Accelerated programs for BSN?

studentmom2007 · Apr 4, 2008

I think you'll find that most applicants for the ABSN programs and even the local CC's are 2nd career students. I currently live in Oregon but expect to be moving to NC next year (I HOPE!). My current CC has an average age of about 35. I have yet to encounter a person younger than 25 or so in any of my classes. I had 2 people in my class last term that were both above 55.

With the drastic need for nurses, they cannot afford to discriminate! Also, I think people with more life experiences might possibly make better nurses than someone younger and just out of high school or college.

BTW, I am 33 and returning to school (I have a bachelor's in communications). I am also a stay-at-home mom, so this will be my 3rd career!

hdigh · Apr 6, 2008

Yes, you are wanted. Nurses are badly needed. I just completed an accelerated BSN program in Winston-Salem. Whether there will be discrimination I cannot say, but most of my classmates were "grown", though there were a few coming straight from the their first degree. Anyway, there should be plenty of people your age, with and without families, mortages, etc. *I realize you didn't ask, but I would offer that if I knew in the beginning what I know now, I would NOT have gone the accelerated route, at least, not in Winston-Salem. I recommend talking to a few people who have completed the program in which you are interested. Pursue nursing, nonetheless and best wishes to you.

DLangston · Apr 6, 2008

Don't be concerned about your age. I'm 48 and will be graduating this May with my BSN. For me this will be my third career (that is if you count being a stay at home mother and also caring for two sick parents). I'm attending a University in Winston Salem and I've not noticed any discrimination in age in either the traditional nursing program or the accelerated program.

I feel being a bit older and having life experiences you have an advantage and will make a better nurse starting out. Also, as one of the other post stated, the accelerated program is tough and fast paced. Some of my friends that were in the accelerated program dropped it and went to the traditional program because it was to much with having a family to also care for. So give taht some thought.

DLangston

kaystho · Apr 7, 2008

Thanks for the information! I was actually considering WSSU for the accelerated program. Now, I guess I will look at the traditional BSN programs. My goal is to get my MSN!

DLangston · Apr 7, 2008

WSSU is the school I'm attending so if you ahve any questions feel free to ask!!

DLangston :typing

kaystho · Apr 8, 2008

What do you think about the program? I am interested in applying to Accelerated programs, and WSSU is on my list. I have read on this site where WSSU has had some problems. The best thing about WSSU is that they start in January, instead of traditional Accelerated classes, which are in August. I do not want to have a contract, and I did contact the school and said there maybe other options for me. I live 5 hours away, and I want to go home.

Also, I looked on the website for WSSU, and wonder about the weekend schedule. Do you have some time or breaks to see your family? Since I live so far away, I would like to see my family sometimes.

Thanks for your help.

DLangston · Apr 8, 2008

The program does have it's problems, (well not actually the program itself but the school) Not always as organized as I feel they should be. But there are some absolutly wonderful teachers. I chose WSSU because it was close to where I live and I didn't want to commute to Greensboro to go to UNCG (I have two teenage boys and the youngest I am homeschooling). My suggestion for anyone (regardless of what school they attend) is make yourself responsible for making SURE you have all the classes you are suppose to have, don't just assume your advisor will let you know you are missing something. I am surprised at how many students do that and end up the last semester and they need some other class in order to graduate. Also, keep copies (or the original) of everythign you ahve to turn in (immunizations, CPR varification, transcripts, etc). Things have a tendancy of getting lost.

To answer your question about breaks. The traditional program has the usual breaks, spring break, summer before your senior year, Christmas and a break at Thanksgiving. Your clinicals and preceptorship can be any day or night of the week your senior year. Junior year clinicals are only during the day but can fall on a weekend.

As for the accelerated program; I'm pretty sure they get very little breaks. It is a 13 month program that goes continously. Hence the reason it's so hard for those that have families to care for or children.

As for the contract, since Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center pays for the accelerated program that is why there is the contract. So be absolutly sure you have another option. Otherwise if you don't fulfill the contract you have to pay them back. And yes, they will turn you over to a collection agency and it will go on your credit report. So "CYB" (cover your butt)

Well, I hope that has answered some of your questions and didn't scare you off lol. Please feel free to ask if you have any further questions.

Dixie

hdigh · Apr 9, 2008

I completed the accelerated program just a couple months ago, so it's doable. I don't regret it because I'm finished and did well, BUT I if I had known before I started what I know now, I would definitely NOT have done that program. Regarding the schedule, you are expected not to work and it really was very difficult for those who tried to keep a job. At first you have classes 3-5 days a week (occasionally on weekends) and once you begin clinicals, classes are 2-3 days a week and clinicals are 2-3 days a week (everyone will have at least one weekend clinical rotation- a rotation is weeks long). Classes begin 7-8am and clinical begins at 6:00am. The farthest my classmates lived was 2 hours away. Everyone with families had difficulty juggling family time and school time. Some who traveled a distance to school actually rented an apartment because clinicals are 6a to 6p; and after clinical you'll have to spend several hours doing care plan(s), not to mention other work. Starting this year, they did not offer a contract to every student in the program; I don't know any details about that.

hdigh · Apr 9, 2008

We got a few days for Thanksgiving, and a whole week for Christmas, which was a new thing. We did not observe any school breaks, like spring break or fall break; and you will not necessarily have federal holidays off. This program will consume your life. There are only a handful of instructors that teach in the accelerated program; some fantastic and some really dreadful. And yes, if you get the contract, you can either fullfill it or pay it back within 30 days. If I had known what to REALLY expect I might not have left with such a bad taste in my mouth.

MotivatedOne · May 28, 2008

Starting this year, they did not offer a contract to every student in the program; I don't know any details about that.

That's ridiculous but in a way it could be a good thing. I honestly believe it should be your choice whether or not you pay for your tuition and whatever fees you incur as opposed to Baptist paying for it. Do you think that was what happened? They let students choose how they'd like to take care of their expenses?

I plan to apply this September/October to start in Jan 09.

Agnes27023 · Mar 17, 2009

Hi,

I am heavily considering the Acceleratd program at WSSU but I am worried about my age (53). My husband just retired and we both believe that this is the right time for me to dedicate myself to a 3rd career. I come from a family of doctors and nurses but I changed my major to Business Admin and Economics in my younger years. I have been in the corporate world for over 20 years.

I was a Biology major many moons ago until I changed majors during my senior year. I have had the Anatomy/Phys class and most biology and Chemistry classes but I took them over 20 years ago.

Any encouragement before I talk to WSSU administrators would be most welcome.