Share Your Experience in Accelerated BSN program

maverickemt · Dec 5, 2006

Hello - If anyone can give me an accurate description of the accelerated BSN program at UMASS Amherst, that would be greatly appreciated. I start in January 2007 and I don't know what to expect. All I have heard from ADN students is that the first class - Fundamentals of Nursing is hard! Thats all!

Thanks,

maverickemt

gggggg · Dec 5, 2006

I worked 12-18 hours a week during the fall and spring semesters of my accelerated BSN program--I graduated with honors but it was completely exhausting and I do NOT recommend working if you have ANY other way of making it work! It was EXTREMELY difficult and it would have been impossible to work during the week had I not had a job in which I could set my own hours. I did have some classmates who worked as aides one or two weekends a month--working during the week is hard because class schedules change and there are so many clinicals to fit into a short period of time. I would recommend not working at all even if you have to borrow more money, and I am not big on borrowing money. It's just that you have such a short time to take in such a huge amount of information that you really will need that time to yourself, either to study or to relax--don't burn yourself out before your career has started!

coopsc1 · Dec 6, 2006

Thanks again for all of the great replies. I am just wanting to work enough to pay for the program and make my student loan payment that I already have. I hate student loans (and it does not help that the interest rate keeps going up!). Hopefully my fiance can support me for the year!

nguyen408 · Dec 10, 2006

I am in my first semester in an accelerated BSN-MSN program. I think that it is a very fast paced curriculum and you will always be busy or have assignments due. Do not fall behind because catching up will be twice as hard. I would definately advise not to work because the few that are working in my program are having a harder time in the program than those who do not work. The courseload will definately be overwhelming and a significant amount of time managing will definately be important to be successful in an accelerated BSN program.

Howie781 · Dec 18, 2006

I am getting ready to start the Accelerated Program this summer at my University. I am thinking of trying to work part time just to be able to have enough money to survive but from what I am hearing from those in the program currently its pretty difficult to work at all and still maintain decent grades. Its do-able but again everyone I have talked to that has done it says not to if at all possible.

Pompom · Dec 18, 2006

I am in my last semester of an accelerated RN to BSN program. My program is 18 months, one night a week from 6p-10p. There is a lot of personal time needed for studying, research, etc... I work full time and do this program. It is difficult at times but not impossible. My children are grown so this time around school is much easier. I like the cohort setting. Since my employer is paying for my education I am obligated to work full time while attending the program ( so far I have all A's). If you are ready to continue your education then go for it. I am already looking into masters programs. My program is mostly writing papers, research, power points, etc.... It is truly the "B.S." part of the degree! None of which has enhanced my nursing abilities. It is a step required if you want to persue management or education. I myself am more comfortable in attending a cohort classroom setting but I work with some nurses who have and are working on an online degree. Good luck with your decision.

Gompers, BSN, RN · Dec 18, 2006

I am in my last semester of an accelerated RN to BSN program. My program is 18 months, one night a week from 6p-10p. There is a lot of personal time needed for studying, research, etc... I work full time and do this program. It is difficult at times but not impossible. My children are grown so this time around school is much easier. I like the cohort setting. Since my employer is paying for my education I am obligated to work full time while attending the program ( so far I have all A's). If you are ready to continue your education then go for it. I am already looking into masters programs. My program is mostly writing papers, research, power points, etc.... It is truly the "B.S." part of the degree! None of which has enhanced my nursing abilities. It is a step required if you want to persue management or education. I myself am more comfortable in attending a cohort classroom setting but I work with some nurses who have and are working on an online degree. Good luck with your decision.

Remember that the RN to BSN programs are very different than the BSN accelerated programs. Many of my coworkers have done the RN to BSN degree while working full-time and it wasn't too bad. You are already a nurse and only need to meet the requirements necessary for a Bachelor's degree. An acclerated BSN program for non-nurses, though, is much much harder because they have to learn everything about nursing in one short year.

stanwyler · Dec 24, 2006

I will graduate from an ABSN program May 2007. The amount of work was staggering during the summer semesters. None of it is rocket science but requires enormous amounts of time. Lots of busy work. Also depends on the program. Mine required 2 semesters of Pathophysiology - typical 3 hour lecure consisted of 125 PowerPoint slides each having 10 to 15 bullets. An excellent class but huge time consumer! The other classes where much the same. Best to speak with someone that has completed the program you plan on attending. Be prepared to study until 24:00 and rise at 5:30 5 days a week and you will do fine. - Stan