As a previous resident of VA who considers VA my home in my heart having lived there over half my life it pained me to essentially make the decision to move out of state to NC when my options for a high quality LPN-RN program were limited by the decision the VABoN made to restrict and eventually terminate the eligibility of graduates from Excelsior College to be able to be licensed by exam in VA. Given Excelsiors increased stringent requirements and being NLN accredited (the true Gold standard in Accredation for Nursing Education across the USA) I was flabbergasted by this decision as many programs in state are NOT NLN accredited but yet those students are eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN. The reality is the program through Excelsior is designed mostly for licensed LPNs or other healthcare professionals who already have extensive backgrounds in healthcare. The average LPN graduate has years of experience already in hands on patient care and clinical experience long before they ever graduate and are eligible for the CPNE.

I myself in my LPN program had over 500hrs of clinical experience which sadly is much more then the standard RN or BSN  clinical rotational experience in most 2 and 4 year programs. If anything I would also suggest that actual hands on clinical experience for RNs and BSN programs be increased because it is amazing to me that many new grad RNs (ADN and BSN) lack basic nursing skills coming out of school that even CNAs and LPNs have and must prove in school so why the apparent concern over lack of hands on clinical component for Excelsior seems to be almost a nonstarter.

If the VA BON had orginally been truly concerned about the clinical aspect or lack thereof as they state then a compromise could have been worked out between Excelsior and the VABoN with respect to clinical oversight by preceptors much as Indiana State Universitys program exists and as has been stipulated by other states who voiced such concerns. Many new grads in 2008 I know of, at least in my class, felt the decision was arbitrary and the decision made without the VABoN having fully and appropriately considered all the facts at hand, especially given the increasing shortage of qualified nurses at all levels. If the BoN had concrete proof that graduates from Excelsior were inferior and unsafe to practice the point would have easily been made but it appears more so that the BoN was in fact questioning the validity and legitimacy of NLN accrediation for their RN program in many eyes.

As the VABoN has chosen to revisit this issue 2 yrs after the fact I can only hope that rational will prevail this time and that fair consideration and concerns be appropriately addressed to allow Excelsior graduates to be once again eligibile for direct license as it will again allow qualified LPNs to remain in the state to further their educations and work to help alleviate the shortage of well qualified professional nurses because if they dont somebodyelse will and they will come from elsewhere the sad absurdity is simply this. Excelsior graduates are eligible for licensure in many other compact states so therefore essentially what is happening is because of the compact system a nurse can go to anotehr state get licensed and then come work as a travel RN in the state or heck in the case of border areas live in their home state and work in VA but yet they arent good enough to be licensed in the state of VA itself which seems a bit contradictory and in fact as it lead me to leave VA for the time being to pursue my educational goals. 

David S Jewel LPN  (Previously licensed in VA #0002078697) (Current NC #73736) 

It saddened me to learn of Va.'s block on Excelsior graduates. As a former Va. licensee and resident I am at a loss as to why the BON would do this. I have worked alongside many graduates of this program, and with more than 20 years experience, found no particular inferiority in them (or their skills).  I would urge the BON to reconsider this stance, as the need for well trained nurses increases, limiting options for those who wish to further their education and careers, should allow for routes other than the "traditional" classroom setting.

I'm currently enrolled in the Excelsior College Nursing Program. I have been an LPN for 33 years. I have finally came to a point in my life where I could actually focus on becoming an RN. I do still have to work full time while obtaining my degree. In this day and age mine is not an unusual situation. During the course of my career I have worked 10 years in critical care, I have worked in a closed staff HMO one on one with a physician, I have worked 16 years as an ADON in a long term care setting, and I'm currently working as an MDS coordinator. I would challenge any clinical experience a new graduate would have coming from any level of nursing education. My situation is not isolated. There are many LPNs who have many great years of clinical experience. Why would anyone want to deny an Excelsior associate degree leveled nurse the chance to become licensed in their state on the basis of clinical education, when they are already licensed and functioning as a nurse? Remember all Excelsior nursing students must have an active license. Remember also that Excelsior is NLN accredited. Please take time and thing this through fully.

Larry Stephens

As the Director of an LPN program in Virginia, the proposed changes actually would not impact my program very much.  The LPN program I oversee already adheres to strict admission, planning, implementation, and evaluation processes that are being considered.  The data contained in the introduction about the regualtory changes is evidence that some measure of quality improvement needs to occur in Virginia to ensure our nurses are meeting the national standard on NCLEX.  My program has achieved a 100% pass rate this year (up from 62% in 2008 and 85% in 2009) mainly due to improvements in curriculum design and implementation.  We added a mandatory live NCLEX review as well as NCLEX based compentency testing software.  In addition, we tightened our admission criteria so that the caliber of students is based on academic potential not profit potential.  Clinical placement has impacted us only mildly.  We have focused on preparing a well-rounded clinician who can function in virtually any environment.  Our students also participate in a 160-hour preceptorship in the final month of school, which we feel is another contribution to our stellar pass rate.

In my opinion, the proposed changes present a unique opportunity for Virginia programs to elevate the degree of competency achieved by graduates.  Our school is an example of this based on "loose" data.    

Dear Virginia Board of Health Professionals,

My name is Cindy White.  I am an LPN with over 20 yearsof medical-surgical and oncology experience.  I am pursuing my LPN to RN degree through Excelsior.  I chose an online course because I am the sole income provider for my family and work night shift. I am unable to take the time off from work to go to a school with regular hours.  I have already paid for my program and I would like to finish.  I would like to continue to live in the state of Virginia where I am a homeowner.  However, if I am unable to achieve licensure in Virginia I will have move in order to continue working.

Thank you for your time.

Best,

Cynthia E. White

I have been an LPN since 1989.  I was unable to pursue  RN as a single parent of 4 earlier in my career with a sick child and being sole supporter.  Since then I have put my children thru college and felt that it was my turn to pusue my dream.  I started into  an excelerated LPN to RN program (traditional classroom) in 2008 but in 2009 I was unable to continue when my husband became unemployed.  Employment for him is still unsteady.  I need to continue to work and I need to finish my education to complete my requirements for RN in a program in which I can work my studies around my work schedule.  I have known several co workers that have graduated from Excelsior College also once known as Reagent College over yhe years.  As I began my enrollment there I was informed of the present regulations in registering for board examinations in Virginia.  I am saddened by this, for this creates problems for me.  I am a home owner and do not wish to move, however due to the regulation I may be left with no other alternative than to move to another state and work there.  I urge you to reconsider and take in consideration that this affects more than a handful of people.  Also please remember that we people are already Licensed  Practical Nurses with experience in the medical field and that when we finish the program with Excelsior, we also will take the same board examinations as will the people with or without experience in traditional classroom programs.  I expect no different .  Please reconsider the regulation.  Thank you for your time.

Deborah G. Edwards LPN                                                                  

I found the decision made by the Virginia Board of Nursing to disallow Excelsior graduates direct licensure within their home state to be very disheartening. Excelsior has served the nursing community within Virginia for a quarter century, by providing an opportunity for "seasoned LPN's" to upgrade their training, thereby EARNING an RN license. Many times these nursing professionals have simply passed the time in their lives when traditional education works, but I can tell you that having working with literally thousands of these dedicated professionals over the last 20 years, they overcome obstacles never faced by traditional nursing students.

The widespread acceptance of diploma RN's, whose success focuses primarilly on training on the floor, with little if any transferable college credit, is readily available in most if not all states. However, Virginia has decided not to recognize LPN's with not 3 years, but in some cases more than 15 - 20 years of nursing experience, PLUS a degree from a nationally recognized, accredited, NLN approved college (Excelsior) not worthy of a license in their state. 

I hope that this decision is politically driven as no other explanation seem to make sense. 

As an EMS provider for nearly 30 years, I found myself wanting to go back to college to obtain an actual degree, since where I lived no such degree in EMS was available.  I chose to apply the knowledge of healthcare and patient care I had received in my 29 years in the field and enter the nursing profession.  While I still had to work and support my family as a single mom, distance education was my only option.  I had several friends in EMS who had gone through Excelsior College and was granted life experience credit for te time and effort they had put ino their EMS careers.  This seemed like the perfect fit for me.  I signed up with Excelsior, paid my money and got started in the classes.  As I progressed however, Virginia's sister state of MD, decided that nurses who hadn't gone to a brick and mortar school of nursing, who hadn't sat through countless hours of hands on training were not as good as those who had.  Having worked alongside some of these "brick and mortar" nurses, I came to see that the building did not make the nurse.  The dedication of those students who WANTED to be nurses, and were willing to put forth the extra effort to be those nurses far outweighed those who simply went to traditional schools.  Because of MD's decision, I was forced to give up my nursing classes and lost close to $3000 in tuition and books, and also have decided to pursue a career outside of healthcare giving up my nearly 30 years of experience that cant be learned in a building.  Don't do this to other students who truly want to learn.  Let Virginia's residents have the freedom to learn the best way they can!

I believe that if the state of Virginia changes thier law on excepting Exelcer graduates, they will lose out on some wonderful nurses. You have to have your Lvn before you can even eneter the school, so these nurses are already nurses. Some with 10-20 years experiance, how could you want to loose out on a nurse like that . Even with the nursing shortage. I ask you please consider this and keep Excelcer college a reconized school.

gaelle

I'm an LPN doing the LPN-RN transition program through Excelsior. For myself like so many people, I need to work full time to make ends meet and keep my house hold running. Because of the distance program I am able to work and persue my RN license. I will have to work hard just like any other student that's attending a 4 year college. Please consider everyone when making a decision about this matter.

Thank you,

M. Wring, LPN

Being an graduate of regents college, now excelsior university over 18 years ago and a former military navy corpsman and LPN. I feel that the 500 hour specific requirnement of clinical time under the watchful eye of an instructor simply because you attend an online program to futher your education and not taking into condereration the schools requirnments for entry to the excelsior program is not fare. The program has entry requirements that require a clinical healthcare back ground and most students havefar more then 500 clinical hours in healthcare before they enter the programs. Look at the amount of experience a navy corpsman obtains working in a military hospital, althought they are not under the supervison of a nursing clinical instructor, they are under the direct supervision of professional nurses and work 40 hours per week or more in direct patient care  in various clinical areas including ICU'S.I think the board should reconsider their exceptance of Excelsior graduates.

stanley Johnson BSN,RN

DLSI is one of the worst schools in the nation.  They are horrible at getting across the essential information that registered nurses need for taking care of patients and conducting research.  DLSI offers very little student support, and Excelsior College only grades students on passing CLEP or similar DSST tests.  Students should not be educated by DLSI or granted RN licensure/certification from Excelsior College.

Way to go, Virginia!!!  Keep up the good work by looking out for patients!!!

I am for one in shock that you are even debating this issue.  I received a call this week, from a career placement person that asked me to consider moving out to Virginia and work as a Home Health Care Administrator. I am already working as a Home Health Administrator, prior to receiving my RN, from DLSI, and yes your state is calling me!

So why would you even think twice about turning away nurses, especially when there is such a shortage and many states are struggling find a nurses and patient care is suffering.

A paramedic turned nurse, a LPN turned RN, you couldn't asked for a more highly educated/trained ED/ICU/floor nurse coming out of DLSI.

I would think twice before passing a regulation, Texas did, and they are doing very well!!!!!!

GJA, BS,EMT-P 

This is my first time i visit here. I found so many entertaining stuff in this site, especially its discussion. From the tons of comments on your articles, I guess I am not the only one having all the enjoyment here. Finally, an issue that I am passionate about. I have looked for information of this caliber for the last several hours. Your site is greatly appreciated.

regards

www.ur-news.com

Good afternoon,

     I have been an LPN for 24 years and due to the demand of family and the need for an income, I have been unable to get into an RN program . It takes time to go to class, time I was working to support my family. I attempted to take some of the test for Excellsior college as time and money allowed.

     I moved to Virginia 4 years ago from Indiana and tried to get into a nursing program here however my name waqs on the bottom of the list. They take new grads first, then students who have lived here for ever, then people who graduated in the past 5 years, then me. So I was put on a 5 year waiting list.

     When you have to work full time to have benefits, pay bills and live, it is dificult to be in class 4 to 5 hours night, Other professions allow people to take online classes. Other professions give credit for work related experience. I have done more than most RN,s have in my years of nursing, yet I get no credit for this. Being able to take the Excellisor program , would at least allow me to study in my own time, test out , and complete the clinical portion in my time thus, allowing me to continue to work.

     Please help me to get paid for the work I do. As an LPN , you do the work but do not get the pay. I beleive this to be a greivce error. LPN;s make better RN's because of o n the job training. You can do anything as long as someone has trained you and checked you off, but you do not get the recognition or pay because your initals are not RN.

      So I would pleed for you to reconsider letting Ecellsior programs continue in Virginia. Thank you for your time.

I have been an LPN for 30 years. I have worked hard to learn all that I can and be the best at my level I can be.I have critical care experience which has enabled me to work in a part of nursing that I dearly love, home health. Here I am the eye and ears for our physicians. I complete simple to complex wound therapy with wound vacs. Infusion therapy through PICC line and peripheral lines, draw labs, patient assessments, patient education and disease management. My goal is to keep patient's disease process stable and to keep them out of the hospital and in their home environment.

 I have completed all of the neccessary classes at John Tyler Community college (3.8 GPA)to begin my journey be meeting my life long goal of becoming an RN but found that working full-time, which I must do, and going to school full time and starting clinicals is something I just can not do. I had started and paid for the classes at an online school to complete my RN  when I learned of the new guidelines decided by our state board of nursing. Because I did not want to work in a federal hospital or out of state I lost a lot of money and a dream.

Experienced LPNs should have the right to go to school online and their experience and skill level should count for something. 

Type over

we need this 20th century learning availabity.

wthis text and enter yo ur comments here. You are limited to approximately 3000 words.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   

I have been trying to obtain my RN degree for several years and i decided to do the Excelsior school program, it fit my work schedule and home life schedule and I could do it on my time, when I was contacted about VA's decision to drop the on-line schools chance to obtain the RN lisencsure I was very upset and dis-appointed and almost gave up my classes to finish my RN degree. I do think VA should allow the on-line programs to get the chance to obtain RN licsence, we have worked just as hard as other people and schools to get our education for furthering ourselves to obtain our RN degree. It  is very important to me and family to get my RN. RN's are needed so badly in the work place and no matter how you get your education  the State Board should not limit how you get the knowledge or education.  Please VA State Board let me get my RN licsence!!!  I am  very needed in my area of work. Please reconcider your decision.   Thank you.

Not sure why the state of Virgina is making it so difficult for a working person to continue school to advance in the nursing field.  If we are working full time the only way for many of us  to do so is thru online classes.  We had a great opportunity with Excelsior College and then the state of Virgina had to take it away.  Please consider reinstating Excelsior as a viable option to advance as a RN. 

I would like to ask that Virginia State Board of Nursing reconsider limiting licensure eligibility for graduates from Excelsior College Associate Nursing Program. Excelsior is approved by the National League of Nursing (NLN) and is one of 15 NLN Centers of Excellence nationwide .Not to mention, Excelsior's NCLEX pass rate has always been at or above the national average (including clinical based programs).  Due to nursing shortage crisis, it is quite apparent that we need to facilitate in getting more qualified competent Nurses into the profession. As a nurse, and a realist, I know that some LPN's can run circles around a new graduate fresh out of school with zero nursing experience. I don't feel like this decision was made thoughtfully or with any type of objective data. I think for an LPN, RT, or Paramedic this type of program gives them the most reasonable opportunity to obtain their RN, while meeting the needs of prior responsibilities. For some, it may be the only possibility.  I feel that nursing, as a profession in a shortage, will have more qualified competent nurses produced because of the vast number of adult learners Excelsior appeals to.

Until someone can give me hard data that supports the current regulation, I think we are further hindering our profession. With the baby boomers aging, this crisis will only get worse. My hope is that the Board will thoughtfully reconsider and closely monitor the outcomes if the change is made. As a nurse, WE all know that the best practice is evidence based practice.

Thank you for considering,

Sarah Benson RN, BSN

I am not sure why this decision was made but it takes away a great option for working adults in the healthcare field to further their education and career.  The nursing shortage will continue to grow and Excelsior is the best option for most of these candidates to become RNs.  Please reconsider like other states have recently.

Many individuals do not have the option for traditional education due to family and work. Allowing them to take an online class that offer live video classes through the accreditation of Excelsior college is the difference between furthering their education and wishing they had the opportunity to further their education! Excelsior needs to be accepted in Virginia so more individuals have the opportunity to further their education!  

Excelsior

i support for changes to be allowed. the adults need this opportunity for their education.

you are taking a huge opportunity away from people who work so hard. they are are meeting the education requirements & passing the state boards, I don't even see why there should be an issue. 

To: The Virginia State Board of Nursing

I am presently enrolled in the excelsior program to obtain my RN. I have been an LPN for over 20 years. As, a divorced mother raising a daughter  and working full-time. I found it next to impossible to go back to a traditional school for my RN ,when most of the programs require you to attend in the daytime. In order to advance in my career my only option was the Excelsior program. I have found the instructors to be very knowledgeable. With the nursing shortage only getting worse, this and more programs similar should be available to those who desperately want to advance their careers.

I ask you to reconsider your decision for Virginia nurses. Who knows, it could be your own family member one day.

Thank you

Because of Excelsior I am able to finally continue to pursue my educational goal.  As an older adult returning to school, I am grateful to Excelsior and all it is offering me.  This program is a great assett and produces well rounded professionals.  With the educational background that Excelsior offers its students, the state of  Virginia will benefit from the Excelsior graguates who can contribute to the states wellbeing. Please reconsider your actions?

I have been an LPN for over 20 years, and I am working on getting my ADN from Excelsoir College via Distant Learning.  It would be a shame to lose potentially good LPN/RN's because pf what's being proposed.  Take in consideration the exceptance of students that will be graduating from Excelsior. Thank you.

Valdina M. Hall, LPN

Medical Assistant/CPR Instructor

I urge the state of Virginia to strongly reconsider its new stance on Excelsior College.  Excelsior is not only the best, but also the only opportunity for some working nurses to advance their careers while supporting their families.  It would be a travesty for the state to take this opportunity away from hardworking individuals who want nothing more than to improve their quality of life and ability to serve those with medical needs.

As a fully accredited degree-granting institution, there is no logical reason why the state should refuse to accept the validity of Excelsior College's nursing degrees.

In today's world online courses seem to be the way of the future due to full time working positions.  There are individuals who cannot afford to lose time at work to attend full time classes due to the economies current status.  My wish is for the state board to reconsider their decision. 

Excelsior College has gone above and beyond my expectations as an adult learner.  Excelsior has made it possible for me to continue working my full-time job, take care of 3 children a husband and a very active horse farm.  All the while working towards my goal of becoming a registered nurse.  I really feel Virginia is making a huge mistake especially in a time where working is so important for our livelyhood as well as furthering our education.  I urge you to reconsider your licensure decision and allow those in your state to have the wonderful opportunity we have in the state of Indiana. 

Excelsior College is the best option for me to become a Registered Nurse.  Without the excellence of this product, it would be impossible to juggle other responsibilites and still achieve this goal.  This decision impacts many other RN candidates such as myself, as well.  Healthcare has everything to gain and nothing to lose when nurses commit to professionalism.  Thank you for your reconsideration.

 I am urging Virginia to allow Excelsior College continued access to the state. It is an excellent institution of learning. As a graduate of the Associate Degree Program, I feel strongley it should be continued in your state. Just examine the credentials it has. Those credentials are a sign the college meets strict requirements and educational standards that not all schools of nursing have.

On line learning is the wave of the future that is here. Many local state Universities have established online programs. Excelsior's program is geared towards the adult population that has some experience in the health care field. It is not meant for those fresh out of high school.  In fact the only way a traditional nursing student is allowed in the prgram is if they have so many clinical hrs. but for one reason or another they were unable to finish out their schooling. They are still required to take all of the Excelsior nursing classes before they can apply for the CPNE. I work with such a nurse and she said the CPNE was the most difficutl thing she has ever done. She was on her third attempt before she passed. One is only alllowed three attempts at the CPNE. The program is a good program, and apparently more information is needed for states that want to  disallow the program.

Support the student of VA as they furthur their education through Excelsior College. So of them are widowed, single, no child care, or income deprived and this is their only way. Support them as they continue education. We need all the avenues possible to help in so many areas. Please do not take this one away. Thank you,

TypI am a register CT Tech , a paramedic and am taking online courses to receive a degree in Registered Nursing. The course is varied and very in depth. What I am learning now, I feel , is just as educational as a course taken at a university. The content is the same and many people that are enlisted cannot go to a college due to time limits. I also feel that the students have to apply themselves and be ready to apply this knowledge to the nursing practice as well as college bound students do. In some ways , I feel , we are more prepared to do this. I have come in contact with nurses that are afraid of patient contact amd the skills they will have to use for patient care. That comes with experience only. If you deny the online school because of some illbegotten idea that online doesn't prepare a student as well as college, I am here to let you know that this is not true.   Thank you , Peg  Cavnah    

I am upset by how difficult it is to become an RN in Va.   It seems that they want to hold back qualified people who would like to become an RN from accomplishing that.  I have been a paramedic for many years and would like to become an RN.  Paramedics are very qualified to be an RN and in many instances are more qualified than anyone else due to the fact of what advanced skills and training we do have.  Something needs to be done so that we have the same opportunities as anyone else.

I feel as if the State of Virginia should keep the eligibility for licensure for RNs graduating through Excelsior College. This is an excellent college, and there is no reason to stop the program for some whom have worked so hard.

T ype over this text and enter your comments here. You are limited to approximately 3000 words.

With the shortage of nurses today it would be doing your state an injustice not to except a graduate from Excelsior. Most people that are enrolled in this program are already LPN's that are functioning as well as most RN's and are not being paid . ype over this text and enter your comments here. You are limited to approximately 3000 words.

Please reinstate the policy to allow your LPNs to become RN's at faster rate. These LPNs have experience, they are getting the schooling they just need the those two letters "RN" behind there name. Don't make such an easy task so difficult.

My opinion is this everyone should have the opportunity to advance their education. It is they're obligatory right as a american to exercise the freedom to choose if they want to continue their education to the betterment of they lives and futures. Who is the state of virginia to say who and whom cannot further their education. Why don't they go a step further and go back to the days of segregation, and women not being able to vote. How do the lawmakers of the state sleep at night knowing what decisions they make will affect the people of virginia about their futures. I'll tell you as long as it doesn't affect them in any way regarding they're huge pay checks, kick backs, back alley deals, and raises- they're decisions will never be even handed. They will continue to pass laws and legislature regardless of who it affects. So I say why stay in virginia come to texas we let any and all who want go to school go . We don't hold our people back we don't make rules that hold people back from trying to make themselves better.

Please reconsider this ruling.  With the huge influx of nursing applicants, waiting list have started and the chances for getting into a program are very slim.  In this economy and with the current nursing shortage, it should be reconsidered to help LPN's advance thier careers!! Thanks.

I was enrolled in the distance learning program and was on my way to completing my degree when the Virginia Board of Nursing decided to stop accepting the degree.  Please reconsider your decison.  You have taken away my ability to get my RN license ever.  You see I have to work full time, because I take care of a disabled husband and am the sole provider for my family.  Without online classes I can not complete my degree in nursing.  I only have 5 nursing classes left.  I have been an LPN for 16 years and I have worked in all different fields of nursing.  I am also certified in wound care.  Please don't stop me from completing my dream of getting my RN license before I retire from nursing.  You won't regret your decision, there are a lot of us LPN's out there that would love to be able to get our RN license given the chance, however the traditional classroom setting is no longer an option for many of us because we have to work.  

Thank you for your consideration

My name is Merrie Sollers-Stanek and have been an LPN for 24 years.  I have decided to pursue my RN degree via Excelsior college and have already paid for my courses.  Please understand that ALL nurses are deemed safe to practice based on their state board exam scores.  My question to you is, If a person can pass their boards, how does the manner in which they aquired that knowledge affect their ability to practice safely?   States that eliminate the ability of LPN's to become RN's based on learning methodology will only do injustice to nurses nationwide which, in my opinion, is a far greater risk to patient safety.

Most students wishing for use this route of education have years of experience in other areas off the health field. The Virginia Board of Nursing should allow these programs and incrase the number of RNs in Virginia.

I feel that the nursing programs that are offered to the LPN/LVN should be allowed to  function in the state of Virginia and any other state.   These programs open a lot of hope and doors for the LVN/LPN that is not able to repeat a lot of the courses.  One is the finance and Two is the time away from your family.  These regency programs is keeping alot of us from giving up on HOPE.  So Please Consider in keep the nursing program ALIVE in your state.