I know "it's not a race", but...

[RubyRabbit]

Hi all,

I'm a pre-nursing student with three core classes left: A&P I, A&P II, and Microbio. The issue is that I can't take these courses at the same time, so I'm left with two options. I can either A) take accelerated A&P I and A&P II half-semesters (knocking both out in the spring) and take Microbio in the summer so I can start the nursing program by Fall 2015, or B) take my time with these classes and start the program by Fall 2016.

Ideally I will start the program this upcoming fall, but I'm concerned because I hear A&P is difficult and the accelerated version is nearly impossible to keep up with. I'm a PRN CNA and usually work full-time hours so it's not easy to balance school and life. I'm also concerned because spaces for these classes fill up quickly, so I'm not even guaranteed a spot (in time) at all.

I hope to attend Georgia Regents, which I believe accepts a new class of nursing students only every fall. So if I take my time with my remaining 3 core classes, I'm stuck with half a year of "wasted" time before the program starts. If it comes down to it, I've already decided to make the best use of that time and possibly volunteer more, gain an extra certification, minor in gerontology, and plump up my resume a bit. Also, it would be nice to take the classes at a regular pace and really learn the material. But I did take two years off after high school so it would be nice to start the program ASAP... Does anybody have any advice/recommendations/personal experiences to share?

**Side note: I hear GRU CON Athens has only 40 spaces per class. I know these spaces are in high demand. I haven't submitted my application yet due to waiting for the TEAS. For some reason I feel like they won't accept an application at this point of the year, which discourages me from trying to speed through my classes...

Lastly, and FINALLY- bless anybody who read this entire post and now basically knows every boring detail of my life story. I just made my account today but I've used allnurses.com as a source of information for a while. I just want to point out how amazing it is that we have such a supportive field. I've yet to find any post ignored or a member who is not genuinely trying to help. I don't know how many other undergrads can say the same. :-)

[GoodnessFlows]

It sounds like a big part of you wants to slow down. I say, if there is no real reason to rush, then slow down. I too was faced with the choice last year, and ultimately decided that slow and steady wins the race (for me). Believe me, it was not an easy decision, and I spent many stressful days and nights thinking it over. I have been extremely fortunate to take an extra year, because it affords me the opportunity to truly take in both anatomy and physiology. I feel like I really understand as opposed to cramming everything in. Believe it or not, the time is flying by and I am closer than ever! :)

You have great stuff planned that will fill the space of time while you wait. Either way, it sounds like you will be great. Follow your instincts as best as you can on this one and good luck!

[kbrn2002, ADN, RN]

As it sounds like you already chosen a school my advice is talk with somebody at the school about how the application/admissions process works. When I went to school after the application was accepted I was put on a wait list with projected entry being 2 years away. The program advisor suggested that those of us on that wait list start the pre-reqs right away as the 2 year wait list was usually only one with students dropping out either before or immediately after entry.. turns out if you miss the first day of a core nursing class you were automatically out and your spot was filled with somebody on the wait list. So my pre-reqs and electives were all done in that first year, and I entered the next year with nothing left but nursing classes so I could concentrate on those.

This was an ADN program that was supposedly 2 years, but with the exception of one student we all did it in 3 years.

So long story short, check with your school to see what is suggested. If you are not guaranteed a start date that requires taking the accelerated courses why do it? You might end up pushing yourself like crazy to take the accelerated courses just to sit out while waiting to start the program.

[RubyRabbit, BSN, RN]

Wow-- thank you everybody for all the thoughtful responses.

It seemed so ideal to finish quickly, but as I read through all of your answers I realized I have been subconsciously inclined towards slowing down. Of course, I have my reasons for wanting to start my career ASAP but I'm not particularly pressed for time. I really admire those of you who finished school with jobs to attend and children to raise. Maybe I'm just young but I honestly cannot imagine that type of workload! I'm going to realize how blessed I am to be in this position at all, regardless of the pace of my progress.

It also really registered with me that I will be needing to actually use and apply information from my classes. I'm really glad that was acknowledged. It's easy to forget WHY we're learning things when we're simply caught up with earning an A on paper. I had a recent experience working with a new nurse who seems a bit... unaware. I can understand lack of experience but it was evident her education was lacking when several patients' lives were endangered. It was a genuinely terrifying shift for me and I would never want to hurt anybody due to my inadequate knowledge or training. Thanks to those who reminded me of the bigger picture.

I did take your advice and contacted the school about these admission issues. It was suggested to me that as long as all classes are completed and passed before the first day of the program, there should be no problem. I have heard of wait lists that last years for ADN programs but I don't believe there is one for this BSN program at GRU... It's so disappointing when things can't work out as planned. There is an informational meeting for potential nursing students this week so maybe I'll find out new information then.

Regardless, I do think I am going to make the decision to slow down. It's important to me that I be good at my job. It's a difficult decision to finally make. I feel like I'm "taking the easy way out" or shying away from a challenge but I have to keep reminding myself that it's the right decision for multiple reasons. Thanks to those who have shared personal stories- they are definitely encouraging.