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.
Like it or not, nursing is going the way of "Cracker Jack Box" degrees. At least, that is what many people I have talked to feel like.
This either means nursing is way underrated or way overrated.
"cracker box"? I like to have seen you survive just one week in an advanced program. stop judging what you know nothing about, I'm done with you people. You're not flexible, not willing to embrace change, and thats what healthcare is all about. The attitude you have will just keep you angry and going in circles I'm not going to waste my time arguing with close minded people, I have studying to do.
"cracker box"? I like to have seen you survive just one week in an advanced program. stop judging what you know nothing about, I'm done with you people. You're not flexible, not willing to embrace change, and thats what healthcare is all about. The attitude you have will just keep you angry and going in circles I'm not going to waste my time arguing with close minded people, I have studying to do.
I agree with you BCzito. I don't know what is meant by 'cracker box' degree. That really shows a Great misunderstanding of what an Accelerated program involves..and what is Required to even get into these programs.
I wonder if these people are even listening to what I or others are saying.
But in my case..I can say I have NOT taken any shortcut and TAKEN ALL PLUS MORE of the science courses necessary..which most tradiational program students take in their program.
In the end..I will have put MORE than just 1 yr. into my BSN..since I ALREADY put 2 yrs of taking science prereqs..plus other years of general Ed courses during my orginal BA degree program.
I don't see why this is difficult to understand to some. I am not SKIPPING any classes..I'm taking them all..plus more..including tons of clinical hours.
It's like if a doctor decides to go back to school to be a Pharmacist..and this degree usually entails over 6 yrs of full time schoolwork.
Yet, the MD would've already taken most or all of the Chemistry, Physics, Anatomy, Biochem, etc..that is required of Pharmacy students who have never had a degree.
So would the MD have to go an entire 6 yrs of schooling again?
IF his science courses were less than 5 yrs old..why would he have to repeat them?
He can just take the core major courses..and be done in half the time or less than the 'traditional' Pharmacy students.
I had to take the GREs for entry into my Accel. BSN program..which doesn't accept just anyone with a degree..they have their requirments..and it's competitive..so I doubt anyone would call it a 'Cracker Box' college or degree.
In fact, the school has had a nursing program for over 40 yrs..and I will be taking the EXACT SAME courses as the 'traditional' students..but I just have a head start since I took all my science and general Ed courses already.
I feel there ARE cracker jack degrees out there, but i don't feel it's automatically the 12 month-be-a-nurse degrees.
I've seen some advertisement for programs online (not online programs, just those flashy ads that can be everywhere) that say "become a nurse" and it's a program or site that i've never even heard of. And when i have visited the sites, it's almost like it's a program of "instant nurse, just add water".
However, research, ask around, etc. to determine if a program is legit, accredited, and is suitable for your own schedule and educational needs.
I'll tell you what's really crazy. Vanderbilt University in Nashville. If you have a Bachelor's degree in "anything" you can get your NP in 4 semesters. Isn't that scary?
I feel there ARE cracker jack degrees out there, but i don't feel it's automatically the 12 month-be-a-nurse degrees.
I've seen some advertisement for programs online (not online programs, just those flashy ads that can be everywhere) that say "become a nurse" and it's a program or site that i've never even heard of. And when i have visited the sites, it's almost like it's a program of "instant nurse, just add water".
However, research, ask around, etc. to determine if a program is legit, accredited, and is suitable for your own schedule and educational needs.
I've seen those ads..but if people read the fine print..or really look into them..they will find out they are NOT accredited institutions.
I myself looked into accredited colleges or universities which most offered Both tradititional and Accelerated programs.
I will be going to Pace University which has a 40yr nursing program.
I also looked in Seton Hall University in NJ, William Paterson University, Kean University, Farleigh Dickinson University, University of Medicine and Dentistry NJ all which are reputable schools and accredited programs.
So they aren't 'cracker box' quickee degrees..
All had strict requirements for their applicants..and most required all science prereqs to be completed before even applying into the program.
So in the end..it's really more than 1 yr put into the program.
Also, some of these are 16 mos and not 12 mos.
There are plenty of clinical hours in these programs.
Example, Ontario which includes Toronto is not accpeting the accelerated program form the US, unless they have changed in the last few weeks...
Hi again,
Do you know which one of the many programs from the US is not accepted? Many of the top nursing schools in my area, such as Ruch University and Loyola also have the second degree BSN, (however they do not call them 'accelerated as they really are not'.
It seems doubtful that there is "the" accelerated program from the US.
Yet, which one is "the" one which is not accepted, (or "ones"), if you know?
This just seems so dubious and doubtful Suzzanne4 that I do not readily buy it.
I agree with Marie, GROAN!!!! This has nothing to do with "my degree is better than yours" or " nurses eating their young". Boo Hoo!
... They probably have the book smarts, but when it comes to actually dealing with "live" patients and doing some critical, logical thinking they trip over their brain waves.
...Most students are more concerned about getting done so they can start making the "big money"! Jealousy? I don't think so. I love what I do and I am very, very good at what I do. I work in the OR and Marie can vouch for this, we have a higher turn over for "new" nurses because they don't have the general knowledge of nursing to make it. ...
She is stupid. Sorry, no other way to put it. Critical thinking? She has none. LOgic? Not there. I know you will find these in all aspects of college, but if you shorten the amount of time in school this will only get worse down the road. More schools will graduate under trained individuals that will eventually have an impact on nursing in general. I ramble so I quit.
Hello,
Oh, I do believe this thread has loads to do with lateral hostility. I also read your example of a particular nurse. I doubt she would have even survived the first quarter in the program I am in.
Gen
p.s. I read as I scrolled upwards in this thread, from another post, the term "cracker jack box degree" and that, along with this previous post has brought this thread to a new level of low, so, without further ado, I am exiting the topic, thankyou
Specializes in Critical Care, Pediatrics, Geriatrics.
I too felt that an accelerated program was too fast to get in everything you would need. But after hearing so much positive testimony from those in the programs, I have a lot more faith in accelerated second-degree programs.
It's not like they are just handing out nursing degrees to students just because they have a degree in something else. "Oh, you have a BA in basketweaving? Here's your nursing license!" These students are held to high standards, perform the same duties as students in other programs in clinical, don't get breaks, and take the NCLEX after its all said and done. Now are you going to tell me that passing the NCLEX is not good enough either? Then why do students who complete a traditional ADN/BSN program still have trouble passing it...
Do you know which one of the many programs from the US is not accepted? Many of the top nursing schools in my area, such as Ruch University and Loyola also have the second degree BSN, (however they do not call them 'accelerated as they really are not'.
It seems doubtful that there is "the" accelerated program from the US.
Yet, which one is "the" one which is not accepted, (or "ones"), if you know?
This just seems so dubious and doubtful Suzzanne4 that I do not readily buy it.
Gen
But how would an employer automatically know that degree was obtained thru an Accelerated program?
If I get my degree at the university I will be attending for ex, I will get a BSN diploma and have to take the nursing state test, to get the RN degree.
I don't think anywhere will be written 'accelerated degree'.
If they look at my transcripts then maybe they can figure out how 'fast' I went thru it, but they will also see ALL the classes I've taken Before I got accepted into the actual Accel. program..since they will be transferred into my final transcript. It will also show different dates..and they can see that it's actually taken me longer than 1 yr to 'work towards' the degree.
Anyway..if all employers ask for transcripts regardless of the diploma and license..then what happens if there are 2 candidates..one from a 'traditional' ADN or BSN program that has C averages in their courses..and one candidate that finished the BSN thru an accelerated program but had a higher GPA..and more recommendations from professors, etc..
would they simply take the 'traditional' student since they feel they are better prepared..despite of the lower grades..
or would they consider that the Accel. student had to work even harder since it was fast paced..but still managed high grades?
Ok, of course there are traditional students with high GPAs...but I'm just using a 'what if' scenario..
I don't think it's fair just to assume that a traditional student would make a better nurse or vice versa..
It's all individual..and different factors have to be considered.
But how would an employer automatically know that degree was obtained thru an Accelerated program?
If I get my degree at the university I will be attending for ex, I will get a BSN diploma and have to take the nursing state test, to get the RN degree.
I don't think anywhere will be written 'accelerated degree'.
If they look at my transcripts then maybe they can figure out how 'fast' I went thru it, but they will also see ALL the classes I've taken Before I got accepted into the actual Accel. program..since they will be transferred into my final transcript. It will also show different dates..and they can see that it's actually taken me longer than 1 yr to 'work towards' the degree.
Anyway..if all employers ask for transcripts regardless of the diploma and license..then what happens if there are 2 candidates..one from a 'traditional' ADN or BSN program that has C averages in their courses..and one candidate that finished the BSN thru an accelerated program but had a higher GPA..and more recommendations from professors, etc..
would they simply take the 'traditional' student since they feel they are better prepared..despite of the lower grades..
or would they consider that the Accel. student had to work even harder since it was fast paced..but still managed high grades?
Ok, of course there are traditional students with high GPAs...but I'm just using a 'what if' scenario..
I don't think it's fair just to assume that a traditional student would make a better nurse or vice versa..
It's all individual..and different factors have to be considered.
This topic could be argued until your blue in the face and there will still be people who refuse to listen to reason or facts. It is best to just let them keep their hostility and continue to succeed with your education. If you had the critical thinking skills to get through your original bachelors degree, in ADDITION to getting through a tremoundously stressful Accelerated BSN program you will be an excellent nurse. US OR ABROAD.
These students are held to high standards, perform the same duties as students in other programs in clinical, don't get breaks, and take the NCLEX after its all said and done. Now are you going to tell me that passing the NCLEX is not good enough either? Then why do students who complete a traditional ADN/BSN program still have trouble passing it...
Neilsbiggestfan
19 Posts
Like it or not, nursing is going the way of "Cracker Jack Box" degrees. At least, that is what many people I have talked to feel like.
This either means nursing is way underrated or way overrated.