safety letter bec teacher was racist.

How much total costs for LVN to ADN with excelsior. PLease any body help. How fast , I can finish thier course load.

TCN is crap.i'll advise any body who really wants to be an rn nurse to go to anywhere else but TCN.i did take some of their test and now to transfer the credits is hell.every comunity school i've been to is mot accepting the credits.i wish there was a way to get off the school loan.this is real scaming.i've dropped the who thing.i'm goung to a regular school.

Excelsior College is still the best home school Registered Nursing program. If your seriously seeking to advance in your career Excelsior College will give you that break, and it is not hard to get accepted into there program. I'm fully aware that some states will not allow Excelsior College candidates to sit for licensing but other states will. There are only just a few states that will not allow you to sit for license. I would recommend Excelsior to any LPN/LVN or LPT that is looking to advance in there career. You are allowed to work at any Veterans Hospital without have a in state licenses. You can also work at any Federal Government facility (Post Office) or (Military Base Hospitals) or (Federal Prison) without having a state licenses. Excelsior College is working on improvements to there program to make it more interchangeable.
www.excelsior.edu

Thanks
Dee
San Diego, Ca

angelstar in Bakersfield, California said: How much total costs for LVN to ADN with excelsior. PLease any body help. How fast , I can finish thier course load.

I spent somewhere between $7K and $9K total when all was said and done. That includes flying to a couple of seminars in San Jose, books, and my clincal exam fees and expenses in Racine, WI. It took a couple of years of work spread out over a few years of off and on effort. If your prereq's are done, it's very feasible to do it in 1 1/2 - 2 years. I could have done it in a year if I'd worked at it and truly focused on one test at a time.

Just be careful with the whole CA licensing thing as discussed earlier. If my goal had been to live in CA, I would have chosen a different program.

Good luck to you!

Been looking at the excellsior college network /Rue thing for years. Know many who have tried but did not finish for one reason or another. They are stuck with huge loan repayments. Is there a program that will allow you to pay as you go and program cost stops when you stop. The clinical part scares me too Texas is notorious for failing folks. Doing all that work and spending all that money to come to a 2 day clinical, if you fail 3 tries it was all for nothing. Imagine the nervousness.

re: excelsior-when they give clinical test cpne is it given on critical care setting/acute care setting i.e someone 1-2 post surgery or on regular med surge floor?

DD -- You don't need RUE. Excelsior gives you outlines of what you need to know and suggests texts. Read the material and go take the test. I recommend Tina's 5 day workshop in San Jose for the CPNE prep because of my own good experiences with it. www.cheducation.com/

There's nothing that you can't pay as you go. The only part of the process that I borrowed money for was the final push of getting through the CPNE because I wanted to cut back on working so much during that time.

A couple of people from my workshop group took their tests in TX and passed without a problem. I took the CPNE in Madison, WI because I'd heard from many people that the CE's were humane. I had an excellent experience, but so did everyone else I heard from who had taken it elsewhere. If you're prepared and not completely freaked out, you'll pass. Just get some help in preparing for the CPNE. Doing a workshop is a must, IMHO.

ANGELSTAR -- The Excelsior clinical / CPNE is done in an acute care hospital in med/surg and peds. If they use another unit, it's still going to be a generic med/surg pt. You're not going to get hit with CCU, ICU, L&D, or anything like that. It's all about proving yourself competent at a basic ADN graduate level and showing that you can do so the Excelsior way -- they're very serious about that. My experiences with it are here: cpne.homestead.com Tina has a yahoo group that is useful, though it's intended for people looking at doing her workshop: groups.yahoo.com/group/PassCPNE/

Don't be scared of it but please make sure that you realize that licensing in CA will be a problem before you start spending money on it. . .

good luck!

Scott

Hello,

Can anyone tell me on how to get started in Nursing School, I'm currently working in a ER Trauma 11 facility as a specialty tech / Nurse Tech. Looking to CLEP out on some courses. I'm in the State of GA. Don't want to waste time/MONEY in classes. I've worked in capacity for 10 years.

I went through TCN for the texts and EC for the exams. I am ready for the CPNE next. A friend of mine did this program and is now DON at a LTC facility nearby. She failed the CPNE in Wisconsin but passed 1st try in Plano. No job ever asks where she went to school except on the application form...they just want proof of current license. I got all "A" grades with TCN on the concepts courses.

BJ

I have been through TCN (a publishing company...NOT a school) and am about to do my clinical...then NCLEX......where were you trying to transfer to???

BJ

Anna in Covina California said: TCN is crap.i'll advise any body who really wants to be an rn nurse to go to anywhere else but TCN.i did take some of their test and now to transfer the credits is hell.every comunity school i've been to is mot accepting the credits.i wish there was a way to get off the school loan.this is real scaming.i've dropped the who thing.i'm goung to a regular school.

TCN is not a college or school of any kind. They are a publishing company that makes books or "modules" to help you study and pass the exams taken through a college such as Excelsior. I am getting my degree through Excelsior and used TCN modules to study and got all "A"s on nursing courses. I am awaiting CPNE and then will sit for NCLEX. A friend of mine has already gotten her RN through EC.
BJ

DD said: Been looking at the excellsior college network /Rue thing for years. Know many who have tried but did not finish for one reason or another. They are stuck with huge loan repayments. Is there a program that will allow you to pay as you go and program cost stops when you stop. The clinical part scares me too Texas is notorious for failing folks. Doing all that work and spending all that money to come to a 2 day clinical, if you fail 3 tries it was all for nothing. Imagine the nervousness.

Get books through eBay...I used TCN. Enroll in Excelsior after you have an unofficial evaluation done so you know what you will most likely need to take.....they will do an official one when you enroll. Yes, there is a 64% pass rate on the CPNE (clinical)...but...THEY are the ones who invested $400 in a workshop! TAKE A WORKSHOP!!! Also...check this out...

ecstudygroup.com/index.php/topic,18.0.html

Hope this helps...BJ

angelstar in Bakersfield, California said: re: excelsior-when they give clinical test cpne is it given on critical care setting/acute care setting i.e someone 1-2 post surgery or on regular med surge floor?

It is given on Med-surge...pre-op, post-op...Peds...all except ICU.

BJ

Becky Jo in Kingsland, Texas said: TCN is not a college or school of any kind. They are a publishing company that makes books or "modules" to help you study and pass the exams taken through a college such as Excelsior. I am getting my degree through Excelsior and used TCN modules to study and got all "A"s on nursing courses. I am awaiting CPNE and then will sit for NCLEX. A friend of mine has already gotten her RN through EC.
BJ

bj
i've seen you on all lvn to rn nurses forum encouraging people to sign up for TCN.I now really do believe you work for them as somebody suggested in the other forum.honestly how can you be encouraging p'ple to sign up for this nonsense? i have about 7 friends who signed up with myself in this program.till date,nobody has completed up to 5 modules.maybe if you have your pre-reqs before signing into the program is easy,but i won't advise anybody to do thesame mistake we did.it's not worth it.NO OFFENSE THOUGH

Hi Anna,
I like your comment to BJ! I also had a really bad experience dealing with TCN. I just got an email from them (generic mail) encouraging me (or others who signed up) to refer someone and you'll get $200!! Have you finished your pre-reqs? I just finished my Anatomy and Chem (General,Organic, Inorganic and Bio) (Ventura College) and I got A's. I will have my Physiology on June 16 and Micro in the Fall. I will join the RN program in Spring. Goodluck to you!

Actually, I would rather they didn't sign up...I would rather they got the books on eBay for hundreds of dollars less...as I have stated many times. No, I don't work for them. I am about to do my CPNE and am a student, like the rest of you. I DID use them...and (unfortunately) bought from them...I have also GIVEN my books away to others so they could do as well as I have and NOT have the expense.

Hope that clears it up...I got all "A" grades on the concept exams using the TCN books but wish I would have known to look on eBay for them.

Good luck in your studies no matter what path you take to get there... :-) Hope you get all "A" grades too!

Thanks for asking, instead of assuming.. BJ

Kat in Oxnard, California said: Hi Anna,
I like your comment to BJ! I also had a really bad experience dealing with TCN. I just got an email from them (generic mail) encouraging me (or others who signed up) to refer someone and you'll get $200!! Have you finished your pre-reqs? I just finished my Anatomy and Chem (General,Organic, Inorganic and Bio) (Ventura College) and I got A's. I will have my Physiology on June 16 and Micro in the Fall. I will join the RN program in Spring. Goodluck to you!

Wow....lots of people have had trouble with TCN and their sales people. Looks like I was one of the few who had a guy who was honest about what to expect....but then, I never contacted them once I got the books except to verify the books were the latest version and that they had sent me one book I didn't need (and they refunded for it when I contacted them...and didn't want the book back).
A lot of people sound like the think TCN is the college...??? They are no more a college than Barnes and Noble is. If their reps are telling you that, they need to be reported. My contract stated right on it that they were not affiliated with Excelsior and that they were just a publisher.

BJ

Kat in Oxnard, California said: Hi Anna,
I like your comment to BJ! I also had a really bad experience dealing with TCN. I just got an email from them (generic mail) encouraging me (or others who signed up) to refer someone and you'll get $200!! Have you finished your pre-reqs? I just finished my Anatomy and Chem (General,Organic, Inorganic and Bio) (Ventura College) and I got A's. I will have my Physiology on June 16 and Micro in the Fall. I will join the RN program in Spring. Goodluck to you!

hello kat,i'm glad you've gone that far.my dear,i'm taking A&P 1 and chem this summer.will take A&P 2 and micro in fall,then try to get in a new rn program april.there's a new rn program offered by everest college in ontario ca.you pay 34k for lvn to rn.not ridiculously high like west coast university.i curse myself everyday for making the most silly decision of signing with tcn.i'm now paying for a loan which i've benefited nothing from.i took some modules through tcn but there're worthless since no college is willing to give me credit for that.good luck my dear and lets try to stay focused

Hi Anna,

I checked out Everest College (formerly Bryman) in Ontario, CA and I didn't see the LVN to RN program. I'd like to exchange email with you. Please email me at this address: kathatch@hotmail.com There's a long waiting list in our community college but I was told there's a different aiting list for LVN. If I won't be taken in for the spring semester I might go to this school in Fremont (Unitek College). I still have to get more info though. If there's one here in SoCal I would liketo check it out. I hope to see you in my hotmail inbox! Thanks!

hello everyone,has anybody ever heard of CAL CAMPUS? I'm trying to take micro with them.another question..is microbiology same as fundamentals of microbiology? any inputs will be highly appreciated.

Cheryl in Los Angeles, California said: Have your tried Excelsior College. The navy pays for the exams (taken on base). The school is located in New York but has correspondance classes and online support. I am enrolled there. HM3 Estell

Don't do Excelsior if you don't have to. Terrible experience and out loads of money.

Quest for Service in Redmond, Washington said: You need an LVN fast? The best way to go is online. You save time, money, and you pace yourself depending upon your own schedule. You can get a great degree from a regionally accredited school online. You can also:

- Get Credit for your LVN experience
- No Classrooms
- Local Clinicals
- No Clinical Testing
- You Can Start Today
- No Wait List
- Financial Aid Guaranteed
- Both Regionally Accredited and Accredited by the NLNAC

Get more information here: www.jobs-in-registered-nursing.com/LPN_or_RN_to_BSN.shtml

There eventually will be clinical testing. Since you have never been to LVN school they may not accept you in many places. Those online ONLY course give you mininal help.

kat in Oxnard, California said: I had a frustrating experience with College Network. Brian Confer, Program Advisor, came to my house to discuss the program. I showed him my foreign transcript and he told me which classes were credited. He also said I won't have a problem using a transcript evaluated by another company (not WES) since I already have my record with that company which I used for the LVN program. He told me to have the transcript submitted to TCN. Of course, it was rejected. When I finally had the WES transcript sent I was told I have to submit my transcript to ISU since it's a foreign transcript. ISU never credited anything in the transcript and I was advised to either take those classes in the community college or thru TCN before I could apply and you're not guaranteed you will be accepted... very different from what the Program Advisor told me. The Program Advisor should have told me the proper procedure to avoid the cost involve. And yes, they can't refund my money. When I spoke with Brian Confer about the experience I went through he sounded irritated and gave me a very sarcastic:"Well, if that's what the center wants then you should follow it!". I am now enrolled in a community college and I was informed that I only have 5 classes to take to join the RN program. I felt so betrayed by TCN and my frustration was even bigger. I hope nobody would experience what I've gone through.

I went through a similar situation with that program. Paid lots of money and got nothing. Sent me all the info but offered little support. When I tried to get a refund I was told that since I had never filed a complaint, none of my alledged calls I had made were in the computer system I could not apply for a refund. Then they changed the application process and that was it. If you can do it traditional LVN-RN school or one of the new partial online LVN-RN courses are best,especially for the LVN who has never done a conventional program.

hello everyone!

]

Kat in Oxnard, California said: Hi Anna,
I like your comment to BJ! I also had a really bad experience dealing with TCN. I just got an email from them (generic mail) encouraging me (or others who signed up) to refer someone and you'll get $200!! Have you finished your pre-reqs? I just finished my Anatomy and Chem (General,Organic, Inorganic and Bio) (Ventura College) and I got A's. I will have my Physiology on June 16 and Micro in the Fall. I will join the RN program in Spring. Goodluck to you!

a

What is going on when I try to post a whole paragraph, it won't post. If I just type in 1 letter, it gets posted.

Betta in Oxnard, California said: What is going on when I try to post a whole paragraph, it won't post. If I just type in 1 letter, it gets posted.

Hi, Betta....you managed to get at least one sentence posted....please try again so we can see what you want to say. Everyone's opinion is important!
PS...I passed CPNE August 1-3! Now on to the NCLEX! Good luck to all of you!

BJ