Become a nurse in just 12 months!!!

BeenThereDoneThat74, MSN, RN · Dec 9, 2005

Having a few college hours under your belt and having a completed four year degree are not the same, IMO.

. I didn't say a few college credits. Some probably have 'some college'. In my clincial groups (total of 18 students) there are at least 5 that I know of, off the top of my head, that have Bachelor's degrees in another field. And of the same # of students, only two of them are straight out of HS (traditional students). Some are neurotic and completely dedicated, others are not. Some have no idea what they have gotten into, college degree or not. Others without prior college are doing awesome. Everyone is different.

Those who have already attained one degree and found that it just isn't cutting the mustard feel they have more to lose if they do not make it.

I do see your point, but you can't assume that the others have nothing to lose. They may have given up another (non college drgree related job) or put their families aside to pursue this.

I can only imagine the frustration of putting in four years + of hard work, sweat, and tears only to have your job outsourced, phased out, or unfulfilling...I imagine it would be a strong driving force to succeed at something else no matter what it takes.

I agree with this as well. I just feel that it is too quick of a program. I just feel like we are rushing people through nursing school. Guess what? I feel the same about the ADN program that I am teaching in. And that goes for all the students (with a few exceptions).

My best friend quit her Advertising job at at 27, went back to school, got her 2nd degree in nursing. Did not do an accelerated program. Had no prior sciences. Took 2 1/2 yrs, and it was still extremely rough. So I can't imagine doing it in any less time.

And yes, the ads are deceiving. It cannot be one year. This has to assume you have your pre-reqs first (including your sciences, which you likely won't have if your degree is not a BS).

nurse4theplanet, RN · Dec 9, 2005

. I didn't say a few college credits. Some probably have 'some college'. In my clincial groups (total of 18 students) there are at least 5 that I know of, off the top of my head, that have Bachelor's degrees in another field. And of the same # of students, only two of them are straight out of HS (traditional students). Some are neurotic and completely dedicated, others are not. Some have no idea what they have gotten into, college degree or not. Others without prior college are doing awesome. Everyone is different.
I do see your point, but you can't assume that the others have nothing to lose. They may have given up another (non college drgree related job) or put their families aside to pursue this.
I agree with this as well. I just feel that it is too quick of a program. I just feel like we are rushing people through nursing school. Guess what? I feel the same about the ADN program that I am teaching in. And that goes for all the students (with a few exceptions).
My best friend quit her Advertising job at at 27, went back to school, got her 2nd degree in nursing. Did not do an accelerated program. Had no prior sciences. Took 2 1/2 yrs, and it was still extremely rough. So I can't imagine doing it in any less time.
And yes, the ads are deceiving. It cannot be one year. This has to assume you have your pre-reqs first (including your sciences, which you likely won't have if your degree is not a BS).

First, I want to clarify that I don't think those without a previous degree have nothing to lose, as I am one of those students. I just appears from the attitude/dedication of my fellow classmates with prior degrees that they are really nervous about not succeeding in yet another profession. Many times I wish I had their stamina and focus. Other than that, I really am on the same page with you here. Like I said in the beginning, nursing is already fast tracked as it is...this option would scare me away. Kudos to those who are successfully doing it! It's like nursing school to the tenth power

RNadvocate · Dec 9, 2005

plus, we all know that its a revolving door in bedside nursing. We can fast track people in but many new nurses turn around and leve shortly after arrival because of the staffing and stress.

**RosesrReder, BSN, MSN, RN** · Dec 9, 2005

I can't offer my opinion as I am not a nurse. I think that if my 3 yr ADN programs prepares me just as well as a fast track program and both pass the NCLEX, it must be good too.

nsgstudentjen · Dec 9, 2005

I am just finishing an accel. BSN in about 15 months. It was REALLY fast and I hope I "got it" all.

12 mos seems pushing it, but some people do well in this format.

although many say my program is too fast, It made sense for my life, financially, etc. And I have heard many a nurse say you learn more on the job than you do in school.

MiaNJ · Dec 9, 2005

I am going to be attending an Accelerated program also. I have a BA already.

My friend got her ADN some years ago, at a 2 yr. community college. Then she took her exam for her RN license.

But most of the entire 1st year of a 'traditional' ADN program consists of general Ed courses such as Math, English, History, Social Science, etc. etc...then the Science prereqs such as A&P I & II, Chem, etc.

So in reality...the Actual 'nursing courses' and clinicals in a traditonal ADN program is approx. 1 year also...Just like in the Accel. program we will be doing just nursing courses and alot of clinicals right from the start.

I already took all the general Ed courses..plus took A&P 1 & II, Chem, Biochem, Microbiology, etc...before I even applied to an Accel program..since usually they don't accept applications w/o all prereqs (some programs may allow just 1 or 2 missing prereqs that can be taken while in the program).

So the Accel. 'Fast Track' program is not really all that 'fast' ...in the sense that traditional 2 yr. nursing programs also do most of their clinicals in the last year also.

It's 'Fast Track' since most of the applicants..ALREADY took most of the prereqs.

As far as a BSN program..the main diff. between that and ADN is the additional coursework..but not necessarily additional 'clinical work'.

Since I have a BA already, and have taken about 2 yrs worth of General Ed..and other college level courses...then the Accel. track will enable me to get the BSN as well.

But in traditional BSN programs...they don't do any longer clinical time than the Accel. or ADN program.

It's just that with the Accel. program..there are no long summer breaks..it's a straight year..so there plenty of clinical hours.

**RosesrReder, BSN, MSN, RN** · Dec 10, 2005

I am going to be attending an Accelerated program also. I have a BA already.
My friend got her ADN some years ago, at a 2 yr. community college. Then she took her exam for her RN license.
But most of the entire 1st year of a 'traditional' ADN program consists of general Ed courses such as Math, English, History, Social Science, etc. etc...then the Science prereqs such as A&P I & II, Chem, etc.
So in reality...the Actual 'nursing courses' and clinicals in a traditonal ADN program is approx. 1 year also...Just like in the Accel. program we will be doing just nursing courses and alot of clinicals right from the start.
I already took all the general Ed courses..plus took A&P 1 & II, Chem, Biochem, Microbiology, etc...before I even applied to an Accel program..since usually they don't accept applications w/o all prereqs (some programs may allow just 1 or 2 missing prereqs that can be taken while in the program).
So the Accel. 'Fast Track' program is not really all that 'fast' ...in the sense that traditional 2 yr. nursing programs also do most of their clinicals in the last year also.
It's 'Fast Track' since most of the applicants..ALREADY took most of the prereqs.
As far as a BSN program..the main diff. between that and ADN is the additional coursework..but not necessarily additional 'clinical work'.
Since I have a BA already, and have taken about 2 yrs worth of General Ed..and other college level courses...then the Accel. track will enable me to get the BSN as well.
But in traditional BSN programs...they don't do any longer clinical time than the Accel. or ADN program.
It's just that with the Accel. program..there are no long summer breaks..it's a straight year..so there plenty of clinical hours.

True for some programs. Mine is 1yr. pre-reqs and 2 clinicals. I agree with you as it being the same thing if you really think about it.

decartes · Dec 10, 2005

As with any profession, the stuff you learn in school does not give you any real experience. The only way to learn is to do the job. I don't see a problem with the accelerated programs.

askater11 · Dec 10, 2005

As with any profession, the stuff you learn in school does not give you any real experience. The only way to learn is to do the job. I don't see a problem with the accelerated programs.

I agree with you--hands on is the best way to learn.

In hind site I don't feel my BSN nursing prepared me enough for nursing. I graduated nursing 10 year's ago--I truly believed I needed more hands on clinicals. Or following a educated, knowledgeble nurse showing hands on signs and symptoms and etc.

Also I've worked ICU 2 years and have learned more about body process and disease then I have the 8 years prior. I think a lot of it is working days next to other ancillary staff. They are such wonderful resources the doctors, respitory therapist, dieticians and etc.

Also I don't feel hospitals prepare nurses enough--with equipment and stuff. At least the hospitals I've worked at. I know now they have a lot of graduate nurse programs--but 10 years ago the hospitals I worked at did not back then but do now.

I have had patients in awwww it only takes 2 years to get a degree. They don't know how we can learn so much so fast.

FutureRNJess what two clinicals are you taking? And how many hours?

PJMommy · Dec 10, 2005

Probably the ideal person for these kind of program is a single person who is not in any relationships and is not currently looking for any relationships for the duration of the program; do not have to work at all for the duration of the program

I am married with four school-age children - went through a 12-month accelerated program. Have worked in the adult ICU of a major trauma center for two years since graduation. If I had done a traditional program, I'd just be starting out as a RN -- contrast that with 2 yrs of intense, action-packed on the job training I've had since leaving the accelerated program.

It is NOT for everyone and, unfortunately, I have seen some accelerated programs lower their very high standards for admission and let students puss their way through the program. It's not the same as the program I went through. Accelerated programs are an excellent concept as long as the standards aren't diluted.

andrecle · Dec 10, 2005

To join in on the discussion, I am also in an accelerated second degree program. Our program is 11-months in length and extremely intense. We are just completing our first quarter and have had numerous people drop out for various reasons due to the difficulty of the program. I feel that accelerated programs are just as good as any other BSN program because we are getting the same classes, same number of clinical hours, just in a more condensed time frame. In fact, our grading standards are even more rigorous than the traditional BSN program at the same school. However, for the last few quarters we have had a 100% pass rate on the NCLEX exam (which, no matter how long the program you have to pass anyway).

So please do not discount these programs as "easier" because in the end, the all award the same degree, and allow you to take the same test.

anbreen · Dec 10, 2005

The UCSD BA/BS to MSN allows one to get an RN in one year..but it's $900 percredit, AFTER all the hassle getting in!