How do you feel about the nursing shortage being relieved by "fast track" nursing programs?
A program that only takes 12 months. Read this article:
----------------------
College grads take fast-track to nursing
Shortage of registered nurses in Michigan will reach about 7,000 by 2010
Seven Michigan schools offer programs for people who have degrees in other fields and want to get a nursing degreee.
Source: Detroit News research
More people are scrapping established careers to become nurses, enticed by programs designed to draw professionals from other industries to the under-served field.
Don't like it, never will. Who cares if you have a BS in something else. Yeah, I want someone with a BS in philosophy or a structural engineer taking care of me with a quickee nursing degree. Some people do well with exams and probably would do well with the NECLEX but stand out as nurses who don't know their basic stuff. Some BS degrees would be exceptable because they deal with people in general, others do not. I just can't understand why people can't go through traditional programs, 2 or 4 years. This type of "quick fix" just doesn't cut it in my book. Eventually this will come back to haunt us when were old and need "good" nursing care. The only ones who I accept in a "bridge" program are those who have been LVNs, all others should stay the road and do it the old fashioned way. Sorry, just my opinion.
I personally do not like the accelerated programs, there is just too much information to learn in a very short time. The biggest issue is when they graduate, how much time that it will take for them to really feel comfortable with everything.
Other countires are still not receptive to the idea either. They don't accept the accelerated programs in the US for licensure, either.
If the old-fashioned exam were still available and they were able to make it thru that, then it would be a different story, but NCLEX is not a good predictor in my view.
I am sure that there are others that do not agree with me, but as Mike stated above, both of us have been in this field too long not to see the differences.
Specializes in Infection Preventionist/ Occ Health.
I am just finishing the first semester of an accelerated, 16-month BSN program. The only difference between the Accelerated and Traditional programs at my school is the time frame. We go straight through the summer, while the traditional students have time off or can elect take one of their spring or fall classes to lighten the load. We take the exact same classes, and we were required to complete the same prerequisites.
Nowhere on my transcript will it state that I went through an accelerated nursing program. My nursing degree will be just as valid as that of my classmates who went the traditional route and took the summer off. The only difference is that I will be able to start working 5 months sooner than they will.
Question for the accelerated students (I am not judging - just curious):
Do you feel it was worth it to get the first degree? Would you do it over again - getting a degree and then going to nsg school?
I'm not very opinionated on this topic of accelerated nursing programs, but it does seem to raise the question (at least in my mind) of what exactly a bachelors degree is worth. I mean, it seems to me our society, or maybe the education system, seems to make those out who don't have a bachelors degree to be "lesser" or they have lower socioeconomic status, ect.
I mean, what is wrong with this picture? Right now, I know some people who just have technical training that are pretty well off, and then others with bachelors ( a couple CNA's who I work with) who can't find work in their field and are struggling w/student loans. It just seems ironic to me. Is it maybe due to the changing economy?
Personally, I started college right out of h.s., got bored and dropped out to see what the "real world" was like. I started working as a CNA (by accident), got turned on to nsg, and then got into a ADN program. I just finished last year. I am doing well with it, but it is in the back of my mind still that I am a "college dropout." I may start on my BSN but am also interested in a science degree, like psych or biology to make me a more "well rounded" person - but then I am wondering if it is a waste. I have many of the core classes completed. Any advice?
Specializes in Critical Care, Pediatrics, Geriatrics.
Ok, now I know there are strong feelings on all sides of the entry to practice issue ----but that said may I ask:
Does anyone honestly believe that a nurse receiving a BSN after one year in nursing school (irrespective of previous educational preparation) will develop superior critical thinking skills, will experience increased respect from administration/physicians/general public, will be more likely to have the tools to better "rescue" patients resulting in improved complication and mortality outcomes, will be better prepared for being a charge nurse, will have equal or better psychomotor skills/knowledge of equipment use....than a diploma prepared nurse who spent 3 years on the floor?
Or why is 2 years of intense training as a nurse (ie associate degree preparation) inadequate for the complex patients, technological advances blah blah blah of today, yet one year of intense nursing education is apparently sufficient if it results in a BSN?
I hate it when this topic gets brought up but I can never keep my mouth shut...it's like sticking a box full of chocolates in front up me...I just can resist.
Nursing is a very special feild and I don't care if you went to school ten years you are not going to be completely prepared. Most of your experience and learning will be hands on, OJT...whether you are diploma, ADN, or BSN. ADN are sufficiently trained to provide safe pt care at the bedside. BSN are equally prepared for bedside nursing but also are trained to take on more administrative responsibilities. If you place an ADN with BSN, both new grads, both floor nurses, from two programs with similar clinical hours, etc....I don't believe you would see a big difference. After each of these obtain more experience and continue floor nursing, I think the difference will have nothing to do with degree but personal characteristics (motivation, passion, care for the client, team player, integrity, etc.) The addtional classes the BSN takes are just as fast tracked as any nursing program and it will take time and experience to facilitate the accurate, effective use of such skills...which is why it puts a sour taste in my mouth to hear anyone claim that one degree is superior to another degree...I think we all start out on equal footing when it comes to floor nursing.
I know this can become a very heated debate, but I just want to say that I don't care what your background is. It really doesn't matter and when it comes down to it you will prove yourself by how hard you work, how much you really care about your job, including putting the effort to make sure you know as much as you can and need to know to provide the best possible care to your patients. An RN, BSN, part time or fast tracked it is about your personal drive, desire and commitment to your role as a nurse that will tell who is the "better" nurse.
I am in a 12 month program. We had pathopysiology and all other pre reqs finished before beginning and so far I am doing okay. I take as many experiences as I can and try to soak up as much information as I can.
I am just finishing the first semester of an accelerated, 16-month BSN program. The only difference between the Accelerated and Traditional programs at my school is the time frame. We go straight through the summer, while the traditional students have time off or can elect take one of their spring or fall classes to lighten the load. We take the exact same classes, and we were required to complete the same prerequisites.
I realize that you get credit for the same classes. But I'm not sure they are, actually, the same classes. Anytime you take an abbreviated course, be it summer, winter session or whatever ... the same amount of material is not going to be covered because there's not enough time. That is the nature of abbreviated classes.
I took winter pharmacology before I started nursing school. The fact of the matter is, it was not nearly as in depth and as detailed as the pharmacology class that was offered during the regular semester because there simply wasn't as much time.
I just think people are fooling themselves when they claim it's the exact same courses. It's not.
I think its important to note how difficult it is too get into these programs. I am in one myself, and statistically these students do very well. My program in a masters entry. It may also help to be reminded that most of these students have other clinical experience, as well as lab experience. I for instance worked at a pharmaceutical company on drugs for athsma, as a clinical reseacher in endocrinology, as an animal researcherdoing brain research on cocaine addiction, and in a residential treatment program for women with borderline personality disorder (including giving medications) , and as a hotline counselor for victims of domestic violence. So I think people really need to consider that the people who actually do get into these programs are not your average college graduates. Usually they have lengthy experience in various areas, not to mention there are many prereqs that you need to meet before you can even apply.
but if you look at it the other way, if you are already doing a bunch of pre-reqs to get into the program, then it really isn't just a 12 month program. With any of these programs it is going to come down to how much work that the student actually puts into it.
A physician from another country has to do a two year program to meet the requirements and they have already had all of the science courses, and pre-reqs done.
Don't like it, never will. Who cares if you have a BS in something else. Yeah, I want someone with a BS in philosophy or a structural engineer taking care of me with a quickee nursing degree. Some people do well with exams and probably would do well with the NECLEX but stand out as nurses who don't know their basic stuff. Some BS degrees would be exceptable because they deal with people in general, others do not. I just can't understand why people can't go through traditional programs, 2 or 4 years. This type of "quick fix" just doesn't cut it in my book. Eventually this will come back to haunt us when were old and need "good" nursing care. The only ones who I accept in a "bridge" program are those who have been LVNs, all others should stay the road and do it the old fashioned way. Sorry, just my opinion.
I understand your point of view. But I have a BA in Psychology and taken several health and science courses already.
I think my BA has given me some preparation to deal with patients..eventhou I don't have all the nursing clinical expertise yet.
But I do have experience dealing with people.
Yet, if someone has a diff. degree...I think they also have taken alot of General Ed courses that they shouldn't have to repeat in a traditional ADN program.
A traditional BSN program, for ex. at my alma matter...was structured almost like any other 'major'..the first 58 credits (ie 2 yrs) were ALL general Ed courses.
My college and many others, don't allow second degree students..so I couldn't go back and take 2 yrs of nursing.
I also tried looking in traditional ADN programs at community colleges..but the problem with many of those include 'general Ed requirements such as English, Math, Social Science, History, etc.
Some don't allow me to transfer All these credits.
IF I were to take these again it would just be a waste of my time and $$. I realize it's important for a 'well rounded' education, but I already passed all these courses during my 4 year degree program..with good grades..and it wasn't THAT long ago..so I still have some knowledge about these topics.
I also took all the science prereqs just these past 2 years..so they are still relatively fresh..in my mind.
Also, even if some traditional programs would allow me to transfer my General Ed courses. and science courses...the problem is that the way many of them are Structured. Some of them, esp. around my area..so that Mostly General Ed or science are taken the first 2 or 3 semesters..and not enough nursing courses are offered..so I would not be able to take enough classes each semester.
Many of these traditional programs don't even allow 'part time' students..so I may be forced to 'retake' some of the courses I already took...which is money I don't have to waste.
I think the Accel. program was designed for those who already took most of General Ed/Science courses...and just need the basic nursing/clinicals.
It's not really THAT fast...since we take classes Throughout the year (no long summer breaks) so we get like 3 full semsters instead of the traditional 2 semesters in a traditional program.
I am a 12 month Accelerated BSN graduate and have nothing but great things to say about the program I attended. My entire class was well prepared and the school did not hesitate for one second to boot out the students who did not make the grade. Our classes were identical to the traditional students but on a condensed time frame. The instruction was excellent and quality of the education superb. I entered the work force with a solid knowledge base and well prepared to succeed.
I took the NCLEX without studying one word, the computer shut down after 75 questions and I new I had passed. Not because I was cocky, but because, my Accelerated program had prepared me to succeed. The same rings true for when I started working, I was trained to be an excellent nurse and found the transition from student to nurse to be smooth, as that was how I was trained.
I have never received anything but praise regarding my Accelerated BSN from potential employers and graduate school admission commitees. If you can earn 62 upperdivision credits in 12 months, you can handle whatever nursing throws at you.
When I looked into working outside of the US the companies with whom I spoke looked at my transcipts and told me getting a foreign license would be no problem as I had passed the boards and graduated from an accredited program.
It depends on the school. In schools where they offer traditional and Accel. BSN..the cost is often charged per course credit. It is more for the one year of Accel..since more classes are taken during that year. But in the end, the price could be about equal.
Where I live (Tri state northeast area) there is no school..not even community where the ADN costs $3k total. The cheapest I've seen is about $4-$6k per semester...so times 4 semesters for traditional ADN program would be $16k-24k.
There are schools in NJ such as UMDNJ where the Accel program is about $24-26K. So it's approx. the same as a community college.
But of course there are more expensive schools.
I was tempted...but with the pre-req's and such, I decided it would be the same amount of time as an ADN program, and here's the clincher...ADN program, maybe $3K. Accel program, $40k...(your mileage may vary).
I could see how this would be perfect for some, though, and I'm glad they exist. If you've got the hormones for this program, go for it.
shodobe
1,260 Posts
Don't like it, never will. Who cares if you have a BS in something else. Yeah, I want someone with a BS in philosophy or a structural engineer taking care of me with a quickee nursing degree. Some people do well with exams and probably would do well with the NECLEX but stand out as nurses who don't know their basic stuff. Some BS degrees would be exceptable because they deal with people in general, others do not. I just can't understand why people can't go through traditional programs, 2 or 4 years. This type of "quick fix" just doesn't cut it in my book. Eventually this will come back to haunt us when were old and need "good" nursing care. The only ones who I accept in a "bridge" program are those who have been LVNs, all others should stay the road and do it the old fashioned way. Sorry, just my opinion.