I got in to the acclerated BSN!

jnette, ASN, EMT-I · Jul 17, 2003

Wow. That IS great, Lori ! Good for you !

I know there's a lot to think about, so just put everything into the balancing scale, and whichever comes out the heaviest in your favor is the one to go with, right? That's great news, though.

A 23 yr. old bad biology grade... sheesh... can you believe that? What ARE these ppl thinking? Yikes.

LoriB · Jul 17, 2003

Thanks so much! Yes I am very frustrated with the old bio grade thing. I have taken 196 credits over the last 6 years and gotten all A's except three B's. I would think that shows them I'm a better student now. :) Thanks for your kind words.

Lori

EmeraldNYL, BSN, RN · Jul 17, 2003

Don't do the Drexel program unless you're planning on giving up your life for a year, and you handle stress well. I'm not saying this to scare you, but many people dropped out because it was just too much with their family, and some people had to work. Yes, it's the shorter route, but consider whether or not your mental state can handle it! I'm done in 7 weeks and I CAN'T WAIT!!!!!!

pickledpepperRN · Jul 17, 2003

I've been staff nurse assigned to students in an accelerated program in a critical care unit.

They know so much! Some had degrees in the arts so the program must have been a rigorous as the said it was.

BUT, these are wonderfully prepared for working as RNs.

I had some second semester ADN students who were really struggling. Perhaps they will be OK by the time they graduate.

If your family needs a lot of your time it may not be the program for you. Condratulations on being accepted. Whatever you choose know they only accept the best.

LoriB · Jul 17, 2003

Thanks so much for your advice and comments.

Nikki,

I kept telling myself it's only a year. I can anything for a year. But then my husband (he's an anesthesiologist) met a student nurse in the OR from the accelerated program at Jefferson and came home and told me there has to be another way. That is why I looked at other options. This student nurse was an adult and very bright but said he has been in the program one month and only gets 3 hours sleep -- it is so tough. I cannot function that way. My boys are older 14 and 16 but during nursing school I hope to help my older one with picking college and preparing for college. I don't want to just be shut in my room for a year.

At the community college in my area I would be in the hospital a day or two and a couple of half days in class/lab. I took some undergraduate classes at the community college and the faculty is wonderful. I think I will continue to pursue this avenue. Besides they have a dual admission agreement with Drexel now for the BSN Online. I can finish it up when I'm done and working. Maybe even my job will pay for that part. :)

Lori

PJMommy · Jul 17, 2003

Hi Lori,

I'm currently in a one-year accelerated BSN program. I am also married and have four children (ranging in age from 21 months to 10 y/o). I have 4 weeks left in the second of three semesters.

I wouldn't do it any other way. I knew I wouldn't be working while in school so wanted to get through it quickly. I said the same thing...I can handle anything for a year. You wouldn't believe how quickly this year is FLYING by! :)

It's all about time management. Most parents are really good at this! All the parents in my class are outstanding students who rarely miss a beat. They go home, they spend time with their families and then they study. They get up at 5 AM and study some more. They don't spend a lot of time watching T.V. or going to parties or sleeping in on the weekends. My classmates are former biologists, psychologists, professional athletes, military, computer scientists...you name it!

And ohmigosh...3 hours of sleep?!?! Not me, thanks. I usually get 7 hours at night with a few nights where I only got 5 or 6 hours due to a big paper or a sick child. I've studied pathophysiology with a 4 year old in my lap, complete with his running commentary. I study on my 30 minute commute in every morning (gotta luv notecards). I study while I sit next to a bathtub full of splashing kids.

Now...the other side: You HAVE to have a supportive spouse or significant other because it is a strain on them to pick up so many responsibilities. You will get stressed out so you must have excellent coping mechanisms. And...I admit it...I've become hopelessly addicted to caffeine. :0

The bottom line is that I love this so much that my family is willing to deal with the hassles because they see how happy I am.

I'd suggest you talk to some Drexel accelerated grads. Also talk to the nurse recruiters and administrators at the area hospitals and find out what grads they prefer.

I wish you the best of luck in your decision.

EmeraldNYL, BSN, RN · Jul 17, 2003

Yeah I agree with PJMommy, a supportive spouse is a MUST. As well as supportive friends, I feel like I have totally ditched mine this year. I usually average about 5-7 hours of sleep a night, except during midterms and finals, then it's more like 3. Excellent time management skills are a MUST. Your kids are older so you shouldn't have too much trouble as long as they are supportive and understanding. Best of luck in whatever you choose-- only you can decide if it's worth it to stress yourself out like that for a year.

LoriB · Jul 18, 2003

PJMommy I'm IMPRESSED!!!

By the way I am talking to Drexel people. EmeraldNYL in this thread is in the acclerated program at Drexel right now and is almost done.

Thanks again you guys. This board is so great.

PJMommy · Jul 18, 2003

Ha ha! Don't be impressed until you see my pile of dirty laundry! Forgot to mention the household chores do slip a little (uh ummm...a LOT!)

EmeraldNYL, BSN, RN · Jul 18, 2003

Originally posted by PJMommy
Ha ha! Don't be impressed until you see my pile of dirty laundry! Forgot to mention the household chores do slip a little (uh ummm...a LOT!)

Yeah, I hear ya. I can barely see the floor on my apartment because of all the books/papers/notebooks scattered about!! :chuckle

KristinWW · Jul 18, 2003

Great reading for the accelerated people, thank you! Hmm, maybe we should have our own forum section, whatcha think?