? for any accelerated BSN program graduates

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I'm researching the possibility of applying to an accelerated BSN program in the future, and I have a question for graduates of accelerated programs who are now working as Nurses:

Do you feel that you were adequately prepared for your job? (I know many new grads, regardless of how they obtained their BSN, feel unprepared, but I mean in terms of comparing yourselves perhaps to co-workers who got their BSN in the traditional manner.) Do you feel that you actually had time for the material from school to sink in because you were forced to learn it in such a short amount of time? Or maybe did you have an easier time with, say, the NCLEX because the information was still more fresh in your mind?

The reason I'm asking this is because I wonder if the accelerated programs are as good (or as bad ;)) as the traditional programs in preparing you for the real world.

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I graduated last year from an online accelerated BSN program and although it was very intense, I really liked it. We had more clinical hours than traditional programs and as a new grad I felt as comfortable as I think any new grad does. Preceptors actually told me after we had worked together that they were a little nervous about how I would be as they knew little of these types of programs, but that they were impressed.

At least for my program I think it attracts an older, more serious student (in general). Alot was expected of us. Of course it all depends on your approach to learning also. I was a little nervous that i wouldn't be prepared also and took advantage of every opportunity to learn, try new things, and push myself in clinicals-which the program encouraged. Also, because of the type of program it was we always had one on one preceptorships. I think this was very beneficial and allowed us more opportunity to learn. I could be wrong, but the students i see who have one instructor on the floor for 6-8 students seem to do alot of waiting around or running around looking for that one instructor. Hope this helps!

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Thanks! That is exactly what I was looking for -- thanks for sharing your experience.

I'm glad it worked out well for you.

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I just graduated from an ABSN program and looking back it is amazing what I've learned in just a year. During the first half of the program I wished I went to a traditional program, but once things started clicking, I am glad I went this route.

My program ended with a 3 week role transition. By the end I was taking a full patient load (4-5) and doing pretty much the same things as the floor nurses. The main difference between them and me is experience, not so much education. They were able to do skills better (e.g. start IV), teach patients better, communicate better, etc. Most of them told me that nursing school provides you with the basis and you really learn when you start working. I felt nearly on the same page as one of the new nurses on the floor who graduated from a traditional program, which I believe is one of the top 5 programs. Most new nurses, reguardless of the program, will feel some what unprepared. It's a bit scary to think that you're managing a persons life.

However, it really depends on the school. I've heard some horror stories of a neighboring school that actually has a good repuation. Do your research on the program. Not all accelerated programs are the same.

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I think that accelerated programs work very well for second career adults and people with "life experience."

I graduated last month from a very good accelerated program. It was a very intense 16 month program. I thought that it was very well worth the time. I was stressed but in retrospect it was from maintaining family and work responsibilities while going to school. Best of luck in your new career.

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Can u tell me what are some online accelerated BSN program shools?

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I'm in an accelerated BSN program at a university. We go one night a week for 4 hours and it lasts 16 months. Two friends are ahead of me and they think the education is awesome.

The university's program is called ASPIRE, which allows adults to get their Bachelors in many different areas in 16-18 months. My sis-in-law got her teaching credential that way.

I like having a teacher in front of me teaching so online wouldn't work for me.

steph

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I graduated last year from an online accelerated BSN program and although it was very intense, I really liked it. We had more clinical hours than traditional programs and as a new grad I felt as comfortable as I think any new grad does. Preceptors actually told me after we had worked together that they were a little nervous about how I would be as they knew little of these types of programs, but that they were impressed.

At least for my program I think it attracts an older, more serious student (in general). Alot was expected of us. Of course it all depends on your approach to learning also. I was a little nervous that i wouldn't be prepared also and took advantage of every opportunity to learn, try new things, and push myself in clinicals-which the program encouraged. Also, because of the type of program it was we always had one on one preceptorships. I think this was very beneficial and allowed us more opportunity to learn. I could be wrong, but the students i see who have one instructor on the floor for 6-8 students seem to do alot of waiting around or running around looking for that one instructor. Hope this helps!

Hey!...ive also considered online prgrms but they still make me a bit uncomfortable about the whole process of sort of being on ur own w/out a traditional class setting......but reading ur post is inspiring me to take this into more consideration. Which program were u in? do u have suggestions as to what other online accel programs are out there?.........thanx

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Specializes in Psych, EMS.
can u tell me what are some online accelerated bsn program shools?

well, i am finishing up undergrad at texas tech univ, will graduate in aug and i'm looking at their accelerated program. it's only 12 months long, and internet based, but you would need to move there for the clinicals. although i realize you prob wouldn't downgrade in location from brooklyn to west texas!

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lol....so funny because I was thinking of moving there or Florida. However, I wanted to be an RN before making a bid move. So tired of the cold weather.

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The type and degree of clinical preparation & "real-world-readiness" a program provides varies a lot and doesn't correlate with whether or not a program is accel BSN or traditional BSN or traditional ADN. So find out about the programs in your area. Ask around at schools, local facilities, etc to see what reputation the different schools may have. Ask how clinicals are run at the different programs (how many students per clinical instructor? Do they have any one-on-one precepted portion of clinical?). Are there any good summer intern programs for nursing students that you'd be interested in that you could only take advantage of in a traditional program? And also reflect on your own learning style and preferences.

A traditional program, though longer, doesn't guarantee more clinical experience and the homework & prep time is still pretty grueling for full-time programs. And an accel program isn't necessarily too quick to prepare a student as well as a tradiational program. As another noted, MANY new grads, regardless of their schooling, have a hard time making the transition - which is why I made to sure advise you to ask about opportunities for one-on-one precepting. It's true that a group of students with one clinical instructor can lead to waiting around and fewer student opportunities - though not always.

If you tend to be naturally assertive and not afraid to jump in or look dumb, then you'll probably be able to make the most of any kind of clinical & will transition to the real-world better. If you're a bit hesitant & prefer lots of observing and learning before jumping in, a strong clinical prep program would set you up for more success. If you're a good student, who learns quickly and is self-motivated to study, you'll probably do fine with an accel program. If you're a student who needs a bit of prompting to stay on top of assignments, a traditional program might work better for you.

Good luck with your choices!

PS to the accel on-line BSN graduate... I love the idea of the bulk of my nursing school clinicals to be done one-on-one!!! Did you have to arrange those yourself or did the school match you up? Did they just give you a skills list to start checking off with your preceptor? Did you have any kind of a skills lab to learn and practice skills before starting clinical? Just curious!!

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lucilla85 what online accelerated program did you graduated from?

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