Need advice on nursing programs

RLtinker, LPN · Jan 7, 2011

What you mentioned is actually the long route.

Since you already have a BS have you looked into a BS to BSN program. I think they usually are 1-2 years. Most major universities with a four year nursing program have them.

chicagoing, ADN, RN · Jan 7, 2011

I'd skip LPN school altogether (that is one year's time in school that you could be spending in an RN program). How about an accelerated bachelor's program?

lawly · Jan 8, 2011

Thanks for your advice RLTinker and chicagoing. Does a BS to BSN program really exist? I've never seen one offered. Secondly, what type of accelerated bachelor's programs are out there and how do I know a program is any good? Thanks for any advice.

Protongirl · Jan 8, 2011

I found that AACN was the best resource for finding programs. Here is a link to their list of accelerated programs, they also have lists of traditional BSN and Masters Entry programs. http://www.aacn.nche.edu/Education/pdf/APLIST.PDF

Typically, any programs titled "Accelerated BSN", "second-degree", "direct-entry", MEPN, or GEPN are designed for those who have earned a bachelors degree in another field and completed certain prerequisites.

Knowing which programs are good is a complicated thing. The universal variables that are crucial are accreditation, NCLEX pass rate, attrition rate (beware those with a 95% NCLEX pass rate and a 50-60% attrition rate!), and clinical locations. But there are also highly individual factors: price, location, prerequisites, liklihood of acceptance, prestige, student culture, etc.

Unfortunately all of these factors require both self-analysis and copious research. Being a bit obsessive, I made a spreadsheet of the variables. The internet is a wonderful source of statistics and information. And Allnurses was a good way of finding out past applicants' experiences. Personally, I avoiding any schools with high attrition rates, disorganized websites, unwelcoming admissions officers, or a reputation for encouraging an overly-competitive culture.

As you research programs, you will notice how much variation in prerequisites, application deadlines, letters of recommendation formats, acceptance dates, and start dates there is. So, plan ahead!!

Good luck, hope this helps!

caliotter3 · Jan 8, 2011

Be aware that accelerated programs, for which you qualify due to your previous degree, can be quite daunting. Many have to switch back to traditionally paced programs because they find that they can not keep up. Research every program in your area, apply to all of them, go to the one that accepts you, or accepts you first, or is higher up on your list should you get multiple acceptances. Best wishes.

lawly · Jan 8, 2011

Thanks Caliotter3 and Protongirl. The info you two provided is extremely helpful and will give me a good place to start.

gojojolu · Jan 8, 2011

Protongirl...Would you mind sharing the info you compiled. I have a bachelors and masters also and have been researching but not as organized as you.

I am trying to find whatever school has the least requirements since I don't have any of the sciences yet but, I would like to try and get in by fall at the latest. There are just so many variables in every program it is hard to pin down. I probably need a school that either has a rolling admission or one that allows you to apply while still taking prereqs. None of what I have found seems to be the "perfect firestorm" of everything I need ie fewest pre-reqs, enrollment timeframe (probably need rolling), length (I would like 12 mo program), price (lower is better LOL), and I would like to start in Fall 2011. I live in AZ but, I am looking for anywhere that I can get in and meets all the criteria.

Anyone with any ideas, suggestions would be GREATLY appreciated.

Protongirl · Jan 9, 2011

Unfortunately I no longer have my spreadsheet (hard-drive crash). But the AACN list of programs is a good place to start and the process of researching really helped me to make an informed decision.

I will share a few opinions on things you mentioned in your last post. These are definitely just my personal opinions, but they may be helpful to you since I am already part-way through a nursing program.

First, I really understand the desire to start and finish as quickly as possible. When you already spent years working on a degree that you are not going to even use, you want to get the next one done and over with! However, I would be leery of basing too much of my school choice on how few prereqs they require (at least science classes). Either the foundational information that you would have learned in a prereq class will have to be learned doing nursing school (which means adding to the deluge of knowledge that is nursing school) or you will be ill-prepared to succeed in nursing school. Nursing school requires more than just memorization, it requires understanding processes based upon the foundation that science prereqs build.

Also, although it certainly works for some, 12-months is a very, very short amount of time. My program is 21-months and nearly everyone feels that there are not enough hours in the day to study enough to fully understand and remember all the crucial material. In a 12-month program you would have the same amount of clinical hours, laboratory hours, and academic units as we do in 21-months. I'm not trying to be discouraging, but until you are there, I *think it is impossible to understand how different nursing school will be from your first degree. *Nursing school is more than just a hurdle to get over in order to be a nurse. It is the time to learn copious amounts of information that is crucial to being a knowledgeable professional (and to know how to avoid killing your patients or losing your license). Just don't underestimate the consuming nature of nursing school and really consider if shaving 4-9 months off your school time is worth it.*

Good searching and good luck!

anurseatlast · Jan 9, 2011

i agree that choosing a nursing program because it requires fewer pre-reqs is not a good idea. Many of those classes are crucial for success in nursing school. As the above poster said, nursing school is VERY different than most people expect. Even good students often have trouble adjusting. Having a good understanding of sciences will be very beneficial even if it means delaying nursing school.

As far as length of program, I went to an accelerated 14 month program. It was all nursing. Everything else was a pre-req (including stats, public speaking, and research, and, of course, science, math, and english). It was very intense - not bad, just not for the faint-hearted! Personally, I liked the accelerated pace but I went into it knowing that it would be my focus with many things having to be put aside. Before I started, I evaluated what was really important to me and what i could live without. I did not have young children (my daughter was a college student and lived at home) but I did have to work some (they strongly recommend that you NOT work while in the program). My schedule was tight but I found it doable. One thing that helped was that we got a week off between semesters which were usually 8 weeks. I would sleep, cook, clean house, and sometimes get a head start on required reading for the next semester.

I would look very carefully at programs as you are making a decision. it is better to take time to make a wise choice than to hurry into it.

Queen Tiye, CNA · Jan 9, 2011

protongirl is right on when she suggests organizing the information in a spreadsheet. there you can include the topics that are most important to you. laying all the information out in front of you is really a good way to make an informed decision as to which program is best for you, i.e:

1. how many prerequisites

2. how many support courses

3. does aide or previous nursing experience help my application

4. cost

5. rigorous program

6. accredited

7. clinical schedule & location

those are few things to consider.

kmeg22 · Jan 10, 2011

I am currently in my 3rd year of the BScN program (it's a 4 year program where I am). I definitely recommend going right into it. Since you already have a BS some of those credits will be put towards electives and such, making your course load lighter.