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Written by Administration
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Tuesday, 17 February 2009 20:32 |
SB 49 has just passed the GA Senate. The bill must now pass the House of Representatives and the Health Committee. Once it does so, current and future Excelsior students will be able to once again be licensed in the state of Georgia.
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Written by Administration
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Tuesday, 18 November 2008 19:50 |
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There is some positive news to report regarding licensure of our nursing graduates in Georgia. While we remain disappointed at the recent actions of the Board of Nursing denying licensure to our graduates, despite a 30-year history of doing so, the Governor's office has issued a statement in support of nontraditional nursing programs such as ours. Today (November 14), Governor Sonny Perdue spoke out against the Board of Nursing's decision that affects Excelsior College's associate degree nursing students and graduates (read the full text). The Governor has pledged to work "with the General Assembly to make it clear that bona fide nontraditional and for-profit education institutions can have a place in Georgia." Furthermore, the Governor said "I hope the Board’s decision will not discourage emerging graduates and future students in these programs from continuing their studies and joining the dedicated group of nurses in this state working every day to create a healthier Georgia.” For our associate degree students, current and future, and our recent graduates, this is welcome news. Excelsior College and our colleagues at the Georgia Nurses Association will work with the Governor and the Legislature to keep our nationally accredited program available as an education alternative for experienced, working adults in Georgia seeking to become registered nurses. At this time, we do not know how long it will take for this issue to be resolved on a permanent basis, but we will keep you apprised. Please know that we are working on a collaborative basis to advocate for you in every possible way to ensure that you can continue on your career path in nursing. In the meantime, we sincerely appreciate the support of Governor Perdue and we suggest that you write the Governor to personally thank him for his support. Here is the link if you want to see it on the site: Click Here |
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Last Updated on Wednesday, 19 November 2008 18:58 |
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Written by Administration
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Tuesday, 07 October 2008 00:08 |
Here is the letter that Sen Chance and Rep Ramsey sent to Sonny Perdue regarding the issue with HB1041.
September 25, 2008
The Honorable Sonny Perdue 203 State Capitol Atlanta, Georgia 30334
Dear Governor Perdue:
We have recently been contacted by one of our constituents that run a company that provides tutoring services to nursing students, many of which are currently enrolled in the Excelsior College School of Nursing. From his information and additional research, it seems the Georgia Board of Nursing has ruled Excelsior College nursing graduates are no longer eligible for licensure in Georgia specific to the Board’s interpretation of HB 1041 passed during the 2008 legislative session.
It is our understanding that the primary intent of HB 1041 was to provide for criminal background checks for newly licensed RNs in our state---a measure we fully support. There appears to be differences of opinion regarding the Board’s interpretation of additional HB 1041 language, resulting in new licensure requirements which exclude Excelsior College graduates. We are unclear why these nursing graduates have been allowed to be licensed for more than 33 years; but now are deemed ineligible. It would seem that had the program been deficient for three decades, the Board would have taken action much earlier to protect the public welfare. If the Board has documentation of poor performance of these graduates we would appreciate knowing this information.
This action by the Board could certainly worsen the nursing shortage situation with over 1,000 Georgia Excelsior College students who are no longer eligible upon graduation for licensure as RNs and an additional 2,000 students in the pipeline completing pre-admission courses. We agree with the Board that it is necessary for nursing programs to meet criteria that are “similar to and not less stringent than” those approved programs in the state. However, Excelsior College maintains high standards as evidenced by their national accreditation and recognition for excellence. Many hospitals in Georgia are financially supporting employees to attend the Excelsior College School of Nursing program.
We request that the Board of Nursing be asked to strongly consider their decision in light of the nursing shortage and the fact that Excelsior students have been providing quality nursing services for more than 33 years. There must be some means by which these students and others to follow can continue to contribute to quality patient care for Georgia citizens.
Regards,
Sen. Ronnie Chance Rep. Matt Ramsey |
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Written by Administration
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Tuesday, 09 September 2008 03:50 |
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The Georgia Board of Nursing has annouced the meeting date to decide fate of nurses who are enrolled in Excelsior College. The date will be September 18, 2008 @1:00 PM. We need any and EVERYONE tocome out and show their support. This decison will affect not just students or potential students enrolled in Excelsior, but all of Georgia. "The Georgia Hospital Association's latest workforce report, "Changing Demographics — Bridging Generations," shows an RN vacancy rate in member hospitals of 10.7% in 2006. There is one nurse for every 753 Georgians, putting the state in the bottom fourth of the country, it says. The greatest vacancy rates are in critical care at 31%, and med/surg/pediatric at 29%." - Nurse.com. With all that being said we need as many people as possible to come and put the preasure on the Board of Nursing. Please bring yourselves, friends, family, co-workers and picket signs (optional). |
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Last Updated on Tuesday, 09 September 2008 04:01 |
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Written by Administration
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Friday, 16 May 2008 02:27 |
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Well done Shelly! We're so proud of you for passing your CPNE in Plano, TX. We're sure you're not sorry to have that behind you. Thanks for the kind words about our workshop. We're glad we could lend a helping hand.  For everyone else that has an approaching CPNE, Shelly highly recommends Plano, TX. And don't forget, if you need a hands-on workshop check it out at www.cpneworkshop.com. Shelly did... |
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Last Updated on Saturday, 28 June 2008 00:04 |
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