Accelerated BSN program or traditional?

JenRN30, BSN · Apr 13, 2009

Well, for our program it is different for each semester.

First semester:

Mondays: Class from 8-5:30

Wednesdays: Class from 10-4:30

Thursdays: Clinicals from 7-2

Second semester (I'm in now):

Mondays: 1-7

Tues and Thurs: Clinicals from 7-3:30

Fridays: 8-3:45

Third semester (summer semester):

Mondays and Thursdays: Class from 8-4

Tuesdays and Wednesdays: Clinicals from 7-7

Fourth semester:

Tuesday: class 1-7

Friday: class 8-12

not sure about when clinicals will be but we'll have two 8 hours shifts per week

Senior practicum (150 hours - scheduled between you and your preceptor)

Ours is a 16-month accelerated BSN, and I know the 12-month programs are even more intense. The problem is not so much the class and clinical time, but the amount of time you have to spend doing paperwork and studying to do well in these classes. Most likely you'd be taking only two or three classes more than the traditional students, but it's a lot. No one in our program works because they feel like they can't. I'm sure people do it, but it would be very hard. Good luck, I hope you get it all figured out!

Jennie

Chrissylgg · Apr 13, 2009

@Jennie: Thanks for posting. It helps a lot and shows me that I would be better of with the traditional pathway, even it takes another year. I am so excited to start College again, just need to do well on the pres and get accepted :)

JenRN30, BSN · Apr 13, 2009

Great, well good luck to you. Hope everything works out!

MoLee228 · Apr 13, 2009

I wouldn't reject the idea of the accelerated BSN program. I am in one and although I don't work, many of the students in my program do work. My sister is also a nanny, and I think that could be one of a very few jobs that would be manageable during NS. I am not undermining your work, I know for sure I would never be able to do it!!! But depending on the family, number of children and ages, etc. you may be able to work some study time into your job. The family my sister works for has told her they are okay with her bringing her own baby to work (she doesn't have one yet, but is trying to get pregnant). If the family is on board with your plans, they might be okay with you working in some study time during naps or while the kids are playing, etc.

It might be do-able! I am SO GLAD I chose the accelerated BSN and encourage everyone I know to do the same. But, just really think hard about what is best for you, and then make a decision. If you are really concerned about having enough time to study then the ADN might actually be best for you...I'm just saying, you might want to think a little more and explore your options with the BSN!

Good luck!

tfleuter, BSN, RN · Apr 13, 2009

Are student loans an option? And if after doing the math, do they put you out ahead? I guess what I mean is, does the minimal amount of loans needed to survive w/out a job equal less than 1 year's worth on income for a new grad in your area? If so, then it might be worth pursing. Otherwise, I think the traditional path is a fine option as well for you.

jjjoy, LPN · Apr 14, 2009

One point in favor of a traditional program is there is more opportunity to work in patient care while still a student. Working as a nursing assistant, unit secretary, monitor tech or the like can also be great experiences while still a student and can be a foot in the door for a job after graduation. Some facilities offer student nurse positions or externships which are a great opportunity to get more hands on experience. But not all areas have such opportunities.

Also, find out about as much as you can about the specifics of each program. Every program is different and so it's hard to generalize that all accelerated programs are one way and all traditional programs are some other way. Find out the reputation in the community of the different programs. The reputation of the nursing program could be very different than the reputation of the school it's affiated with, so don't assume anything based on the general info about the larger college.

As you find out more about the different programs, take into account your own learning style. Many programs are rather self-directed in regards to hands on clinical experience. The school puts the students on units as students in their clinical rotations, but opportunities to do more than nursing assistant level work can sometimes be limited, meaning new grads start their jobs as nurses without having practiced many skills on a real live patient. Some programs, though, are known to be particularly good at providing really good clinical experiences for their students. If you don't mind learning on the job, then that may not be particularly important to you. If you prefer to have a lot of opportunity to practice, you may want to find program known for it's strong clinical training.