Accelerated BSN -vs- traditional BSN

[ebcifaldi]

I'm in the middle of my prereqs with hopefulness of applying to a few programs in Memphis by the October 15th deadline. I hold a bachelor's degree in Art Education. I taught for 9 years and feel ready for a new career. I don't feel confident going the accelerated BSN route. I'm afraid I won't have time to absorb all of the info. Plus I have a 2 year old and a husband that works around the clock as an EMT. So, what I'm trying to understand is if I'm getting a second degree won't I be doing the same classes as the accelerated programs but at my own pace? This may be a dumb question, if so I apologize.

[RunBabyRN]

A traditional BSN isn't necessarily at your own pace, but plenty of people go this route, even with another bachelor's degree. I think if you had a background in the medical field, an accelerated BSN would work well, but I would think a traditional might work better given your situation. There are some who have attended accelerated BSN programs on here who might be able to speak better to those programs.

Nursing programs, in general, have a very set curriculum. It's not like in your prereqs and such where you choose which classes to take, and you can take more or less depending on how your life is at that point. Nursing programs are more like, 1st semester you sign up for classes X,Y&Z. Second semester you sign up for classes A,B&C. You MUST stick with these classes in this order and all at the same time. You don't get a choice. That said, there are VERY few programs out there, if any, that might let you do this at your own pace, but I have never heard of one.

You're definitely smart to apply to multiple programs. That will greatly increase your odds! Best of luck!

[NICU Guy, BSN, RN]

My ABSN program is summer, fall, spring, summer. All 4 semesters are around 12-15 credits. Summers are intense and quick, but very doable. Fall and spring semesters are regular semesters. Although, other accelerated BSN programs may have a different format.

[ebcifaldi]

Thank you both, so much. That helps put it into perspective.

[elkpark]

I've never heard of an "at your own pace" nursing program, but there are some traditional programs that offer a part-time option. Not many, but it couldn't hurt to ask around.

[windsurfer8, BSN, RN]

I disagree. My first bachelors was business and I tore it up during my ABSN. The bottom line is the quicker you get it done the quicker you are working. Why not take advantage of the fact that you have the option to be done quicker? Use your previous bachelors as an advantage. Most of the people in my class came from non-medical backgrounds, but they were super hard workers. That is the key. There were people with kids. You can do it. I felt I absorbed tons because I was living it 7 days a week studying my rear off. Some people started the ABSN and then switched to slow it down because they couldn't handle it. Nursing school really isn't about your own "pace". You need to immerse in it pretty hardcore. That is my experience anyway. You may not need to. Everyone is different.

[btab3]

I did the accelerated route and at times I do not think that they fully prepared me for what a job as an RN would entail. I had given one SQ shot, started two IVs, never placed a foley or a gtube by the time I graduated. They did discuss these things and let us practice using the equestrian but when it came to clinicals there were not so many opportunities. This did no leave me feeling prepared for a RN staff position. I did however secure an internship position at a hospital which more than made up for what I did not receive in school. On the other hand I do think that being in an accelerated program does not give you time to forget the concepts and practice that are taught in nursing school. I know that with the traditional programs and their breaks students had a hard time getting back into their groove. It is really a matter of what works best for you. If I had to do it again I would probably still choose the accelerated route. Good luck!

[LadyLamp]

I wouldn't choose the ABSN route with a toddler. I am in the process of completing my prereqs for an ABSN program; I am married but have no children. I think the ABSN is too intense and stressful if you have the added responsibility of parenting young kids. This will be a major pressure cooker. I would try to contain the stress for yourself as much as possible, even though either path will be challenging.

[rsgo785]

So funny you post this because i am in a similar situation (applying in the Memphis area too!). I have an almost 3 year old, and have a degree in apparel merchandising and did absolutely nothing with it. So now that I have decided to apply to nursing school, I am also concerned with the intensity of the acccelerated program. I like that you're done in less than a year and a half, but that also puts added pressure onto the already demanding courseload, not to mention kids/family. Best of luck with whichever path you choose!