accelerated bsn - I need advice

U.S.A. New Jersey

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Hi, I'm new and this is my 1st message. I'm a 43 y.o mom of 4 young kids. I'm currently taking nursing pre req's at our community college and will be done in the Spring. I'm told there is a 2 year waiting list which I should be put on this summer. I have a bachelors degree and masters degree in another field. Here is my conflict. I'm considering an accelerated BSN at Seton Hall or UMDNJ. I could be finished before I even begin a 2yr associates program at the CC.

For anyone who is in or has completed this program at either of these schools, Am I setting myself up for failure? While I know we will all have to sacrifice, is it realistic to think I can manage 4 kids and still complete my own studies? How many hours per day are involved away from home? I'm very confused about my best course of action. Any advice or suggestions are welcome and greatly appreciated.

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I've accepted a spot in an accelerated generic Masters program for students with a previous degree.

I can't answer your question on how it feels, but I can give some info based on the info, posts and personal conversations I've had/gottten with/from folks on this board and at my school.

It's tough. You have to be prepared coming out of the gate. If you have outside responsiblities like your family, you must get things as organized as you can, well at least as organized as you can with children.

If take advantage of your lead time during pre-req work, application time and waiting to get your ducks in a row you will make your life much easier during the program.

As long as your family responsiblities are not above average for the 'average' household with 4 kids you can do it. If your mother grandmother, aunt or uncle offer to help TAKE IT and grin like a mad woman that they offered to do the laundry, dishes and take the kids to Chic-fil-A!

The kids may go to school in mismatched socks. The laundry might pile up and a bed or two go unmade You may miss a game or two and you'll be tired as all get out, but it can be done, as long as you don't underestimate the task ahead of you.

Everyone on this board had always told me that it can be done.

(I am sure my back crew on allnurses will come along to give the specifics of their experiences in accelrated programs. I just hate to see a post go unanswered, especially a first post!)

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Thank you, I'm still on the fence about it. As is, our beds often go unmade, and socks mismatched. Still not certain if I'll be able to manage the load. Thanks again for your feedback.

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I went to school full time last year . ( 39 , mother of 3). It was in Nuclear Medicine technology which may or may not be as demanding as nursing. It was very hard to balance family/school. I had to complete 1000 clinical hours which was like working full time for six months with no pay. I contemplated other careers ( like PA) but it would take too much time away from my family.

You are definately going to need a STRONG support system if you go the accelerated route. The CC route is not too bad but it is two years and seems like you are going backwards if you already have your BA.

Don't know what to tell you. I wish I had gone into nursing. At least there would be jobs.

Monica

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i agree, if you have the support you can do it. i have three kids and a husband who works away from home during the week.

i was essentially a single mom and boy did things pile up!! but, my hubby and family understood and overlooked a lot!

good luck to you~!

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Thanks again for more advice. I just heard at CC that UMDNJ has a 2 year wait as well for accelerated BSN so I may not have that option afterall.

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Specializes in Med/Surg, Dialysis.

Either program you choose will be tough!! I am in a CC program and it's extemely demanding. I just finished the 1st yr of a 2 yr program a few weeks ago, and I have done nothing since. I was completely burnt out, but now I feel better. Whatever program you go for will take up a lot of time, between clinicals and classroom lecture, not to mention all of the time spend outside of school learning the material and practicing skills. I don't want to discourage anyone but don't think the CC programs are cake because they are equally as hard. You can do it if you have a good support system and are willing to give up many things you once enjoyed. I love school and I am so happy to be doing this so it's worth giving up some things for a little while because I know the end result will be worth it!!

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Specializes in Home Health, Foster Care.

Hi,

I attend Seton Hall's Accelerated BSN program. While it is alot of work, it is doable. I have a husband and a 2 yr old and a 13 year old. I think the hardest semester was the first because you are taking 6 classes at one time. The only good thing about is that for example health assessment talks about some of the same topics as Adult 1 nursing class. It feels like it is review when you hear the same topic in one class and then you go to another class and you hear the same topic again. The first semester's course load is patho, pharmacology, health assessment, legal aspects of nursing (which is a really easy class and it is only 6 or 8 weeks long.) Adult 1, and Intro to nursing (That was an easy A as well.) I feel that alot of ppl get weeded out during the first semester, but you won't fail out you are just one semester behind and won't finish with the other accelerated students. If you fail two nursing courses you get kicked out of the program. The second semester is easier, you have two clinicals (psych and OB) and three easy classes (gerotology, dying with dignity, and Culture) and I just finished that semester and I am in the third semester now which are two clinicals and two classes. Not so bad. When september comes the accelerated students are there for 8 weeks and then we are done. I can't wait. It is almost over. If you have the support system, you will be fine. If I can do it, I feel anyone can do it.

If you have any more questions, PM me.

Good Luck

Lashawn

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Thanks again for more advice. I just heard at CC that UMDNJ has a 2 year wait as well for accelerated BSN so I may not have that option afterall.

Is this true? I am applying for Spring 2007 and was not told this. Can anyone confirm that there is a 2 year wait at UMDNJ?

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I could be wrong about UMDNJ, I hear alot of info from alot of different people, much of which is not always accurate. I also was under the impression that they had an alternate campus more south of Newark. I saw that they have a Stratford campus, but I believe thats closer to Philly and way too far for me. Newark is also a hike. If anyone knows of any other UmDNJ campus', please let me know. Thanks.

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Specializes in community, mental health.
I could be wrong about UMDNJ, I hear alot of info from alot of different people, much of which is not always accurate. I also was under the impression that they had an alternate campus more south of Newark. I saw that they have a Stratford campus, but I believe thats closer to Philly and way too far for me. Newark is also a hike. If anyone knows of any other UmDNJ campus', please let me know. Thanks.

There is a campus in Piscataway, NJ -- but I don't believe there are any nursing programs there.

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I just finished at Fairleigh Dickinson University (one year accelerated program). It is on the expensive side though. I also heard William Paterson University just started to offer a one year program as well. Might want to look into those if you want to do an accelerated program.

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