We as student of Excelsior are frustrated at the wait time for the CPNE. We chose Excelsior for many reasons, but what attracted us to the program was NLNAC accreditation and the convenience of being able to finish our RN from home at our own pace. Waiting almost one full year after completion of the nursing courses just to get a date for the CPNE is inexcusable for an accredited nursing program. That is a whole year wasted and by that time, we students run the risk of losing the nursing information already learned during the program. Most ASN-bridge programs are about 8 months total. This makes the gap between completion of the nursing theory exams/CPNE and taking the NCLEX-RN even longer. Studies show that the longer students wait between completion of a nursing program and taking the NCLEX the more likely they will fail the exam due to loss of knowledge. We as students don't want to take that risk. We as students have come up with a proposal that we feel will lift the burden on the wait time for the CPNE. This will get students moving faster through the program. We have come up with a suggestion and are willing to help with the leg work. We will help find the hospitals local to us that are willing to help us and get paperwork to EC. We are hoping that those with LVN/LPN, Paramedic, RT, or those who have completed at least 50% of a BSN program can have the following option: preceptorship option: contract signed by school/hospital. This would be in place of the CPNE. But the preceptorship would have a check off CPNE style signed off by a hospital preceptor. CPNE study guide is still needed FEE: same as CPNE Hours: anywhere between 40-120 (depending on contract between school/hospital) *(Preceptorship to start after a minimum of 4 Excelsior nursing exams completed) Rationale: These students have already completed or near completed traditional nursing programs, or functioned alongside other nurses, and even doctors; therefore have the skills to be able to function on their own during a preceptorship. They have education/work experience in the following areas in the medical field: 1. General med surg/OB/Peds 2. Floor Experience: Medication pass, wound dressings/care, aseptic technique, catheter insertion, G-Tubes, suctioning, breathing treatments, injections, IV insertion etc 3. Care planning We as students want to lift the burden of the wait time for CPNE. We are hoping that Excelsior College will take our suggestions into consideration. We would appreciate some feedback and updates on a regular basis. A counter proposal by Excelsior College is highly suggested as we are students and Excelsior are the professionals. All we want is the chance to complete the program in a reasonable amount of time. Our proposal will speed up the process between completion of nursing theory exams and CPNE or preceptorship. Students will not run the risk of losing nursing theory knowledge and are more than likely to pass the NCLEX-RN. Thank You Excelsior Nursing Students & Alumni