RN/Accelerated BSN Nursing Clinicals

EmeraldNYL, BSN, RN · Jun 4, 2003

Well, it totally depends on the school so I would contact the program directors to see how they organize clinicals. I am in a one year accelerated BSN and yes, it is GRUELING. I have clinicals 3 days a week for 6 hours each, and they are all different subjects (Peds Wed., Community Health Thur., and Adult Health II Fri) and at different clinical sites. So this makes for a lot of running around, prep time, etc.

pickledpepperRN · Jun 4, 2003

I have been staff nurse preceptor for a student in the Mount St. Mary's accelerated program. The students were EXCELLENT!

I had to work days. Students came at 7:00 AM and worked until noon. Then they had a conference with the clinical instructor at 1:00 pm. Their instructor was helpful and encouraging.

The program is 16 months with only 2 weeks vacation in winter and summer, one in spring.

Too much homework to work on the weekends.

I'vw worked with many former students from that program. 100% of those I've met are superior RNs!

Other accelerated programs I don't know about.

KristinWW · Jun 4, 2003

Thank you Emerald and Space! This program is going to cost a bundle and I want to be sure I'm getting good hands-on.

Emerald, when you mention all different subjects - meaning the normal programs (not accelerated) stay on a single subject each semester?

How are job prospects for accelerated students?

Home Health Columnist / Guide · Jun 4, 2003

BSN will open more non-hospital doors in my experience. Make sure program is going to provide enough hands on, ask about clinical locations (how far spread appart, indlude drive time to/from in length of day), are some of the clinical locations in well thought of hospitals/clinics/facilities etc.

Wat is the ratio of instructors to students on clinical floor (1-8 ideal). Will you be involved in three different types of clinical areas like Emerald or only one at a time so you don't feel as streched. TALK to several students in each program before you decide/make monetary investment.

EmeraldNYL, BSN, RN · Jun 4, 2003

Kristin, some programs only do one clinical at a time. We do three, one each day. And yes, it is really expensive. My tuition is 20 grand, but most hospitals are offering some sort of sign on bonuses or loan repayment. And I don't graduate until October and I've already had job offers.