Am I stupid for not doing the ABSN?

Trenata · Jun 14, 2013

I personally think that is a very smart idea. Take your time! I think a lot of individuals choose accelerated programs due to financial need and time constraints, not just because they have a previous degree. I am personally choosing a traditional program so I do not have to overwhelm myself since it is unnecessary for me to complete an accelerated program.

DidiRN · Jun 14, 2013

Absolutely not. These programs are rough in terms of pace and time commitment. Also most of them are very expensive that I'm aware of. Nothing wrong at all with your plan. Good luck!

WideOpenHeart · Jun 14, 2013

The biggest mistakes of my life have been made doing what other people thought was right for me, or following what SEEMED like the right path, but just felt wrong.

If you really do feel confused, spend some time reflecting, asking (more) questions, filling in any information holes you might have.

Then, do what feels right to you; I feel sure that if you follow your gut, you'll look back and see why your choice really worked out best.

I'm starting an LPN program in a month. I have a bachelors (liberal arts) and two masters (health fields), and I was assured by an advisor that I'd get into the ABSN program here, no problem.

When I had to make the decision between doing the ABSN and doing this LPN, followed by a bridge program, I just felt no peace about doing the ABSN. Conversely, I felt great peace about this (longer) path.

I had several RNs (including administrators, etc.) call me and basically ask me if I was crazy? ("Why would you take a step back?") But someone on the outside looking in (to your life) cannot possibly come to a conclusion about the right choice for you. They can challenge you to think and question, and that is good. They can give you information that might help you make the right decision. But they cannot know what is right for you in an instance like this.

In the weeks since I had to make the final decision, I have seen exactly why the LPN followed by bridge is best for me and my family, and I am so relieved I made the decision to go with my "gut."

Some part of me (my intuition? my higher-level, but not frontal lobe, cognitive faculties?) did the "math" and gave me the right answer when creating "pros and cons" lists was just not enough.

Anyway, I just feel so strongly that you should follow the path that gives you peace in your core.

People never seem to regret making that choice.

:)

Kimbsntobe · Jun 14, 2013

Misery loves company is why the classmate confronted you....We learned in LPN school your first choice is the best answer...and like the above poster stated go with your gut, only you have to live with your choices....and like you yourself said you have no children, so why rush when you can take your time and absorb much needed info?...Maybe you will get the answers on graduation, maybe before but it sounds like you made the best choice for you..... Don't let anyone force you into situations that are not right for you.... and congrats...You will succeed, keep your head up you can do This!!!!

zoe92 · Jun 14, 2013

Had I not gotten into nursing school for this fall, I would have continued my bachelors in psychology and then applied to an ABSN. It absolutely terrified me, especially after looking at the curriculum. ABSN is awesomely fast which works for some people but not everyone. Why feel foolish? Your classmate might only have the ABSN as an option due to having a family & such. You picked what is right for YOU.

llg, PhD, RN · Jun 14, 2013

I agree with the other posters. Take the path that feels right for you. Sometimes, the slower route is the better route.

The only concern I have is that you may be taking the slower route to avoid having to "grow up" and enter the adult work world. If that's the case, you may seek another way to delay graduation when faced with it again in a few years ... and you may choose to "hide" in school some more, racking up an unbearable burden of student loan debt in the process. If that IS the case with you, please do some serious thinking about that so that you don't dig yourself into a hole of financial debt and anxiety over growing up so deep it cripples you for the rest of your life. If that is NOT the case with you, then follow your chosen path and have a good life.

allnurses Guide · Jun 14, 2013

I think you are crazy for not doing the ABSN.

MrsStudentNurse · Jun 14, 2013

Sometimes the shorter route isn't always the right one. Reasons I wouldn't take the absn are money both in the program tuition and not being able to work at all. Another reason is experience, by having a longer time you could use summers to work at a hospital or do an internship, etc. Third, the economy now and in three years are going to be much different, looking upward. I'm actually happy that'll it'll be about three years for me to graduate because the need for nurses is only going to increase not decrease. Best of luck!

AccelCNL, MSN, RN · Jun 14, 2013

As someone who is starting an ABSN in the August I think you made the right decision for yourself. Yes, an ABSN is faster but faster is not always better. I do not know the job market area that you are living in however you will be able to do internships and work which can turn into job offers down the line. I will be 29 when I finish my ABSN program. However, my choice was good for me because I plan to go CRNA ( or for my NNP) school sometime in my 30s.

Just be happy you are starting a program and forget about those who do not agree with your decision. It is your life. Congrats on the start of your journey.

WideOpenHeart · Jun 14, 2013

p.s. I think part of the issue is the idea that one's life goes "on hold" while in nursing school.

I am a writer and a web developer, and I am starting a nonprofit.

There is a lot I want to accomplish WHILE I am in nursing school.

I know this goes against prevailing thought concerning what is possible, but I worked full-time while going through two back-to-back grad programs (long story) full-time until the last semester, when I only had part-time grad hours while finishing the capstone for my MS.

There's a lot of life you can live while you're in school. :)

stewartfamily2010 · Jun 14, 2013

The biggest mistakes of my life have been made doing what other people thought was right for me, or following what SEEMED like the right path, but just felt wrong.
If you really do feel confused, spend some time reflecting, asking (more) questions, filling in any information holes you might have.
Then, do what feels right to you; I feel sure that if you follow your gut, you'll look back and see why your choice really worked out best.
I'm starting an LPN program in a month. I have a bachelors (liberal arts) and two masters (health fields), and I was assured by an advisor that I'd get into the ABSN program here, no problem.
When I had to make the decision between doing the ABSN and doing this LPN, followed by a bridge program, I just felt no peace about doing the ABSN. Conversely, I felt great peace about this (longer) path.
I had several RNs (including administrators, etc.) call me and basically ask me if I was crazy? ("Why would you take a step back?") But someone on the outside looking in (to your life) cannot possibly come to a conclusion about the right choice for you. They can challenge you to think and question, and that is good. They can give you information that might help you make the right decision. But they cannot know what is right for you in an instance like this.
In the weeks since I had to make the final decision, I have seen exactly why the LPN followed by bridge is best for me and my family, and I am so relieved I made the decision to go with my "gut."
Some part of me (my intuition? my higher-level, but not frontal lobe, cognitive faculties?) did the "math" and gave me the right answer when creating "pros and cons" lists was just not enough.
Anyway, I just feel so strongly that you should follow the path that gives you peace in your core.
People never seem to regret making that choice.
:)

Very well said :)