I am in semester 2 of a 4 semester Accelerated BSN program. Right now I am kicking myself for not applying to the ADN program at my local CC. The more I learn, the more I feel like I am spinning my wheels with classes like Nursing Research and Theory. I am beginning to see that the BS in BSN does not only stand for bachelor of science (bad me - )!
I am seriously considering applying to transfer to the ADN program after this semester is over. If I do this, I will have about $20,000 less in student loans, a great deal less stress and heartache, a life for the next year, and an RN either way! From what I can gather, depending on when they schedule the classes that I will need to finish the ADN program, I will either finish at the same time or maybe one semester late if they do not offer the classes I need in the summer.
Now a bit about my reasons for looking into this. It is not grade related. I have a 4.0 currently and at worst I will finish this semester with one or 2 B's and the rest A's. I have no problem succeeding in this program - but at what cost? Since starting this program, I have injured my knee twice (not necessarily related to the program), been sick several times, and the migraines that I have not suffered from in years are back and kicking. My house looks like a tornado came through it, and the dust bunnies are taking over. I often emerge from my study coma to wonder who that handsome man in my living room is, then realize it is my husband! I own a horse who no longer remembers what I look like, and I recently sold another horse who I bred and raised from birth becuase I did not have time for her and it is not fair to ask my husband to do more than he already is (he works FT and is in school PT working on an associates in business). We don't have kids yet, but would like to someday soon, except that you have to actually have a relationship with your spouse for that to happen!!!
I am committed to becoming an RN, I am just doubting my judgment on the route to get there. Has anyone done this, or do you have any advice for me?? What do you think??
I haven't gotten a B in 10 years. I am gonna aim for a 3.9 in nursing school, but if I get my RN with all C's I'm still gonna strut across that stage at graduation like a summa cum laude Phi Beta Kappa!
Slightly off topic, but did you know that Phi Beta Kappa doesn't permit any of the 'occupational majors' to join? There are no pre-meds or nursing students in Phi Beta Kappa. You have to have a major that is just for the 'love of learning and advancing knowledge for its own sake' and not an occupational major. I found that interesting. But I do get your point! I plan on keeping my stellar GPA in order to get into a nursing program. But after I'm in...HA! I'll work hard, but not sacrifice my health or sanity for the perfect 4.0. Life is too short for that kind of stress.
I love the little calvin with his brain falling out - thats how nursing school makes you feel - no matter where you are.
finding a balance is the key. If too much of your time is devoted to school to get A's and it's making your spouse (and you) miserable, then devote less time and energy to school and get B's. Shift the balance.
Look how fast the past 6 mos have gone by. The next 6 will all be over so fast it will make your head swim.
I averaged 13 hours a semester through my grad program. Why? I just decided to bite the bullet and suck it up because getting it over with quickly mattered to me - but I told myself going in, I was NOT shooting for all A's. I had to purposefully NOT care about that 4.0.
Thank you all for your honest opinions, this is what I need to hear. I have gone back and forth on this so many times! On one hand, I have under a year to go in my current program - so just suck it up, right! And I have totally gotten over trying for straight A's - B's are F I N E by me! The problem with C's in this program is if you get more than one, you are out of the program. With the 2nd C they switch you to the traditional track and you are out of the accelerated program - so I can't slack too much!
I keep going back to the money. $20 grand is nothing to sneeze at. Especially when I do not plan on going into mgt, at least not anytime soon. Our plan is to pay off the loan in my first year working, since we are surviving fine on hubby's pay. Then year 2 we pay off debt (credit cards, etc). After that, we are all set financially and can start making baby plans! With 20,000 less in debt, our whole plan moves up by a year or so, and neither of us is getting any younger! BTW, my hubby is only taking one class this semester. He is just starting out at age 36 so I did not want him to stop completely since he has so long to go, especially part time! He already takes care of the housework necessities: laundary, cooking, dishes, taking care of dogs, cats, and horses. The rest, dust bunnies included, lies in wait!
I plan on at least going to talk to the counselor for the CC program, and my current clinical instructor who used to teach there and now the instructor for my accel. program. I know she will try to talk me into staying, but I probably need to hear what she has to say too.
*sigh*. I guess a 'C' is the new 'F.' I've never received a 'C' but mentally I use it as a stress relief. You know...the world wouldn't end if I got a 'C.'
I think the 2 C rule is ridiculous also. In our summer session we would giggle and write C = RN on the chalk board before every dosage test, until someone clued us in about this rule! Sure, you could continue on in the traditional program, but not many of us would do so. Personally I would go to a public school rather than stay there and pay private school tuition! I am saving my C for the 2nd installment of Med-Surg next semester. The one this semester is bad enough, I hear part 2 only gets worse!
)! 
Lisa CCU RN, RN
1,531 Posts
I don't think transferring will do anything for the stress you are under right now.
Have you read the other threads on this board? Nursing school is stressful no matter what.
You will graduate with less debt and sooner with the ADN if you can even transfer that is.
You have to decide which is best for you, but don't think the ADN will be less stressful.