Deciding on doing an accelerated nursing program

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It's kind of last minute, but I'm a senior in college now, graduating this december of 2015 (hopefully) with my biology degree. The plan was to initially go into medical school, but after shadowing in the ICU, I rather go into the nursing at this time for the clinical experience and financial reasons.

Has anyone done an accelerated program so late in their college years? if so, what advice can you give me? I am considering in state first, though I would love to get outside of MS.

I've been searching through the forums as well for this topic, and I just love updated answers because I know someone is out there with a wealth of information to share.

Thanks,

LM

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Specializes in Women’s Health.

Hi,

I do not have a previous bachelors degree but I am in accelerated BSN program. I don't really know what you mean by late college years... But individuals in my program range from ages if 21-50's. Also we have individuals who are cnas, emts, lvns, and people with no prior healthcare experience. Also almost half my class has a previous bachelors degree in another field. A few if us gave AA degrees from other fields.

Just ask me your questions and I'll answer to the best of my ability.

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Hey! Thanks for posting. I meant late as in "about to graduate college at 22" but that is nice to know there is a variety of years in nursing school like that! I asked be cause it's such short notice for me since I plan to enroll asap. How is school for you now? Do you ever have time for anything ? Any tips ?

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Specializes in Women’s Health.

I just started the program this past fall, our next quarter starts in Monday. So far so good, but it's still pretty early in the program. A little more than half my class, myself included, work as well so nursing school doesn't completely take over but it does have to be a top priority.

From my experience, nursing is a second career/degree/major choice for many students, myself included and I'm in my early 20's.

I actually had short notice from the time I applied and started nursing school too. I had applied to my program in like Nov of 2013, just to be rejected in March if 2014. I kinda gave up in nursing, changed my major and moved on, or so I thought. I eventually ended up reapplying to the program, literally on the last day the application was open. I had about 2 1/2 months between when I decided to reapply and when I started my program. Its was a little crazy and hectic in the beginning but it was one of the best decisions I ever made.

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I'm so glad to hear you got in !!! If you don't mind me asking, what have you changed since you got rejected ? Was it volunteer hours or shadowing hours ? Gpa? And how in the world can you work while in school? I heard that was grade suicide !

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Specializes in Women’s Health.

Thanx! The greatest improvements in my overall admission score came from my TEAS V and essay score. The first time I applied, I caught a stomach bug and was in no shape to sit for 4 1/2 hours to take an exam an write an essay; instead of rescheduling I went anyway and did poorly on both. The second time around I was in much better health and was able to raise my TEAS V score by 5-6% and did much better on my essay. That raised my overall admission score significantly Also, my school changed their point system. The first time the would consider how many times you attempted a class. I never failed any if my pre-reqs but I had a couple of W's on my transcripts from dropping a class in order to take it at another CC that better fit my schedule.

As for working, those of us who work full time do all have healthcare related jobs, maybe that helps as oppose to a job that has nothing to do with nursing. Also time management and organization is key. You have to stay on top of things; having a planner is a good idea or some professors give a course calendars that have dates for all assignments and tests.

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Wow! That's so great! I'm really excited!

Thanks a lot :)

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Specializes in Women’s Health.

Good luck on your nursing journey!

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