BSN curriculum question

[lmiller7298]

I was wondering if someone could explain how long it takes to complete the BSN program to become an RN? I know my school says it takes 4 years to complete the program but I need to know what it is like when you complete the prerequisites before you actually get into the nursing program. Like some of the classes are lectures and some are labs and the hours for the labs are listed as being 20 hours long??? What does this mean? Like once you get into the nursing program do you go to school every day for 8 hours a day for the labs or what? So pretty much I just need to know how long the days are and how many days a week are the labs for nursing school? Also, are the labs the same as clinicals I hear everyone speaking of? Sorry to have so many questions I am just trying to figure out what my days will be like once or if i get into the nursing program.

[Daytonite, BSN, RN]

Every school sets up the curriculum for their nursing programs differently. The only thing that is absolutely the same is the basic content of the foundations of nursing. This is something that is required by your state board of nursing of all nursing schools in your state. Beyond that, each school is free to add all kinds of "extra" things to their program.

I would recommend that you start to be a regular visitor to the building in your school where the nursing classes and nursing lab are housed. Start striking up conversations with the students you see hanging out there. They are the best ones to talk to about what goes on at your school's nursing program. Then, you'll find out what is meant by a 20-credit hour lab.

[Rosa2Little]

Daytonite provided good advice. Additionally, I would suggest meeting with an advisor in the nursing department. They would be able to map out an educational plan for you including which classes you have completed that will transfer for credit in the program.

If you are looking for a ballpark idea of what a schedule looks like time-wise, here's what I had last semester, Spring semester of Junior year in a BSN program (at my school, this semester is the make it or break it semester):

Monday:

8:30 – 11:15 AM Acute Care Nursing Class

11:30 – 2:00 PM Psych/Mental Health Nursing Class

Tuesday:

7:00 – 2:00 PMAcute Care Clinical@ the Hospital

Wednesday:

7:00 – 2:00 PM Acute Care Clinical@ the Hospital

Thursday:

7:00 – 2:00 PM Psych Clinical @ the Hospital

Friday:

10:00 – 12:15 PMAcute Care Nursing Class

I had registered for a grad class as well (in my program we can take up to 3 grad classes as an undergrad), but due to family obligations, I dropped it. Most traditional undergrad students took one additional class usually a requirement toward the bachelor's degree. You could figure an additional 3 hour night class once a week.

Nursing is an intensive program no matter which path (ASN, BSN, BS to MSN upward mobility track, etc.) you take. You are either in class, at the hospital, or studying. Some continue to work while in school. Yes, it's do-able, but it is draining. You may be thinking OMG... sounds horrible! But I can honestly say, it's the best thing I have ever done for myself, and I'll be proud to be a nurse.

Good Luck & Best Wishes!