FIU Accelerated Option 2018

Nursing Students School Programs

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Hello everyone!

I'm applying to FIU's accelerated BSN program next month and wanted to start a thread for any other interested applications, so that we can share information and keep each other informed.

Anyone else hoping to apply?

Hello,

We're actually graduating tomorrow, which is insane to think about because this whole endeavor has lasted a little more than one year.

To answer your questions: Correct, we're assigned our professors and class schedules for each semester.

I'd say most of our class was able to earn grades they were happy with. One thing you realize very early on in nursing school is that the grading scale and its meaning are different than liberal arts degrees where anything less than an A is a poor grade. For example - on our Kaplan standardized tests, which were considered predictive of our ability to pass the NCLEX, scores above 65 percent were considered passing. Getting scores in the 80s was seen as quite good.

Everyone copes with stress in their own way, so it's important for you to develop study habits that work for YOU. The way I studied would not work for my classmates and vice versa. It's unfortunately a matter of trial and error in the beginning, which might lead to a few sour grades. But as long as you pick yourself up and carry on there's really no reason why you can't succeed in this program.

A good professor will help out immensely, of course, but if you have strong study habits and the ability to discern the IMPORTANT (read: testable) information from the extra details you'll do just fine. The majority of my cohort passed our exit HESI on the first try, and only two (I believe) were unable to pass the second attempt.

Let me know if this answers your question fully!

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Hi SnowboardNW,

The final semester is intense. I will say that you will surprise yourself in how well you adapt though. Each semester gets more intense, but you also get better at it. Work hard, keep your head up, and remember to enjoy the ride. Also, I have lots of textbooks, cap and gown for sale. All highly discounted. Feel free to private message me.

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Hi! I'm wondering how those of you who completed the FIU AOBSN program have fared after graduation? Were you successful in finding satisfying jobs? Do you feel that the program prepared you adequately? Did FIU assist at all with job placement or counseling?

I've submitted my application and am anxiously awaiting an admissions decision! Any info you can share regarding your experience in the program and after would be appreciated!

Thanks!

andrea

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3 hours ago, Drea824 said:

Hi! I'm wondering how those of you who completed the FIU AOBSN program have fared after graduation? Were you successful in finding satisfying jobs? Do you feel that the program prepared you adequately? Did FIU assist at all with job placement or counseling?

I've submitted my application and am anxiously awaiting an admissions decision! Any info you can share regarding your experience in the program and after would be appreciated!

Thanks!

andrea

Hello!

I can’t speak for everyone in my cohort, but there have been quite a few of us who found work immediately after graduation. For me, I landed a nurse residency at a large regional hospital about two months after graduating. The interview was set up before I even sat for the boards.

One thing that became immediately apparent upon hitting the floor is that school nursing is extremely different from the real world haha. There are a ton of little things you pick up on the job that are necessary to be an excellent nurse. School gives you the basics: how not to kill your patient, a general understanding of their illness, and the methods you’ll use to care for them.

As far as advice goes, just STAY CALM and know you’re doing just fine. If our lazy butts can get through this program and find jobs, you can too. Find a few good friends in the group and keep each other motivated. The rest will come with time. Good luck!

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21 hours ago, Drea824 said:

Hi! I'm wondering how those of you who completed the FIU AOBSN program have fared after graduation? Were you successful in finding satisfying jobs? Do you feel that the program prepared you adequately? Did FIU assist at all with job placement or counseling?

I've submitted my application and am anxiously awaiting an admissions decision! Any info you can share regarding your experience in the program and after would be appreciated!

Thanks!

andrea

Great questions Andrea and I wish you good luck! I was able to land a job before graduating in December as part of a Nurse Residency. I do advise you to start the job search as early as 6 months before graduation. You can begin scoping out different places you're interested in and add their deadlines to your calendar. Begin asking for LORs around the same time. The College of Nursing does bring in different speakers and reps from hospitals from time to time, but you need to be actively networking.

I believe you get as much as you put into the program. It can all feel overwhelming and just exhausting, but take time to do things that bring you joy. Surround yourself with good people and most of all cheer yourself on! You got yourself this far for good reason and you will be prepared for the next step in your nursing journey.

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@Gram Stain and @yasyfay101, thank you for your insight and advice! And congratulations on the swift job placement! I feel up to the challenge, and mostly I'm excited to get started. Fingers crossed for good news soon.

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You're welcome!! Yes, you got this : )

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