Scared of ABSN

Nurses General Nursing

Published

Hi, my name is Alex.

Throughout my undergrad, I have always done well (3.92) because I thought i wanted to go to med school. Over the past few months, my dreams have changed and I took a more serious look at nursing.

Right now, I'm torn between going through the Accelerated BSN (ABSN) or doing the traditional 2 years to get my BSN.

I also want to keep my options open as far as applying for CRNA school or Nurse Practioner. However, I am afraid that my GPA might sink because there is less time preparing for the courses.

The only pro that the ABSN offers is that it's a quick 14-months of no life.

Any suggestions would help greatly! Thanks.

I'm afraid you are the only one who can really answer this for you: if high grades are a high priority (because you expect to eventually enter a CRNA or NP program) AND you think they'll suffer too much in an accelerated program, perhaps your best bet is to go the slower route.

If, OTOH, you have a pretty good idea you CAN keep up the grades sufficiently to not have it be a problem later, then getting through the BSN faster might be very appealing.

We can make suggestions, but unfortunately we don't know you or your school habits enough to be really effective. We'd just be guessing.

For what it's worth, you can expect to put some significant time in as a working RN before going into either program: most will seek experienced candidates, and CRNA programs typically look for critical care experience as well. So no matter what, you're going to be spending some time before getting those advanced designations.

Best of luck to you!!

I think i have good study habits. I guess I like the feeling of being confident going into a test when you have enough time to study for it rather than being rush. However 14 absn months just seems so juicy.

Sounds like you'll be fine. You may have to tweak the pace you're accustomed to, but if you can manage a 14 month program, it certainly get you on your way quicker. Like I said, you'll have to invest time once you have an RN license before going on to an advanced license, but all that comes sooner the sooner you start! :)

Specializes in SRNA.

Factor in the reasons why it may be 14 months also...is it partly because the program runs through the summer months without a break? That doesn't necessarily make the courses more difficult if that's the case. My program was 16 months and was just 4 traditional semesters, including the summer and it wasn't so bad.

Specializes in L&D.

I'm not in an ABSN program, I am in a direct entry master's program. Our first 15 months is spent getting the RN, and so far it has been very manageable. Yes, it is faster than you're used to - but if you manage your time well, there is no reason not to get good grades.

I would say that the people in our program who have struggled a little bit are the ones who don't possess good time management abilities, or who place their priorities on things other than school. If you are focused and plan your time well, I don't think you'll have a problem with grades. Especially if you've got a 3.92 while doing med school prerequisites.

Good luck deciding!

Specializes in L&D, OB Triage.

I'm in an ABSN program right now. The pace is exceedingly fast, but doable. I have a 4.0 so far (after 2 classes, waiting for the grade from the third). Somedays I feel like I don't know whether I'm coming or going, but I attribute that to the fact that I took 3 semester long courses during the summer. I'm sure fall semester will slip into normal pace. Anyway, I like it because I can get my degree done quickly because like you, I WAS thinking about CRNA....I have changed my plans now, but at least I'll be done next summer.

My only complaint about my program is that they seem a little disorganized, so try to find a program that's been around for a bit and has most of the wrinkles ironed out....

Thank you all for your responses. I am still unsure about my split decisions but I'm sure i'll have some guidance to help me through it.

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