Anyone going into accelerated nursing program?

Adams_Mommy_07 · Sep 14, 2008

I can't really answer your question but just wanted to let you know you aren't alone! I plan on starting an accelerated MSN program and I will have to work--at least the first semester (min. 32 hours) and that is IF I save enough money between now and then to take the last two off.

I don't know how "tough" it will be but I haven't any choice like yourself.

**CalicoKitty, BSN, MSN, RN** · Sep 14, 2008

I should be starting a 1-year accelerated BSN program in April. There are a few reasonsn they don't want you to work.

1) Each of my 4 quarters has 21-23 credits.

2) There are 2 full days of classes (ours or Monday and Tuesday), and then 3 full days of clinicals (any 3 between Wednesday and Saturday). My school has clinical locations inside and outside of the city, and I don't believe you have much of a choice for which ones you take. Could easily be a 1 hour drive.

3) You're expected to get patient info for each of your clinicals the night before (but, I've read some people just show up earlier to the clinicals for the info). Imagine getting 2 clinicals on opposite locations, and needing to spend 2 hours getting the pt info.

4) You still need to study for exams, and have your assignments done, and done well to progress. I've read stories of people having 14+ chapters of reading required for their first exam a week after classes begin. Not to mention the care plans (which seem very challenging), etc.

Some schools will even ask you to sign something promising not to work.

Overall, to work should be your own choice. If you think you can attend about 40 hours in classroom and clinical work during the week (and sometimes weekend), study and do assignments, as well as find time to work, then do it. There are plenty of people on the forums that have taken that route. Some even with children! It's not something I could tell you that you can/cannot do. It really depends on the type of student you are, and how well you budget your time.

I'm lucky, and expect to be able not to work while in the program. I'd rather take out additional loans and not work so I can spend more time focusing on the program. But, my option isn't available to everyone. I do believe some sacrifices are necessary, though (either financial, social, educational or familial), to get through the program.

kjack87 · Sep 23, 2008

I am in an accelerate MSN program, and b/c ours is set up in 2 phases, we do the prelicensure phase just like an accelerated BSN program would and I'm in my second semester of phase 1 and we don't even have enough time to breath. We had a test on day 2 of this semester. we then had to read 400 pages and be ready for a test in 1 week. There is one girl in our program who works, 4 hours on day every other week so she can pay her cell phone bill.

If you're able to find time to work, then more power to you, but i would find it extremely hard to do so.