I too am an Excelsior grad from the class of 1989. I have worked in a variety of jobs and an RN have always been given high regards for my work done.
This program is NOT easy. You have to be self discplined and focused to study on your own. There is nobody to help you along the way. The clinicals are rigorous and very stressful. You really have to know what you are doing...the first time. There is no taking a semester to 'get it right'. There is no being spoon fed material with a professor leading your studies.
People that go this route, do so for various reasons. But, we all have one thing in common,. A PASSION to be a Registered Nurse.