O NE-YEAR S URVEY SURVEY REPORT. Associate Degree in Nursing Program. 1

Transcription

1 J U N E 2014 O NE-YEAR S URVEY SURVEY REPORT Associate Degree in Nursing Program 1

2 Report of Survey Results: One-year Survey Associate's Degree in Nursing Report Generated: June 20, 2014 For All Graduates between December 21, 2011, and December 21, 2012

3 Table of Contents General Information... 1 One-year Survey Results... 2 Sample...2 Employment and Professional Affiliations...2 Future Educational Plans...6 Military Advancement and Civilian Life...8 Preparation for Current Position...9 Career and Educational Goals Associate's Degree in Nursing Program Outcomes Satisfaction with Excelsior College Overall Impression of College, Program and Career Open-Ended Items... 15

4 General Information This report presents results from the one-year survey. One-year Survey: The one-year survey collects information regarding the graduates satisfaction with Excelsior College, their future educational plans, current educational, employment, and income status, achievement of program outcomes, and the impact that the educational process has had on career and educational goals. The survey also solicits graduates perceptions of program strengths and suggestions for change, as well as the most important impact earning an Excelsior College degree has had on their lives. Questions related to the survey or to the design and production of this report may be addressed to the Director of Institutional Effectiveness. Interpreting Results: Care should be taken in interpreting survey results. Survey results can be affected by self-selection bias, in which persons with certain characteristics or opinions are more likely to respond. Particular caution should be taken when the numbers of responses are small because results may be skewed. Please consider the following guidelines when interpreting survey data: Notes: Means: When results are expressed in a chart or table of means, please note the range of values and their meanings, which are listed in a footnote below the chart or table. In general, mean values of 4 or higher on a 6-point Likert scale are considered positive. Similarly, a mean value of 5 or higher is considered positive on a 7-point scale. Throughout the report, means are calculated only for Likert-type items that received five or more responses. Standard deviations: Wherever mean values are presented, please also consider the standard deviations (SD) that accompany them. Standard deviation is a measure of variability in the response to a survey item, such that a small SD indicates less variation (more agreement) among respondents. Frequency tables: As noted above, means are calculated only for Likert-type items that received five or more responses. If fewer than five were received, responses will be displayed in frequency tables, with a numerical count provided for each response. Where charts display survey items in pairs (such as ratings of program outcomes), both items will be displayed in a frequency table if either received fewer than five responses. The graduation dates appearing on the cover of this report represent the requested report period. The dates appearing in the Sample section on page 2 indicate the range of graduation dates among actual survey respondents. The following symbol may appear in this report: ^ Denotes that one or more survey items displayed in a chart or table expired during the report period and so were not asked of all respondents. An explanatory footnote to this effect has been included beneath charts and tables where this symbol may appear. 6/20/2014 1

5 One-year Survey Results Sample The one-year post-graduation survey was sent to 917 Associate's Degree in Nursing graduates. A total of 90 responded, resulting in a response rate of 9.8%. Respondents to the survey graduated between January 2012 and December Gender: (N = 90) Female 80.0% Male 20.0% Ethnicity: (N = 90) White 57.8% Black or African American 22.2% Asian 11.1% Hispanic 6.7% American Indian or Alaska Native 1.1% Two or More Races 1.1% Employment and Professional Affiliations Are you currently employed? (N = 90) Yes, full time 80.0% Yes, part time 12.2% No, but seeking employment 5.6% No, and not seeking employment 1.1% Retired 1.1% In what field are you employed? (N = 82) Nursing 93.9% Health Care (non-nursing) 2.4% Holistic Health 1.2% Military Service 1.2% Research (Health Science) 1.2% 2 6/20/2014

6 Those who identified their field of employment as Other listed the following fields: None Reported In which of the following health care settings do you currently work? (N = 79) Long term care Hospital inpatient service 26.6% 24.1% Home health Other Emergency services Hospital outpatient care/ambulatory services Physician office Public health department School nurse Medical insurance office Nursing education 15.2% 8.9% 7.6% 6.3% 3.8% 2.5% 2.5% 1.3% 1.3% 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% Those who classified their work settings in the Other category listed the following health care settings: Clinical Research Hospice inpatient unit Military research psychiatric RN Operating Room state institution 6/20/2014 3

7 What is the title of your current position? (N = 79) Staff nurse 62.0% Other Supervisor 11.4% 15.2% Administrator Community health nurse Manager Clinical nurse specialist Educator Technician 2.5% 2.5% 2.5% 1.3% 1.3% 1.3% 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% Those who indicated their title was in the category Other provided the following titles: Case Manager Clinical Research Coordinator (n=2) Director Case Management Field nurse LPN quality assurance Special Procedures Nurse Wound Nurse (certified) Where do you currently work? (N = 76) Suburban area 42.1% Urban area 34.2% Rural area 23.7% 4 6/20/2014

8 In which of the following ranges does your personal income fall? (N = 82) $100,000 to $119, % $85,000 to $99, % $70,000 to $84, % $55,000 to $69, % $45,000 to $54, % $35,000 to $44, % $25,000 to $34, % Less than $24, % 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% Are you working for the same employer as when you graduated from Excelsior College? (N = 82) Yes 72.0% No 28.0% Have you received a promotion in your job? (N = 81) Yes 63.0% No 37.0% Have you changed careers since graduating from Excelsior College? (N = 89) Yes 18.0% No 82.0% Are you a member of any professional organizations? (N = 89) Yes 33.7% No 66.3% 6/20/2014 5

9 Graduates indicated membership in the following nursing organizations: American Nurses Association 46.7% (n=14) State Nurses Association 33.3% (n=10) Other 36.7% (n=11) 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% Note: Graduates may select more than one organization, so the total of all percentages in the chart above may be more than 100%. Graduates identified the following organizations: Arizona Burn Association Arizona Nurses Association Future Educational Plans Do you have plans to seek additional education? (N = 90) Yes 84.4% No 15.6% 6 6/20/2014

10 How well do you think your Excelsior College experience, including your educational experiences prior to enrolling at Excelsior College, has prepared you to continue your education? (N = 88) Very well 42.0% Well 45.5% Somewhat well 8.0% Somewhat poorly 1.1% Poorly 3.4% Please indicate whether you hold, are currently pursuing, plan to pursue, or do not plan to pursue each of the degrees listed below. (Bachelor s n = 1-67; Certificate n = 41; Master s n = 64; Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) n = 57; Doctorate n = 39; Professional Degree n = 52. Percentages are displayed only for degrees with five or more responses.) 100% 90% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0% Bachelors Certificate Master's DNP Doctorate Professional Already hold Plan to pursue Currently pursuing Do not plan to pursue 6/20/2014 7

11 Military Advancement and Civilian Life Have you ever served in the armed forces? (N = 85) I have never served in the armed forces. 88.2% I have previously served in the armed forces. 9.4% I am currently serving in the armed forces. 2.4% Military Advancement: To what extent has your degree been helpful to you in advancing your military career? (N = 2) Rating 6 (Very helpful): (n=1) Rating 1 (Not helpful): (n=1) Civilian Life: To what extent was your degree helpful in the transition to civilian life? (N = 7) Rating 6 (Very helpful): 57.1% Rating 3: 28.6% Rating 1 (Not helpful): 14.3% Note: For items related to Military Advancement and Civilian Life, response options ranged from 1 = not helpful, to 6 = very helpful. 8 6/20/2014

12 Preparation for Current Position Please rate how well your education has prepared you with regard to the following skills. (N = 71-84) Statement Mean SD Critical thinking Background for current occupation Applying knowledge to new areas Problem solving Writing skills Teamwork and socialization skills Leadership skills Generating innovative ideas Accessing information databases Computer skills and knowledge Communication skills Statement Mean SD Overall, how well did your Excelsior College education prepare you for your current position? Likert scale: 1 = Very poorly prepared, 6 = Very well prepared Graduates gave the following reasons for selecting the Not Applicable option regarding specific skills: Did not take writing course through EC. Local college I am still in search for a new job as an RN, most of the hospitals ask for experience as RN or BSN degree. I did not write any papers for the ASN program. The other two, I could not uncheck. I do not feel that the education I received assisted me in these areas because I do not feel I had a deficit in them prior to enrolling in Excelsior. Not applicable to my nursing degree I attained from Excelsior College. Nursing curriculum was primary focus of my coursework at Excelsior. Some of my courses were taken at another institution. Some of the skills referred above are either not strictly part of the nursing program, or was not covered at the segment of the training I received from Excelsior, but from previous and current studies. Writing skills were not part of any of the classes I took at EC. 6/20/2014 9

13 Writing was not a severely graded portion of th education I received at EC. Also since my education was as an and the focus was on clinical knowledge not inovation 10 6/20/2014

14 Career and Educational Goals For each goal, rate the importance of the goal when you enrolled at Excelsior College, the extent to which you have now achieved each goal, and the extent to which the educational processes leading to your Excelsior College degree had an impact on your achievement of these goals. (Mean ratings) Personal enrichment 5.22 (n=67, SD=0.95) 5.55 (n=75, SD=0.96) 5.28 (n=69, SD=1.11) Validation of knowledge and experience 5.18 (n=66, SD=1.05) 5.47 (n=73, SD=0.88) 5.06 (n=69, SD=1.20) Achievement of professional goals 5.14 (n=65, SD=1.09) 5.68 (n=73, SD=0.68) 5.21 (n=68, SD=1.19) Increased job security 5.09 (n=66, SD=1.37) 5.70 (n=73, SD=0.66) 5.07 (n=69, SD=1.39) Career/Professional development 5.04 (n=70, SD=1.13) 5.70 (n=76, SD=0.71) 5.31 (n=71, SD=1.02) Better employment opportunities 4.97 (n=68, SD=1.36) 5.69 (n=74, SD=0.64) 5.03 (n=68, SD=1.33) Salary increase 4.79 (n=68, SD=1.53) 5.53 (n=73, SD=0.93) 4.91 (n=69, SD=1.42) Better access to further education 4.71 (n=65, SD=1.43) 5.27 (n=74, SD=1.31) 4.94 (n=68, SD=1.38) Job promotion 4.66 (n=68, SD=1.69) 5.42 (n=74, SD=1.24) 4.87 (n=69, SD=1.55) Preparation for graduate study 4.40 (n=67, SD=1.64) 4.78 (n=74, SD=1.80) 4.81 (n=67, SD=1.49) Achievement Importance Impact Likert scale: Achievement: 1 = Not at all achieved, 6 = Completely achieved Likert scale: Importance: 1 = Not at all important, 6 = Very important Likert scale: Impact: 1 = No impact, 6 = Great impact 6/20/

15 Associate's Degree in Nursing Program Outcomes Please rate the degree to which you have achieved each outcome and how well your educational experience prepared you to demonstrate each outcome. (Mean ratings) I can safely administer medications through intravenous, intramuscular, and subcutaneous routes. I practice nursing within a legal, ethical, and moral framework. I can manage clients' prescribed medication regime. I incorporate client's values and beliefs in a collaborative plan of care. I advocate for the rights of clients and members of the profession of nursing. I am able to provide nursing care effectively to clients experiencing deviations from psychosocial health. I am sensitive to differing values/beliefs of clients. I can readily provide a rationale in support of a judgment. I collaborate with members of the health care team to develop interdisciplinary plans (n=70, SD=0.67) 5.40 (n=63, SD=1.16) 5.69 (n=72, SD=0.62) 5.38 (n=63, SD=1.10) 5.67 (n=69, SD=0.68) 5.35 (n=63, SD=1.18) 5.63 (n=71, SD=0.70) 5.31 (n=64, SD=1.17) 5.61 (n=72, SD=0.74) 5.25 (n=64, SD=1.15) 5.59 (n=70, SD=0.88) 5.17 (n=63, SD=1.37) 5.58 (n=71, SD=0.75) 5.23 (n=62, SD=1.18) 5.55 (n=69, SD=0.74) 5.32 (n=62, SD=1.14) 5.54 (n=70, SD=0.76) 5.22 (n=63, SD=1.29) I support client's effective coping behaviors. I can identify the scope of practice for members of the health care team. I prioritize and evaluate nursing care using established standards of professional practice. I use appropriate means of communication with clients and other members of the health care team. I use critical thinking skills to identify problems and seek interventions (n=72, SD=0.79) 5.19 (n=64, SD=1.19) 5.54 (n=72, SD=0.82) 5.16 (n=63, SD=1.23) 5.54 (n=72, SD=0.85) 5.24 (n=63, SD=1.23) 5.53 (n=72, SD=0.79) 5.02 (n=64, SD=1.29) 5.51 (n=72, SD=0.69) 5.14 (n=64, SD=1.21) Achievement Preparation 12 6/20/2014

16 I promote health maintenance and health restoration across the life span. I can distinguish between credible and noncredible sources of information. I can analyze an issue or problem from more than one perspective. I can apply principles, theories and concepts from the sciences and humanities in the I can articulate the contributions of professional nursing to health care. I emphasize health promotion, risk reduction, and disease prevention across the life span. I use a variety of strategies to professionally communicate with diverse groups. I can generate alternative solutions for problems. I can assess the role of the physical environment on the health of populations. I use a holistic approach to design care with clients experiencing complex health care I can use health care technology effectively. I can appropriately delegate and manage individuals to deliver care in a variety of I use interpreted research evidence to guide nursing care. I use community resources to provide continuity of client care (n=69, SD=0.78) 5.11 (n=62, SD=1.28) 5.49 (n=71, SD=0.84) 5.13 (n=63, SD=1.34) 5.46 (n=71, SD=0.75) 5.24 (n=63, SD=1.16) 5.45 (n=73, SD=0.82) 5.13 (n=63, SD=1.20) 5.43 (n=72, SD=0.84) 5.13 (n=63, SD=1.24) 5.43 (n=72, SD=0.85) 5.13 (n=63, SD=1.28) 5.43 (n=72, SD=0.89) 5.00 (n=64, SD=1.30) 5.42 (n=72, SD=0.75) 5.06 (n=64, SD=1.11) 5.40 (n=70, SD=0.89) 5.10 (n=62, SD=1.26) 5.39 (n=72, SD=0.81) 5.06 (n=62, SD=1.20) 5.39 (n=69, SD=0.84) 5.13 (n=63, SD=1.26) 5.38 (n=72, SD=0.93) 5.08 (n=63, SD=1.31) 5.32 (n=72, SD=1.02) 4.97 (n=64, SD=1.38) 5.22 (n=69, SD=1.06) 4.98 (n=63, SD=1.26) Achievement Preparation Likert scale: Achieved: 1 = Not at all achieved, 6 = Completely achieved Likert scale: Prepared: 1 = Very poorly prepared, 6 = Very well prepared ^ If this symbol appears next to a question above, the question expired during the report period. 6/20/

17 Satisfaction with Excelsior College Is the education you received at Excelsior College relevant to your current goals? (N = 87) Yes, highly relevant 88.5% Yes, somewhat relevant 8.0% No, not relevant 3.4% How satisfied are you that Excelsior College helped you meet your program outcomes? (N = 88) Very satisfied 72.7% Somewhat satisfied 17.0% Neutral 4.5% Somewhat dissatisfied 4.5% Very dissatisfied 1.1% Would you recommend Excelsior College to others? (N = 87) Yes 88.5% No 11.5% Describe your overall satisfaction with your experiences at Excelsior College. (N = 90) Very satisfied 62.2% Somewhat satisfied 26.7% Neutral 6.7% Somewhat dissatisfied 3.3% Very dissatisfied 1.1% 14 6/20/2014

18 Overall Impression of College, Program and Career If you had it to do over again, would you: (Attend Excelsior n = 81; Same program n = 76; Same career n = 77) Attend Excelsior College? 6.2% 12.3% 81.5% Select the same program? 6.6% 7.9% 85.5% Pursue the same career? 2.6% 2.6% 94.8% 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% Yes Maybe No Open-Ended Items What do you consider to be the strengths of your Excelsior College degree program? (N =47) Comments: 1. Affordability/payment plan / 2. A means to an end / Being able to be independent while counsel ours being there when needing help. Being so prepared for my state boards. I was registered at question 106. Cost efficient Critical Thinking Skills distance education Distance learning with convenience of class schedules. Do not have BS in nursing. However, I do have many of these skills. EC was thorough, the information was pertinent and the staff very helpful. I am looking forward to enrolling soon for my BSN. Excellent Excelsior allows independent and successful people to determine the speed of achieving their success. Excelsior college prepare nurses to meet the future needs of healthcare and to take leadership. Flexibility (n=2) 6/20/

19 Flexibility and self-pacing, which allows working students to pursue a degree while working and raising a family. Flexible for the adult learner; especially those with busy family lives who may have put education on hold in order to raise a family. Great instructors, also. flexible. work at own pace Freedom to work and do school online Having to pass The Clinical Practice Nursing Exam I appreciate the flexibility of the program. I would not have been able to complete my degree without being able to tailor my education to fit my scheduling needs. I could progress at my own rate dependent on personal and professional demands I feel that the type of program either makes a success of a person, / Or they go elsewhere. I am a self starter, am motivated, & determined / So I was a success. I am now creating my own business as a result of my / Excelsior ADN Nursing Degree. / I learn critical thinking and time management discipline myself w study xxx It makes you self disciplined. Otherwise you won't make it. I was well prepared that I passed my nclex at one sit Nothing was handed to me. I had to learn the information without being spoon feed like many of my friends were getting at their schools. While they had easier classes I really had to learn so much more. Knowledge is the foundation of nursing and I have a solid foundation. O one needs to work hard toward the program. Patience, endurance Personal challenge of discipline and hard work to obtain the education on my own time. I had to be innovative and think outside the box to achieve success in the program, in which I was able to bring with me into my own career and helps me provide excellent nursing care to a diverse population. Self control pace and saving time and money. Very good for working adult. Strengthened the ability of mental acuteness through mental imagery of the concepts being learned before clinical approach. It also greatly strengthened reading skills, especially as the world is steadily moving towards more visual learning methods as opposed to imaginative learning. The ability to work through stressful situations with success, as well as the ability to find and use creditable resources to answer questions. In addition, I consider the greatest strength obtained is adaptability! I feel I can work just about anywhere and have the skill set to provide safe care, find the resources to answer my questions and have confidence in my skill set to work through challenges. The advising center, the resources, and the discussion boards. the Clinical part..it was a life changing experience The clinicals were very very important it really got me prepared to be an RN nurse The consideration of previous experience, knowledge and college credits to make a degree possible. Very important to ex military. The Consideration of prior learning and current work experiences. Distance learning is a huge plus but I ranked Excelsior let in done aspects because they should offer a student mentor to reach student who can encourage them on a regular basis to set and make goals and hide them when they have difficulties. In this program you are completely alone and then sent to as a test not a lasting experience Sometimes just have a wise offer nurse who is seasoned to guide you through things and the thought processes make all the differences. As I love Excelsior and I do recommend them I chose WGU to continue my education so I could have more support. 16 6/20/2014

20 the different resources available to succeed in tests, and courses. The Excelsior program prepared me to think critically. I passed my RN boards on the first try because of the way Excelsior teaches. I also learned to assess just as well if not better than my co workers who attended traditional schools. The extra knowledge I learned through self teaching, as well excelsior online services. The fact that it is a flexible way in which to earn an RN degree and subsequent licensure without having to quit a job in order to meet said goal. The quality and accessibility of the education provided by the school. The self-study gave me confidence in researching and gaining information that can be passed on to my client's. The strengths of the program is it establishes a sink or swim mindset and forces the student to develop good study habits and completely Lear the information Utilizing the nursing process well preparation to the goal What changes (additions or subtractions) would you recommend that Excelsior College make to the program? (N =45) Comments: 1. The CPNE does not adequately prepare students for practice as an RN. There needs to be local clinicals. There are other online schools that do local clinicals with preceptors. There are so many things that you have to learn on the job in the first year as an RN, but as an Excelsior ASN graduate the stress level is a lot higher because you are not as prepared as someone who did two or more years of clinical rotations. The experience may be different for LPNs and paramedics, but as an RT the skills set just isn't there. Add a student mentor to the program so students have someone who is pushing them and guiding them through to the end. Become more available in Arizona. CPNE process CPNE should NEVER be a Pass/Fail exam, but a graded one. I personally passed all labs and PCS's without a single repeat, and yet feel that pass/fail is an absolute inappropriate choice with which to "grade" this exam. CPNE. 3 chances for the simulation lab decrease cost of CPNE seminar so that more people can attend it Encourage more Students interaction with faculty, and student to student. First after stating the strengths I'd like to point out that I didn't use hardly any of the EC resources in study for the didactic portion of the nursing. The material was very vague and broad and forced me to utilize outside resources to cover all the material I needed to. The use of a program like soft chalk to help students learn material would be a great asset to the program. Second the skills sheets for new skills are in the books but not taught on any level. I started as a paramedic and was fine with most skills but things like NGO tube insertion or Foley cath insertion I basically had to learn from YouTube. The addition of a skills workshop would be great but what would be even better is to greatly expand the cpne workshop to include a much 6/20/

21 greater spectrum of knowledge. Lastly the cpne is horribly stressful and is not doable for everyone. I don't have any suggestions coming to mind but I believe that it needs to be reformed to accommodate for a bit more error. When peers ask me if I recommend the program to them I always have to assess there ability to handle the strain of the test. For myself I studied for 8 months went to 3 workshops and did a ton of practice and still made mistakes. That seems like a bit much for one test. Maybe expand the number of pts the student sees or areas of care and incorporate a graded system rather than just a pass fail. help tutor students throughout the program I found that a large part of the process of requesting information to completion of the program was very, very confusing. I think assigning a one-on-one staff member to guide the applicant step by step would be helpful. I also think that Excelsior had a lot of great things on their website but it was difficult to manipulate and confusing. I received valuable experiences from the online conferences and the Workshops provided by Excelsior. I recommend more detailed and longer clinical for cpne prep I would add a class where we can see skills to learn different equipment use In the clinical settings, have CEs that are more kind and sensitive to the nervousness of the students. Excelsior expects the students to perform like already 'functional nurses', yes, but the presence of a supervisor that follows you wherever is not practical in the real world. Therefore, students should be expected to be nervous, which may cause one to slip in judgment, occasionally. A CE with good insight will do well not only to calm the nerves of the examinee, but will use wisdom to assess his/her error. There was a male CE in Lubbock, especially, that may have needed some help in this regard. Perhaps he was new. Make all classes self-paced again. That is one reason that made EC attractive. Reduce cost of BSN program and take away assigned week classes. This is the reason (length of time and cost) that I chose to transfer to WGU to obtain my BSN (which I did in one term) even though I had to repeat classes such as microbiology and A&P for the lab portions. More affordable cost wise. more clinical experience, mentoring program or something similar with the associate rn program. More interaction with professors. More one on one coaching MORE ONE ON ONE INTERACTION FOR PREPARATION REGARDING the CPNE! During the 3 day CPNE work shop, more time addressing care plans, NANDAS, and skills! Ideally the ability to do a mock patient care scenario. More prep for clinicals More support technical and guidance My experience with Excelsior was a very good one. I knocked down a couple of hurtles, but I survived. My perseverance, resilience, and determination contributed to my success with completing the Excelsior program. None (n=6) None at the moment. 18 6/20/2014

22 None-- Excelsior is a top rated (with awards) nursing program. / I am proud to be an Excelsior grad. Perhaps more guidance and prep for the CPNE. The study guide can be very obtuse and difficult to understand. Prepare students to high tech approach, and, effective patient care, more clinical hours. Reconsider the Pass/Fail of the CPNE. The pressure to pass left me feeling like I had a bit of PTSD, even though I passed on the first try. It is exceptionally difficult, even when well-prepared. I would definitely reconsider the AD Nursing program knowing what I know now--it's definitely not for everyone. Up to the CPNE, it's is absolutely doable, not easy, but doable. Perhaps consider a point system to give some leeway for minor error on the CPNE. I'm not indicating error is acceptable in patient care, but a quickly fixable error that does not endanger the patient should be considered. Shorten the time frame wait to attend clinicals. skills Start making each test a COURSE. There is very little to be learned by taking a study guide and a stack of books and diving in and hoping for the best. It's a reactive, not proactive educational structure that makes up the ADN program at Excelsior College. When I took my NCLEX-RN prep through Kaplan, I was impressed by the fact that they not only gave a book, but had recorded lectures to accompany it! I learned so much from that...maybe even more than I learned from Excelsior. Maybe if the tests instead a series of courses, it would lend credence and legitimacy to your program and thereby get respect in the community. Maybe then boards of nursing would be less apt to have reservations about the educational portion of the program. That calls be to students not making progress. The associate is good. The Bachelor is what I do not advise, the price of the prerequisites and the different prerequisites needed to receive the Bachelors at the Excelsior College. I had looked into other schools for the Bachelors and all was needed was 2 more perquisites verses Excelsior's 5 which are not on a list for the Bachelor's at other schools. Just need the basic literature and a language which yours did not have on the list and other schools need those to receive the Bachelor degree. The CPNE time limit should have extension time added for circumstances involving the student taking care of the patient. The CE and CA should be the ones to discuss and have the authority to exercise this extension for the student, and the student should be allowed to request a review and request of extension time when the situation arises. Patient care comes first and foremost in nursing, and should be recognized and upheld in the clinical testing site/field. Failing nurses over a time constraint that was used providing patient care, should not be used to penalize a nursing student, for we are, all about, patient care first. It sends the wrong message to students and is contradictory to the bases of nursing practice. The large costs associated with taking the clinical exam and graduating are prohibitive To have more test out subject in nursing. Two things: Helping students find community groups for studying and support. I knew nobody who could help me and it was difficult to maneuver through this program without any peers. / / Secondly, I wish the staff was more present. I wish THEY had called ME on a regular basis to 6/20/

23 ask questions and be available instead of me always having to chase staff via telephone. I wish I had one regular liaison from the college to speak to frequently. Often, I called nursing admin and never knew who I was speaking to, nor they me! Unfortunately, I am a California resident and my Excelsior education is not recognized by the California BRN. Therefore, I would not recommend the program to anyone in my state. I feel this is very unfortunate because Excelsior definitely prepared me for boards and to become a more prudent nurse. What is the most important impact that earning an Excelsior College degree has had on your life? (N =50) Comments: ability to look for a job in a field I want to work Achieved goal of RN. Achieved personal goal and gain more knowledge in nursing. Achieved start of professional career goal. Allowing me to achieve personal success in finishing the exams in such a short time, and then moving on to greater job opportunities. The job opportunity has opened a door for me to continue my education as a nurse and laid the foundation for my determination and desire for my career. An associate degree holder, finally!!! Career change. And allowed me to rise above a horrible experience from a previous program I attended / Change how I value my patients helped to be more able to take care of them appropriately. Completing a long term goal of getting RN license Employment wise, none. My RN license is not recognized in my state (CALIF) and I'm still working as an LPN. With that said, I really did learn a lot from the program and I am a better nurse because of it. I think Excelsior is excellent and I certainly do not fault the school for California's BRN not giving me the RN license that I earned. Excelsior gave me the ability to have a better understanding of nursing process, and able to provide higher and safer quality of care to my patients as BSN prepare nurse. extremely important Financial security / Having a fulfilling career and education Having a good start to my career Having more opportunities as an RN than I had before as an LPN. Receiving better remuneration as an RN, since as an experienced LPN I already performed most of the RN functions, however was not paid accordingly due to LPN credentials. Helping me achieve an important milestone in my life. I am finally an RN!! :-) I earn more money as an RN. I plan to finish my BSN next year. 20 6/20/2014

24 I have a career now, with my excelsior degree. I also have many more opportunities than I had before earning my degree. I have many more job opportunities I learn to push myself made it inconvenient for me I moved up in my career and was given much greater job security. I am extremely grateful for Excelsior for that! I was able to accelerate Arizona State University's month RN-BSN program to 8 months and will graduate May/2013 with a 4.0 GPA. I could not have done this if Excelsior had not been a top rated school that ensures that students learn and retain the information needed to be a strong, safe professional nurse. I'm now a nurse on my way to being an apn It facilitated my goal of becoming a Registered Nurse before the age of 35. It has enriched my life financially, but more importantly, has brought the joy of achieving that goal into my life. It has fulfilled a life long goal and hopefully will make my experience more marketable should I lose my current position. I was an LPN for 21 years and being in a rural setting, I had multiple opportunities to work positions that are usually designated for RN's. None of that experience would be of avail if I were looking for a new job without the RN behind my name. it has given me the confidence and on the job knowledge that well above my counterparts who attended conventional schools. / / the fact that excelsior is mostly independent study without the leisure of pointers and exams reviews gives its student more confidence and responsibilities. Job security knowledge Lucrative job Met a important desire My complete sense of accomplishment. I was faced with a tragedy just one before my big Clinical test in Albany,NY. I lost my oldest daughter in an accident. I literally forced myself to finish preparing for this clinical test. I forced myself to go forward and complete it. I knew if I even postponed it, I would have not finished. It was the hardest thing I ever had to go through, emotionally. But the staff in Albany was wonderful. I did not tell them of my loss until it was over and that I passed. I thank them all for there compassion and excellence. My life and family status have change better My self esteem. not yet Obtaining my Nursing degree and License has enabled me to obtain a better paying job. Thereby enabling to better support my family. People know that I am a motivated person who can independently achieve results by completing a non-traditional nursing program. Personal achievement Personal achievement, and a solid stepping stone to my next degree. / personally and professionally wanted to be an RN. Professional Development Receiving the associate degree in nursing. 6/20/

25 self independent Set me up on life career path. I will be receiving my bachelors in Health Administration in a few weeks time and I am currently an AIT in a skilled nursing facility under a licensed preceptor. Hopefully I will write the Long Term Care (SNF) administrators licensure exam in the next couple of months. Thereafter, I will pursue FNP degree beginning summer stay focus and caring To get an RN degree was my ambition and excelsior helped me to achieve that goal. To pursue my dream of being an RN Transitioning into a career, Well, I was able to get an RN license and start working as a registered nurse. However, I live in the state of California and the BON here absolutely despises Excelsior. I am thereby limited to where I can work because I lack licensure in this state. I am currently working for the government, which I do not like. As it stands, I have to deal with job limitations and now furloughs. I would prefer to work for the private sector where said problems would not exist for me. I am pretty upset with Excelsior for not doing more to help nurses in California. I was told that funds are limited and that the school basically will not fight the good fight for us here. What's upsetting is that Excelsior rallied for Maryland nurses and won. This leaves California as the only state in the nation that refuses to grant licensure, initial or endorsement, to Excelsior nurses. Excelsior just gives up when they should do more. I would like to see the college to put forth the same energies towards our plight with the California BON as they did with Maryland. 22 6/20/2014