Consistent with our mission to increase educational access and belief that sound public policy should be predicated on evidence, Excelsior College has advanced and supports the proposed regulatory amendment. The amendment will serve to restore Virginia's policy of licensing Excelsior College graduates by examination and endorsement, without additional stipulations, as had been done for a quarter century prior to 2008.

The purpose of the proposed amendment is to provide objective indicators of quality to assure that graduates of non-traditional, competency-based nursing programs have met rigorous academic standards and are well prepared as candidates for RN licensure. It will renew access to a longstanding, proven alternative path to becoming an RN for professional, working adult Virginians with appropriate healthcare experience.

I am a graduate of The University of The State of New York. I was an LPN  before becoming an RN. The above mentioned University is now Excelsior College. I believe that like any school of nursing, most of the graduates from Excelsior will be good nurses. They must have experience before being accepted. The above school will allow many nurses the opportunity for advancement to become an RN because of having to work and take courses also it is not as expensive. It is not an easy way to become an RN. They are strict. I had many years experience and was an LPN before I became an RN. I believe I have been and still am a great nurse with compassion for all mankind. I know the ruling is based on requirements and statutes of the state of Virginia, however I was able to get my RN by going to the experiential school and thank the state of Virginia for allowing me to be a graduate and take the state board (which I passed the first time). I have met some wonderful people in my 55 years in nursing and am a Virginia resident of many years. Thank you for reading my comment.

Gloria Tomberlin

I would like to support the proposed regulatory  amendment to the Virginia State Board of Nursing regarding the licensure of RN's graduating from Excelsior College. I had the privilege of completing the program in 1999 and also passing the State Boards the first time I took them. I was an LPN for many years and had many years of clinical experience which prepared me for the program. I have since obtained my BSN and MSN from VCU School of Nursing. I believe that this program enabled me to further my education while working full time and I am very grateful  for the opportunity.

Joan M. Hirsch, MS, RN

As a 2008 graduate of Excelsior College (EC) and longtime Virginia resident, I support the effort to restore licensure by examination to EC graduates. The program itself is challenging and rigorous, and requires students to be healthcare providers of some merit and licensure/certification prior to application. Completing EC's ADN requires intelligence, dedication, and self-motivation. I work with other RNs who are EC graduates, and I find that they demonstrate strong skills and attention to excellent patient care and patient safety. Thank you for your time and attention to this issue.

Regards,

Lisa Sarao, BSN, RN, CEN, NREMT-P

I would like to support the proposed regulatory amendment to the Virginia State Board of Nursing regarding the licensure of RN's graduating from Excelsior college. 2001 I completed my studies at Excelsior College in three years completed my clinical in GA on the first try with passing state boards in VA also on the first try. I owe my success and endurance to Excelsior college for the thorough preparation they prepared me for. This is not a easy program from no means when you self study you must obsorb all required material, research, and pass very stringant exams. As with traditional colleges you have the opportunity to retake test and quizes. Yes you can repeat Excelsior exams but only for a limited number of times. The exams cover a board spectum of material  requiring the student to be highly motivated and able to devote in depth studying to pass these exams. My degree from Excelsior College has enabled me to complete my Bachelor degree in Nursing I now work as a Shift Coordinator in a Hospital. Without the preparation from Excelsior I would not have been able to achieve my goal as becoming an RN, I was not able to go to a traditional school due to family obligations. Speaking as an alumni for Excelsior College I would truly like to see any and all students who are unable to attend a traditional program have the opportunity to take this path to complete this program as it has for myself thus ensuring needed competent RN's for the state of Virginia.

I support Excelsior's Associate Program. I have found this program to be an excellent spring broad to higher learning. Distance programs have a higher turnout of self motivated and self disciplined students. Many of Excelsior's students are already employed in the field of nursing. The nursing shortage in Virginia is difficult enough without adding additional demands to new graduates.

Hi! I am a 2006 graduate of Excelsior College's disance learning RN program. I entered the program as an LPN. This is a tough program that only motivated, displined students will make it through successfully. The program is designed for applicants with a strong clinical background. You will NOT pass the clinical exam otherwise. The clinical exam is exactly that - an exam. Upon arrival you are told that all students are there to be examined, not instructed. No questions are allowed to be asked. So, a person HAS to be strong clinically to make it through the exam. The program does an outstanding job preparing you for the workfield and for the NCLEX. I am proud to say I passed both the clinical exam in Georgia and the NCLEX on the first try! This is evidence of the credibility of the program. More and more of even the RN graduates from Virginia's top community colleges are failing the NCLEX on the first try. I believe that this puts Excelsior College's program at least equal to, if not superior to any of these programs. So, please take these comments in to consideration when making a decision on this petition.

I am writing to express my support for the amendment. I am currently enrolled in the program despite the current regulation. In my current profession (paramedic), there is no other way to complete a traditional nursing program while working 24 hour shifts. This program is the only option I have to further my career options while supporting my family of 5. While there is a provision to gain licensure in the state after fulfilling required documented work hours. I will have to be licensed in another state and work for at least 1 year on part time status before I can apply for VA license. I feel this unecessary rule has limited the ability of many LPN's and paramedics in Va that have no other option to continue their education and transition to a career as a nurse. Prior to the rule change the program was highly sucessful. I believe this has discouraged many from pursuing a career as an RN. In todays economy and job market, continuing your education and career transition is key to the success of an economic recovery. Under the current rule, the ability of the working class to attain a better education and profession is extremely hindered through such restrictive action. I have at least 40+ paramedics and LPN's that I know personnaly that want to become an RN and this is their only option. I feel that LPN's and paramedics are much better prepared for transition to the RN profession than most high school graduates with no clinical experience. If left in place, this rule will serve to reduce the number of qualified candidates for Rn within the state and will potentially cause prospective Va residents to seek residence in another state. Please consider this ammendment and allow the program to continue as it should and has. The program is more difficult that a traditional school and thus tends to only allow the most likely sucessful candidate to complete the entire program and eventually be licensed as an RN.

Thank you for your consideration,

Kent H McIlhany

I am a recent graduate of Excelsior College's AD Nursing Program(April 2010) and have been personally affected by the Virginia Board of Nursing's new regulations. At the time the board passed this regulation, I was living in Pennsylvania an working as an LPN in a hospital there. If I would have stayed there, I would have been hired as an RN when I finished the Excelsior program. Unfortunately, my Husband took a job in Northern Virginia and my plans were altered.  I missed the Virginia Board of Nursing's cut off date by four months and was told that there were no exceptions to the new regulations.

I have been a practicing LPN for the last 14 years, with my  last 10 years in hospital settings(Medical, Telemetry, Orthopedics, and step down units).  I am scheduled to take my NCLEX RN at the end of July for licensing in the District of Columbia, because I cannot be licensed in the State of Virgina as an RN.  At this point,  I am very discouraged because I would like to work as an RN at one of the near by hospitals in Northern Virginia, but I can't.  I was even willing to continue to work as an LPN in a hospital here, but I cannot find a job.  I am currently working in LTC and considering a new career because I cannot find a job in a hospital, and that is what I love to do.  I have come to the conclusion that If 14 years of hands on clinical nursing experience is not enough to go on to the next level, then I need to be doing something else. It is really a sad thought because I really love being a nurse, and I can't imagine doing anything else.

I chose Excelsior's program because it was the right option for me. It allowed me to continue to work as a LPN in a hospital setting and move on to the next level of nursing. It was one of the hardest things I have ever done and I am very proud of myself. I really wish the State of Virginia's Board of Nursing would reconsider their position on this matter. I know in my heart that I am a good nurse and would be good RN for their state.

I have heard stories after stories on how difficult it is to past Excelsior Clinical which  assures students that the program is serious and is taking no prisoner.  I just graduated from a nursing program and attended a classroom setting  were 24 students graduated and only 10 students passed boards...so tell me why attended a classroom setting is classified as "better". Students who attend excelsior work very hard to get a great eduation and pay out huge funds in order to achieve his or her goals which is a great indication that these students are serious about their education.  I think you state board of nursing should reconsider. 

I am presently a student in the Excelsior College nursing program.  Like many others before me, life circumstances prevented me from graduating from a BSN program in my home state.  Eight weeks before my scheduled completion date, graduation, and subsequent licensure as an RN my traditional RN education calm to a grinding halt.  By denying or limiting my ability to obtain a Virginia RN license because I am now able to complete my nursing program with Excelsior, is a very hard blow to take.  You, in efffect, tell me that because I was unable to complete one research paper, two article reviews, and a final clinical journal entry, I am not qualified to practice as an RN?  My clinical classes were complete.  Only my clinical journal entries were missing at the time I left school. So what more do I have to prove in a clinical RN nursing class?   In all these years since then, not one employer has ever told me my RN level knowledge was not welcome at my job.  But I can not be compensated as an RN until I can get licensed as an RN.  For more than 25 years the state of Virginia has allowed persons like myself to prove themselves through Excelsior College and before that Regents College, to practice as RNs in Virginia.  Please do not put a stone wall in front of us today. 

I am presently a student in the Excelsior College nursing program.  Like many others before me, life circumstances prevented me from graduating from a BSN program in my home state.  Eight weeks before my scheduled completion date, graduation, and subsequent licensure as an RN my traditional RN education came to a grinding halt.  By denying or limiting my ability to obtain a Virginia RN license because I am now able to complete my nursing program with Excelsior, is a very hard blow to take.  You, in effect, tell me that because I was unable to complete one research paper, two article reviews, and a final clinical journal entry, I am not qualified to practice as an RN?  My clinical classes were complete.  Only my clinical journal entries were missing at the time I left school. So what more do I have to prove in a clinical RN nursing class?   In all these years since then, not one employer has ever told me my RN level knowledge was not welcome at my job.  But I can not be compensated as an RN until I can get licensed as an RN.  For more than 25 years the state of Virginia has allowed persons like myself to prove themselves through Excelsior College and before that Regents College, to practice as RNs in Virginia.  Please do not put a stone wall in front of us today. 

Although someone that is not familiar with Excelsior's program may feel that it does not properly prepare nurses, let me assure you that this is not the case.  The process of learning can be done in many different ways, and although Excelsior's way of preparing students is different then a "traditional" program, it is valid and requires that students be familiar with aspects of nursing care in the same matter expected of any other ASN student. 

I would like to take this time to show my support for the Excelsior College RN, AD program.  I have currently completed my last general education course for my RN degree form Excelsior College. I have been a Licensed Practical Nurse for 10 years, with experience in all hospital settings, I have worked in the Emergency Room which is my current occupation, ICU, Medical Surgical Nursing as well as Rehabilitative Nursing.  Over my 10 years of nursing care, I have always made it my main piority to provide Safe,efficient and competent care for my patients. As a Lpn I had the basic knowledge needed to properly take care of my patients but as I studied for my RN I learned to put all the information I obtained and make better rational decisions. The Clinical Competency test I completed on the weekend of 5/1/09 was one of the hardest test I have ever had to complete.

I was aware of the cut off date of 12/30/09 but due to Illness from 10/1/09 to 12/21/09. I was unable to complete the program on time. I currently live in Richmond Va, which is a two hour drive to DC. As of 2/2/10. I am a single parent with three children under the age of 13. Commuting this distance would be impossible and according to their councelors is not advisable to be away from me for a very long extended period of time due to the siduation that occured on 2/2/10.  I was informed that it is not within any of our best intrest to uproot and move them to another state. Due to the support we have received from our community.

I have worked and studied very hard to complete this program and I would like for you to please reconsider your decision regarding licensure in the state of VA.  For some people endorsement may be do able, but to others it can be a major inconvience.  I was always taught that compassion is what makes you a great nurse. Education makes you a greater nurse and I believe that Excelsior has prepared me to be both. 

Excelsior is a very comprehensive program and graduates qualified RN's, the graduates should be allowed to take their boards and prove their knowledge.  These are graduates with years of clinical experience and not just the experience from a "traditional" program.

Please accept graduates of the Excelsior College school of Nursing in Virginia. The school is excellent. The standards are high, and the determination to complete the coursesand CPNE should speak for the quality and character of the nurse. I found the Excelsior program to be MORE CHALLENGING AND MORE DIFFICULT TO PASS  than the traditional programs offered in my area. The convenience of self-pace study is an  extremely important aspect when working parents what to further their eduaction. I worked one full-time and one part-time job(both nursing) while paricipating in the program and am now enrolled in the RN-MSN program . I know that I wouldn't be where I am today, if not for the opportunity to study at Excelsior College. Please consider accepting graduates to sit for the NCLEX in Virginia.  

Sincerely,

K Sacksteder, RN

I am in support of re-admission of the Excelsior College ADN Program to Virginia

Tina Logan

PA RN and graduate of Excelsior College 2006

I am currently an Excelsior College nursing student, having found the program to have an excellent reputation and permitting appropriate credit for previous clinical experience.  When entering the program I had five years of hands on experience as an EMT/Paramedic both in EMS organizations (911 responding), Urgent Care and hospital settings representing about 2000 hours.  As part of my paramedic program I completed four semesters of precepted clinical training in three different hospitals and in various departments.  In addition I completed more than 50 precepted medic calls on a medic unit.  So, I think Excelsior's recognition of this considerable clinical experience, that easily meets, and in my case exceeds that obtained by a student nurse through a traditional RN program is well justified.  I know of numerous paramedics that have considered enrolling in the Excelsior program, until they learned that Virginia had blocked licensing for new graduates.  This is clearly a major loss to the state of Virginia's residents.  At the time the regulation was changed regarding Excelsior's gradutes it was unclear what the basis could have been for the change.  When I spoke with a person in the health department last year they did not know any details as to the basis either.  From my perspective I would like to know that there is some fact-based rationale for exclusion of Excelisor's students, such as statistically significant differences in test scores or license actions.  For me not being able to be licensed in Virginia is a major inconvience.  I will have to be licensed in another state, and work in another state or federal facility.  In any event I will be looking at commutes of one hour or more to work as a nurse. 

Excelsior College validates competent graduate Nurses that should be allowed to sit for licensure by exam in every state.   Please do not deny these Nurses licensure based on the bias of others that do not know and understand the program.

I support the proposed amendment to re-instate the Excelsior College RN program.

I love being a nurse, and have been a practicing LPN for over 10 years. But as a single mother of 2 children it is truly impossible for me to sit in class at my local community college or do 500 hours of clinicals in addition to my 40-50 work week. Most of the LPN's I know are in the same situation as me.

I believe that reinstating this program will go along way to alleviate the current RN shortage, which as everyone knows, is projected to worsen with our aging population.

I have been an LPN in Virginia for 10 years. Many of those years have been spent trying to further my education. I was enrolled in Excelsiors Program when the board called a grinding halt to the program and I was devastated. After spending much time and money on this program, I switched gears and enrolled in Indiana State's BSN online degree program, which is currently endorsed by the board. This cost even more money and at this point don't have a clue how I will be able to afford to finish the clinical portion since the nearest clinical site is 4 hours away. I have a family and kids to take care of, as well as job. It will be impossible to finish my RN if Excelsior's Program isn't re-instated. I love what I do and I believe that I am great at it. I just want to be an RN in Virginia. Is that too much to ask for? Please reinstate the Excelsior Program so that I can finish my RN!! Thanks!

Anna Pruitt-Parks, LPN

Dear members of the Virginia State Board of Nursing,

Thank you for taking the time to read my letter. I would like to voice my support toward withdrawing the limitations on licensure eligibility for Excelsior College (EC) Associate Degree in Nursing graduates.

I graduated from EC School of Nursing in 2008 after passing the intense Clinical Performance in Nursing Examination (CPNE). I went on to take my state board exam, the NCLEX, and passed the test on my first attempt. I was interviewed and hired very shortly thereafter by a respected health care organization. My past health care experience was working as a certified nursing assistant for a few years then as a Licensed practical nurse for several more years. EC’s requirement for prior clinical experience differentiates students from other traditional nursing schools that can be admitted to a program without hospital or health care experience at all. Distance learning and online education is growing rapidly. Excelsior’s program allows its students to fit education and advancement into their lives.

The fundamental nursing classes offered from Excelsior College do transfer and are implemented in numerous colleges and universities in the United States. To pass the CPNE, which is considered to be the capstone clinical requirement for the associate degree, the demands include but are not limited to: independence, self motivation, self discipline and clinical skills. The nursing faculty that assess the student during the CPNE hold Master’s and doctoral degrees and are completely intolerant of any student that does not appear to be efficient and knowledgeable. It is NOT an exam that nurses will pass if they lack the competency to apply the nursing process to solve patient problems and especially not if the student is lacking the ability to accurately and confidently perform selected nursing skills.

The studies I have read online show that Excelsior College ADN graduates are as well prepared, and often better prepared than graduates from a traditional ADN program. For this reason and from personal experience with EC graduates and Registered nurses that started from EC's program, I have a very difficult time understanding the lack of acceptance.

In closing, in solidarity with other nurses and supporters that have posted here, please reconsider your view on Excelsior College’s nursing program and accept and honor the graduates for the determination we have put into studying nursing to complete our Associate degree and our previous experience in the health care field. Thanks again for your reconsideration.

S. Maki, RN ADN

My name is Ardel Labitoria, LPN. I have been an LPN since 2008 in the state of New Jersey. I went to a very good 15-month LPN program where I had extensive clinicals in Medical-Surgical I & II, Pediatrics, Psychiatric, Geriatrics, and Obstetrics. I took my pre-requisites from my community college with the generic RN students. I am an Excelsior College RN student who is about to take the Clinical Performance in Nursing Examination (CPNE) in about a month. I am glad the state of New Jersey will allow me to take the NCLEX-RN after I graduate. I feel sorry for the other LPNs (and other health care licensed professionals who are eligible to attend Excelsior College) in your state who cannot attend a traditional program and want to upgrade to RN status in order to better themselves. What other options can you offer them? Please reconsider your previous decision and allow Excelsior College graduates to practice as an RN in your state.

As a Excelsior College student:

It has been my experience that this program is no picnic. But it's the only way I could continue my education. The Excelsior program is NOT an easy way out to the nursing degree. It is the hardest thing I have ever done in my life. Conventional college was so much easier than the Excelsior program is, but it's worth doing. As a (single) parent of three whom had the sole responsibility for 16 years, of getting my children through grade school first, it became my time to better myself. I started a conventional nursing school a few years ago but had to quit in order to keep working to make the house payment and not to loose everything I have worked for. Excelsior was my only choice. I am almost finished with this program and have thought about working in Virginia in the very near future. Your vote of YES for this program in Virginia will enable many hard working nurses to relocate to your area and allow us to provide you with excellent health care to all that need our assistance. There is already a shortage of nurses, please don't make the mistake of adding to it by discounting the people who have worked extra hard to obtain a nursing degree through Excelsior College. The nursing course through Excelsior College is a grueling and strict process and should not be viewed as a less than education by any means. This course is harder to do since you have to remain totally focused on your studies when you’re not at work. There is NO leisure time after work. ONLY TIME TO STUDY, IN ORDER TO SUCEED. Please Vote YES to allow this program to remain an important part of Virginias future in healthcare. I look forward to a nursing career in your state. Thanks Randolph N. Smith Sr. 

I am a second profession nurse, entering the healthcare community later in life with many life experiences under my belt.  From experience I can truthfully say book knowledge is not sufficient for entering a field where life is only a breath away from death.  The lives of good, hard-working, god-fearing people are in our hands and we must be adequately prepared to do everything in our power to succeed.  Most of this "power" is not learned from books, but rather from hands-on experience.  Clinical rotations help prepare a student nurse for the curves in the road ahead.  Curves that if not navigated correctly can mean the difference between life and death....much like driving a car....would you want to ride in a car in which the driver has not fulfilled all the requirements for a driver's license?  I think not!  I would not want to put my health and well-being into the hands of a "baby nurse" who hasn't been adequately trained to straighten out the curves of my life journey and help make sure I cross the finish line without being hurried there by lack of hands-on education.

I vote no, do not overlook the value of clinical experience.

I vote no for this petition.  I have been a nurse for 41 years and have been a nursing faculty as well.  I think the most valuable experience that nursing students have is the clinical aspect. .  Former experience with being an LPN or EMT can certainly add to the  knowledge that an Excelsior student has, and I believe additional clinical experience that looks at nursing from the RN leadership level is even more important to have. 

I support the the Board of nursing in the state of Virginia granting Excelsior college graduates the right to be licensed as RN's by both examinations and endorsements.

Thanks.

Alozie Nwogu

I fully support Excelsior College in being recoginzed in the state of Virginia. As a single mom working as a LPN, it is very hard for me to go to a traditional school and work full time. This school will be able to give me the ability to excel in nursing, while still provide support and care to the state of Virginia. Please reconsider and accept this program into Virginia.

I support this. Great for those raising families and trying to make a living as well.

I lived in Virginia and was able to complete my LPN school and successfully obtained my license for the state of Florida.  I was hoping to be able to continue my education through an online based program because it was very difficult for my family to survive without the extra income on top of daycare costs while I went through this program.  It was a wonderful program but it was a very difficult trying time to not be able to go to work and school at the same time.  I was hoping to find a program that would allow me to work full time and go to school online so that  I can earn a living as an LPN and continue my career path.  Excelsior is that school and I feel very blessed that Florida accepts it because there is not a way to continue my goals of getting my degree for nursing.  I would hope that you would reconsider Excelsior's program for Virginia residents because for working moms that do not have families to support them with daycare to go to school at night and work at the same time, this is a great outlet and would benefit Virginia in every way because these nurses are already practicing as LPN's and are ready to make the next move forward and they get clinical experience every day with their jobs.  This a win win situation if you would allow Virginia residents to continue their goals of becoming a RN without the difficulties of having to try to go to school full time in a classroom, then it would open many possibilities for better patient care because they have already gained experience as LPN or EMT and already have the knowledge and be able to expand and grow into probably some of the best nurses working in Virginia, These students still have to take the same NCLEX as those that went to a day program if they pass, the clincal and the NCLEX I think that is sure proof that this program is an acceptable school for Virginia board of Nursing to accept.  This school is accredited also by the NLN and not all classroom based programs are that in itself stands out, I hope you will reconsider this program and allow our dreams of continuing education to become a reality and be able to provide the best patient care while continuing to grow as nurses!

Please Reinstate the RN Program of Excelsior College in the Commonwealth of Virginia. So many working families cannot further their education and careers due the lack of support and training available in Virginia. Excelsior College is a great and unique tool available to us!! Please bring it back!

I oppose this petition. Clinical education is imperative in learning how to function and practice as a nurse and I believe there is no other viable alternative to this type of training.

 I support allowing Excelsior college graduates licensing by exam or endorsement. The program at Excelsior is not the easy way to complete your RN. It requires a great deal of time and effort to complete each class. As a current student I know the commitment required to do this program.

I am in full support of Excelsior college. I have been in the medical field for over 16 years. I am and LPN and have the knowledge and experience that is needed. I need to work along with taking the required courses toward my RN degree and this college allows me to do this.

I would like to support the proposed regulatory amendment to the Virginia State Board of Nursing, regarding the licensure of RN's graduating from Excelsior College. I am presently in the Excelsior Nursing Program to obtain my RN degree. I've been an LPN for 19 years and have many years of experience, which prepared me for the program. In the past, I have attended a community college RN program, but working full-time and attending college full-time was really difficult. I am thankful Excelsior College is a distant learning college. This program enables me to further my education, while not having to purchase uniforms for college, and put wear and tear on my old car, needless to say the gas money and travel time. This type of nursing program is not for everyone, but at least it should be an option for everyone, and it should be recognized and accepted from State to State. Please accept graduates of the Excelsior College school of Nursing in Virginia. The school is excellent and the standards are high. Times are changing, and the convenience of a self-paced study program is an extremely important aspect when one is pursuing their career in today's world.

Sharon Tillotson-Ates LPN 

I would like to voice my support of Excelsior College. I work full time so it would be very difficult for me to go the traditional route to obtain my RN. This program makes it possible for others like me to obtain their dream of furthering their education while continuing to work.

I strongly support the nursing degree programs provided through Excelsior college. Having taken conventional college courses as well as Excelsiors, I find the Excelsior courses to be quite challenging. With the shortage of nurses and the time restrictions put on our busy lives, Excelsior is the way to go.

I am currently a Excelsior College nursing student and very  proud to say that !!!  After having to drop out of a brick & motar school, Excelsior was my lifeline.  Excelsior gave back to me the ability to complete my nursing degree.  Since being in this program, I have learned so much strictly from my content that I did NOT learn in a traditional school.   This is not an easy program and for someone to say its the easy way, clearly has no ideal what an EC student is.  I for one and so Thankful for Excelsior and support any endeavor they undertake. 

I as a pt have had the pleasure of having an Excelsior College RN and I have had RNs from other programs as well.  I am here to tell you, I witnessed first hand,nursing at its best with my EC RN and that is exactly where I will be too.  I don't see that my clinical experience as a student in a traditional school is any better than the CPNE EC students must endure, this CPNE takes months to prepare for when in traditional school the student just goes and performs the skill after being checked off and from the clinicals that I participated in, the student did not have to perform the skill 100% as most did not in the clinical settings (hospitals) and as a EC student perfoming the skill in their CPNE, if it is not 100% the student is not succesful and does not move on.  

It is not only EC graduate RNs performing these CPNE, there are many traditional RNs, who went they pass a student, we as EC students know that student was perfect  and what an honor!!

Please reconsider your admitting policies to include Excelsior Nursing, we all have the same light in our eyes and would never stop short of providing excellent care and treatment to any patient in our care.

Thank you for your consideration on behalf of all the qualified nurses who know what it is to be a "RN" no matter where our degree is from.

~Debra J. Alexander   

I was born and raised in VA, due to the economy I had to move to Ohio. I am a former paramedic certifiied in the State of Virginia, I have worked pre-hospital and in the ER. This program is geared towards students who have a strong medical background. I want to return to my home state of VA, I love it there and miss it. I am currently about to graduate the LPN program and would love to be able to take the online LPN-RN program, I need to work, this way I can make decent money as an LPN while achieving my goal to become a RN and return to the State I love. Thank you in advance for your consideration on this issue.

Brian Phelps

Students who choose to participate in a program like Excelsior are far and away classified as dedicated, motivated and self-disciplined.  What more could the health care system want as potential health care workers?  Denying these students all the rights and opportunities allowed to students of conventional education is unjust.   Take the time to do the research, review the curriculum and you will see that Excelsior students meet and more often exceed the standards.     

I support nurses rights to to pursue a degree through excelsior college.  the college is accredited and recognized by the boards of nursing in other states, and virginia must contine to allow it's nurses to pursue furthering their education in a way that fits into their work schedule and still allows them to continue working.  excelsior college does that and more. providing nursing students with the support they need to succeed!

I am in a state where there are limitations put on those students attending EC w/ some other exclusions. Although some may not be able to commit to those exclusions, at least they have them as another way out. To just strip current and future students of the opportunity to even excel at their dream is RIDICULOUS. What have me become as people? We are supposed to try to help one another not pull one down, and that is exactly what this law would do!

There is no statistical data that EC students are a harm/hazard vs a student from "traditional school". I actually beleive EC students have more dedication, are VERY hard working because they are juggling family/work life on top of having the discipline to teach themselves, do the research it takes to be ABOVE THE REST. Give EC students a break, sit back and watch how GREAT we they!

Type ovThe Excelsior  progrma is a excelant program. I am crurrantly in the program in a differant state.  the poeple that are in this program are currantly working  as LPNs and we get a lot of clinical expericen on the job. also I have been in the traditonal school and i have learned a lot more in this program.  the clinical process we go through is very difficut and they make sure we know how to take care of patients as a RN before we can graducate the program.  I wetn throught the clinical program last summer  and did not pass.  I have also been the tradiitaional program and believe me when I tell you this program is a much harder program to pass.  you really need to check this out before you think about  getting rid of this program.  We are going to have such a shortage in nursing and we need all the good nursing programs that are out there believe me when I tell you this is a excellant program and you do not pass it unless you know what you are doing.  Pleas look iinto this more before you make up your mind.  I still have my clinicals to at whick I am getting  ready to  rapply for.  they concentrate on the areas that we do not do as LPNs when we go to clinicals.  We do a lot of work on care plans and to summit and appply our care plans as we are taking care of our patient.  we have a clinical person with us at all times watching our every move.  when you are in traditional school your instruter is ussually with about 6 people  and has to keep tract of those 6 people and can not watch your every move.                                                                                  er this text and enter your comments here. You are limited to approximately 3000 words.

I would like to support this petition for excelsior and their students in VA.  I have been in nursing for 20 years.  Starting as an STNA and than as an LPN.  This program is difficult and is not easily achieved.  I agree that clinical hours are important but also feel that years of experience in the field can and should be counted towards clinicals.  Excelsior makes it more convenient as far as hours and learning at a persons own place.  Not having traditional clinicals does not mean that its program is not adequate for a person graduating to be successful in the field.  Over the years I have worked with RNs (and LPNs) from traditional schools with the traditional clinical experiences and would not agree that all of them are as competent as they should be.  A new nurse from a traditional school still needs to get those years of experience to be a strong nurse. Excelsior students start out with experience and build on it.

Thank you.

I SUPPORT Excelsior's nursing program for Virginia.

I am writting in support of Excelsior  College's ADN Program. Excelsior recruits students with many years of clinical experience that students of traditional programs do not. With the current nursing shortage and the health disparities with regard to access of care it is hard to justify not granting licensure to a graduates of this well respected program. Furthermore, there is no other program in the 50 states that has sustained the rigorus scrutiny of Excelsior. I wonder if Virgina will place all of its nursing schools under the same lens?

I VOTE YES FOR EXCELSIOR COLLEGE.