Intensity of adn/absn programs

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I'm applying for two different programs. One is an adn and the other is a absn. I hear a lot on here about the intensity of nursing school and if adn programs are so intense how much worse is an absn program going to be?

And the absn is 8months shorter!

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Less clinical preparedness in ABSN..Dont know about time tho

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Specializes in OB/GYN.
Less clinical preparedness in ABSN..Dont know about time tho

I don't think you can generalize all absn programs that way. Some of them are definitely lacking in many ways, but some of them have just as much clinical content as a regular bsn program.

I'm in an absn program and it's still 4 semesters like the bsn program offered at our school, the major difference is two of the semesters are Summer ones so slightly shorter and the program runs continuously from May through the following August.

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I was referring to ADN...in my state. .the ADN clinical hours are about 850-900..just my experience between ADN prepared RNs and ABSN grads

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The absn program is 800 hrs if clinical.

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Specializes in Oncology, Critical Care.

Can you clarify a few things. Do you hold a Bachelor already or is this your first time entering college? TO put it short, the ABSN is 13 or so months of intense schooling and clinicals. They are generally higher pressure and higher drop out rates because it is more people enter to get an RN as fast as possible and arent prepared for the workload. The ADN is more paced, and you learn over about 20 months as compared to 13 months. The ADN only gives you an Associates, however there are bridge programs. The BSN is a straight Bachelor program, gives you a BSN and your prepared to enter some MSN programs. Next question, do you need to work during the program or are you going to run on savings, loans, and aid? This is a huge point because some ABSN programs encourage their students to not work so they can focus on studies. ADN programs are generally more relaxed because there is time to do work and study.

So in short, questions to ask yourself:

Do you need to work during the program?

Can you handle 2 years of upper level college packed into 1 year with only a week or two off every few months?

Do you have a Bachelors degree?

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Fireman

I've been a sahm for 6yrs now and I have a bachelors in legal studies.

So I won't be working other than being a mom. That's part of the upside of the absn it's only 16 months and I can do it when my kids are in school. That way I get to my goal faster but it is more money upfront. The adn is cheaper and I could do a bridge bsn afterwards but I'm not sure with three kids if it'd be more tortuous to stretch everything out over four years with rheur schedules, me being stressed etc vs just biting the bullet and going hard for only 16m kwim?

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Specializes in Oncology, Critical Care.

Well I see you have a B.S. so thats good, however this is Nursing, which is in itself intense. Good to see the expenses aren't an issue, so either work. One thing I would mention, is if you happen to not get the required C in a course there, usually the program will make you wait a full year before retaking the course (the next time the class is taught), so if you happen to not do well your stuck for a year before you can do anything, and ABSNs aren't usually transferable to other programs.

I myself am a ADN student, and have my first BSN fin health sciences. Its tough to do nursing, and unless you were an A student in your last degree, the ABSN is tough. I have a friend who is at right now and he complains about how stressful the ABSN is, and how he wishes he could have gone to a ADN/BSN/2+2 college for it. And the ADN isnt bad, if you have classes that match the BSN courses to your last degree, the college may transfer those credits in, for me, ill be earning my ADN and BSN at the same time because im doubling up classes. Might be a route to look at.

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Specializes in Cardiology.

So I just graduated from an ABSN course. 13 months of crazy essentially. Like you, I have a child (she was 4-5) during the program and I didn't work. From my stand point, I preferred to finish quickly and not have worry about returning to school for an extra 2 years ( so a total of 4 yrs give or take).

As far as pace, it is FAST! Do I feel unprepared? No way!!! Our ABSN coursework is exactly the same as the traditional 4 year BSN at the school I attended...including clinical time. We did approximately 840 clinical hours and an additional 120 preceptorship hours, essentially 960 hours total. Every single one of my 40 classmates has passed the NCLEX. Also, after going through this program nothing really phases me and my time management skills are impeccable LOL!

I think due to the time constraints this program forces you to study and focus your time wisely. I believe that if you go in with a strong work ethic, good study skills, and prioritization you can do fine. I finished the program with A and Bs. The downside sometimes was sacrificing some family time, however I would rather have sacrificed only 13 months versus 4 years.

There's my two cents

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Fireman

Are you in the philadelphia area? If so where are you earning the ADN and BSN at the same time.

Thanks!

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Specializes in Oncology, Critical Care.

I'm near Altoona (about 1.5 hours east of pittsburgh). College is Mount Aloysius College.

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I'm near Altoona (about 1.5 hours east of pittsburgh). College is Mount Aloysius College.

Thanks. I'm in the philadelphia area and trying to decide between an ADN or BSN program. The job market here is tight so I'm leaning towards the BSN.

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