Accelerated BSN Programs - How Difficult?

TakeTwoAspirin, MSN, RN, APRN · Feb 2, 2008

To give you some background on me so that you know where I am speaking from, I have three other degreees, all at 4.0 GPA. I was a mid-life career changer, and dabbled in a couple of healthcare positions for around 6 years before deciding to go into nursing. Even with an extensive educational background, and quite a bit of life and healthcare experience, I am soooo glad I did not go into an accelerated program. Honestly, the traditional BSN program I am in (2 years, full-time) is a handful on top of everything else I have in my life: spending a little time with my husband/grandchildren, sleeping and eating occasionally :-)

My friend, who has similar educational background without the healthcare experience, went into an accelerated program and she is struggling badly. She is not married, and moved back into Mom and Dad's to cut down her expenses, etc. When I look at her schedule compared with mine I am stunned at how much she has to get through - it is VERY FAST. She regrets not having any healthcare experience because it is hard for her to get through the clinical portion, even though she is doing well on the academic side of things. Even in my program, some of the the (very bright) people who have no healthcare experience are really struggling with the clinical side of things.

Having said all this, it can be done, and people are successful every day, but it is extremely hard. Only you can look at your life and personal circumstances and decide whether or not it is viable for you.

altbsn2010 · Feb 2, 2008

Well, actually, before I read your post, I was more concerned about getting into a program rather than being able to handle the program once I'm in. Don't get me wrong. I have more than a healthy appreciation of what I'm planning on getting myself into. I'm aware of how demanding it is, and I know that it will probably end up being the most difficult thing I've done in my life to date. I think I am capable of succeeding at it, but I also know that it won't be easy.

I appreciate your comments. You've given me a lot to think about. I can't help but feel a little bit discouraged, though. I've really been very excited about being a nurse since I decided that's what I wanted to do, but after reading what you have to say, I feel a little bit crazy for even entertaining the idea.

TakeTwoAspirin, MSN, RN, APRN · Feb 2, 2008

I didn't mean to discourage you at all, and I am sorry if I did.

There is no doubt in my mind that with your maturity, life-experience, and educational background that getting into a program won't be too much of a problem for you. Honestly, you are exactly the type of candidate that these programs are looking for. I am sure you CAN complete the program successfully, and I wasn't trying to discredit your excellent academic ability. The question is, do want it bad enough? As someone who is presumably a little more mature shall we say, I was also assuming that you have some of the baggage that often goes along with that, and it's a consideration.

If you want to be a nurse you have to be a little crazy, so don't let that stop you! And don't let my comments discourage you, just take them as a 'heads up' that your life will be on hold for a little while, that's all. If you know that and are prepared for it then you will sail through the program.

Good luck to you, future RN.

altbsn2010 · Feb 2, 2008

Oh, no, you didn't discourage me, per se. I agree with everything that you said in your post, and it was probably something I needed to hear, because in all of my excitement about becoming a nurse and thinking about the future when I will be a nurse, I need to remember exactly what it will take to get there. A healthy dose of reality is important.

The truth is I was starting to get a little bit ahead of myself this week with all of it, so your post was a good reality check.

Also, I don't really have that many distractions or baggage, as you call it, in my life right now. That could change, potentially, but at the moment I am unencumbered. And if I want it badly enough - as I really do - then the rest of those things, if they do come, will have to take second priority to this thing that I'm most passionate about pursuing. My life has been on hold for a while now, and I really feel like this will be the best thing to get it jump started and on the right path, even if it does cause me to be put on hold in other areas for a little while longer.

Really, don't feel like you've discouraged me. I probably shouldn't have used that word. Perhaps humbled would have been a better word. I truly did appreciate the honesty of your comment. A lot of times, all you hear is everyone telling you that of course you can do it and you'll do great and you'll succeed. Those things are nice to hear, but it's also good to be realistic about your expectations. So thanks a lot. :)

And if nurses really are crazy, then I will fit right in.

Rianna1 · Feb 2, 2008

Hey there,

I have no nursing or even health care experience and applied to two Entry Level MSN programs, one was for a CA State school, the other a private school. I didn't get in to either one. I didn't have good grades as an undergrad, so I'm sure that was part of it and also because I have no healthcare experience. I almost applied to a third Entry Level MSN program, but the competition was too fierce I figured I would wait to apply for the ABSN program. My anatomy classmate got into an Entry Level MSN program and she had no healthcare experience, but I'm pretty sure was a 4.0 student. Each applicant is different and generally they look at the whole application and not just one specific thing. I think it really depends on which school you are thinking of going to. I asked alot of questions, like how many spots and how many apply, that kind of thing. I find that the State schools (at least here in CA) are more competitive because of the costs (as compared to private school). In my case I am willing to shell out the private school tuition because I want to be done as fast as possible. You should apply to all the programs you are interested in. It can get tedious, but so worth it as it gives you choices. I think I did 5 applications last year and I'm praying there is a light at the end of the tunnel...

carolinapooh, BSN, RN · Feb 2, 2008

I actually just completed an ABSN program (and one of my classmates was actually an attorney from Colorado!). Yes, it's fast-paced, and yes, there's a lot going on. But when talking with students not in an accelerated program, I feel I made the best choice for me. I tend to bore easily and have the attention span of a flea (though I've never been diagnosed with ADD, sometimes I wonder if I have it, you know?). In an ABSN program, you have no time to be bored. You get in and get things done; not one moment of time is wasted (or at least, that's how I feel; perhaps some of my classmates might feel a bit different!).

You do have to have your act together, and you have to be somewhat organized - and you have to start that way, because you will have no time to catch up (whether it's with getting your notes organized or writing papers). Well, I am the great procrastinator, so I won't say you WON'T have time to catch up, but you will cause yourself some unnecessary stress:bugeyes:. (Hmm, do I speak from experience?)

Had I gone to a traditional two year program, I'd still be in school. Chances are I wouldn't be taking the NCLEX until June and possibly not start work until July. As it is, I finished in December, took the NCLEX Wednesday, and already have a license number. I start work on February 18.

Accelerated programs aren't for everybody. But if you're completely committed to the program, and realize its benefits and drawbacks (the only real drawbacks I found were - no life for sixteen months and occasionally a bit more stress than what is manageable!), then I highly recommend attending one.

Kensington · Feb 2, 2008

Hi everyone! Been reading on all of these forums here for a while. I've even posted a couple of queries outside of this area before. But now I'm starting to freak out a little bit, and think maybe I've been a little bit crazy or a little bit stupid to think of pursuing this nursing idea.
Here's a little bit of my background. I already have a bachelor's degree in a liberal arts area. I also have a law degree. I got all the way through law school before I realized I really didn't want to be a lawyer. I've been working in a bank for a couple of years now. My job is okay, but it's not what I want to do with the rest of my life. I've been trying to find my direction, and for a variety of reasons, I really feel drawn to nursing. For the first time in a while, I'm very excited about the direction my life is taking. I'm working through my pre-reqs now. I've actually applied to one accelerated BSN program already, because it's prereqs aren't as stringent, and have looked into a couple more in my area to apply to for next year.
Here's my concern. I've been reading here a lot and hearing various things, and everyone seems to say that the accelerated BSN programs are extremely competitive. I really feel that this is the best route for me to take, though, since I already have another degree (or two, lol) and think I might someday like to further my nursing career with an MSN and advanced practice. I'd also like to get to actually doing my new career as quickly as possible.
My grades in school were good, but I don't have a 4.0. And now I'm hearing about people who have those grades and all this health care experience and they are not getting into programs. I mean, I meet the minimum requirements for the program, and then some, and I feel like I have a lot to offer and that my background might make me stand out from some of the other candidates for these programs, plus I feel really passionate about being a nurse, which I hope came through in my application. Maybe I'm really freaking out over nothing, but this is something I really want and now it seems like I might not even get into school.
Anyway, sorry this ended up being so long. Thanks for reading, any of you that did. I'm taking Chem I and Statistics this semseter, for anyone who's interested. Take care, and any of your thoughts or encouragement or advice would be greatly appreciated.

Altbsn,

From my experience of going through the application process, interviewing, talking with a lot of current students and friends in these programs, let me say that it sounds like you are an excellent candidate. Contrary to popular belief, you do not have to have a 4.0 to get accepted, and you do not need to have health care experience. Granted, they want to know why and how you know that you want to do this (which is where volunteer and shadowing experiences can be very valuable!)

Having a law degree is completely to your advantage, because they can see that you've completed a very challenging graduate-level program already, so I think that would give them confidence that you can get through their program.

Anyway, PM me if you'd ever like to chat more about it! I know how stressful this whole process is!

Take care,

Kens

altbsn2010 · Feb 2, 2008

Thanks everyone for the comments. They've really helped a lot.

Rianna - I thought about doing the direct entry MSN thing, but unfortunately the program closest to me doesn't offer a lot of different options for master's study, and I'm worried that none of those areas would interest me. I have some ideas of what I'd like to do with my nursing career, but so far, I don't know anything for certain, other than that nursing is what I want to do. I hope everything works out with your applications!

carolina - Thanks, your post makes me feel a little bit better about the possibilities of dealing with the coursework and everything else. I know it's going to be stressful, but I really feel like this is the best option for me and I think I have more than a chance of surviving it in one piece. :)

Kens - Thanks! Law school was no picnic, but I know that this will be even more intense than that, even. Next time I get stressed out, I will definitely PM you. :)

carolinapooh, BSN, RN · Feb 2, 2008

Thanks everyone for the comments. They've really helped a lot.
Rianna - I thought about doing the direct entry MSN thing, but unfortunately the program closest to me doesn't offer a lot of different options for master's study, and I'm worried that none of those areas would interest me. I have some ideas of what I'd like to do with my nursing career, but so far, I don't know anything for certain, other than that nursing is what I want to do. I hope everything works out with your applications!
carolina - Thanks, your post makes me feel a little bit better about the possibilities of dealing with the coursework and everything else. I know it's going to be stressful, but I really feel like this is the best option for me and I think I have more than a chance of surviving it in one piece. :)
Kens - Thanks! Law school was no picnic, but I know that this will be even more intense than that, even. Next time I get stressed out, I will definitely PM you. :)

Just my :twocents: again - I decided against direct-entry MSNs because you are forced to choose a specialty area once you complete the requirements to sit the NCLEX and get your RN. Unless you're positive of what you want a master's in, this could be difficult - I know Vanderbilt only lets you switch specialty areas once, and you have to make a choice within three months of starting the requirements for the MSN portion of the program.

I THOUGHT when I applied to RN school two long years ago (wow!) that I wanted to work with kids. As it is, I'll be working on an adult oncology floor starting on the 18th. TOTALLY removed from where I saw myself.

I've even got interests in both midwifery (I'm starting to work on my doula certification) and trauma nursing (my late father flew MEDEVAC in the Korean and Vietnam wars, and my husband has noticed that every time LifeFlight takes off or goes overhead, I watch it - he says it's Daddy trying to get us back in the choppers). So if you're interested in a LOT of stuff (and forgive me for making the assumption that you and I actually sound quite a bit alike!), you might want to start with a BSN, because an MSN can really lock you in - and maybe before you've had a chance to explore everything nursing may have to offer you.

Just some unsolicited advice/food for thought. Good luck to you and keep us posted!

BTW: I think you're right - I think you'd like an ABSN program. I really don't regret my decision.

altbsn2010 · Feb 3, 2008

Thanks, carolina. I appreciate any and all advice, solicited or not.

Honestly, the MSN thing is almost definitely not what I'm going to do. Since I don't have much of a healthcare background at all, I'm definitely interested in learning a lot more about what all the different areas and specialties of nursing entail before I settle on anything in particular. It's just one of the options I've considered, but I definitely think I'd prefer to do the BSN first and then work for a while until I have a better understanding of just what all the whole nursing thing entails first.

Right now, just from what little I know, I really think I'd like to do something in critical care. But I fully expect that this may change several times as I learn more about nursing and actually start a program.

Best of luck as you get ready to start your job. Oncology would be interesting, but very hard, too, I imagine. And I think you're right, we do sound a lot alike. :)

Kensington · Feb 3, 2008

Hey carolinapooh,

It's really good to read your thoughts on all of this. I have applied to a few direct-entry programs as well as ABSN (as you know!), but I feel the same as you did -- it's just so difficult to have to choose a specialty without any practical nursing experience! I think that same would happen to me -- that I would change my mind and do something completely different than I thought I'd be interested in. So, I'm hoping to get into an ABSN program, work a bit, and go from there.

Thanks again!

Kens