Accelerated BSN Advice

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Hi everyone,

I will be starting a 15-month accelerated BSN program in May and I am so nervous and excited at the same time! I was wondering if any of you who are currently in an ABSN program or have graduated from one could give me some advice about time management, staying sane, or just anything else in general that you think I should know to prepare myself...

Thanks so much!

I got in to mine yesterday, it's 15 months and we start in May. Orientation in April 10! Just got my immunizations today, so I can register immediately after orientation.

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I got in to mine yesterday, it's 15 months and we start in May. Orientation in April 10! Just got my immunizations today, so I can register immediately after orientation.

Congratulations:)

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First of all, congratulations on starting nursing school soon! It's a wild ride, but a worthwhile one.

I'm currently in an accelerated BSN program - I graduate in August (mine was a May starter, too). I know every program is different, but here are my best words of advice:

1. Study groups are such a huge help! I found two other girls who are good students and hard workers, and my exam grades are consistently higher when I study with them vs. studying on my own. Plus, they are two of my closest friends now

2. Voice recorders, if your school allows them, are also huge helps - I pick up "hidden" exam questions when I listen to lectures over again, and it helps me to learn the material overall.

3. Have a good support system in place, both emotionally and financially. There will definitely be times that test your strength, and it's good to know that the tuition can be paid... and that you have people who are rooting for you and providing emotional support.

4. Study your material every day - really helps reduce the "cram" factor when exams come around.

5. A good organizer/planner, preferably one you can see a month at a time (over a page or two), is a huge help - helps you to see what is coming up, what needs to be priority now, etc. Also, a rolling backpack helps save your back! Those books are HEAVY.

6. Since getting into our program was so competitive, every student was accustomed to being the top of their class. There's an intense drive among the students to be "the best", which means that we can be some of the best students... and also the most neurotic. Other students in ABSN programs have experienced this, and you may or may not, but if you have perfectionistic tendencies like I do, just remember: aim high and do your best, but don't make yourself crazy.

7. Have an open mind when you go into your clinicals! You may find an area you never expected to enjoy become your favorite.

8. Finally, take care of yourself as much as possible: intense programs like these can make your health take the back burner, but it's important to eat well and take care of your body. I find that when I make time to get SOME kind of exercise and eat fresh foods (versus vending machine fare), I feel better, and I learn better, too.

Hope this helps! Feel free to PM me if you have any questions - good luck!

A

Annabelle~

Thank you so much for taking the time to post this...I will be starting a 13 months ABSN program in May and find myself anxious about it--even wondering if/how I will be able to tackle this while balancing a husband and two very small children.

I really appreciate the advice. You have some great ideas.

C.

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Specializes in L& D, High Risk Antepartum.

I graduate from a 16 month ABSN program in May. It requires hard work and time management. I also have a family. A husband and 3 kids 5, 3, 7 weeks. It has been difficult but having a schedule and a plan for when I am going to study and when I will devote time to the kids has been essential.

I have one really good friend that I study with and we compare what we see and hear in class and that is wonderful to make sure you didn't miss anything.

It is difficult with small children but it can be done.

A.

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Hello everyone, I am interested in the accelerated nursing program. I would like to know if anyone can give some advice on to which school might be better to apply.

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Specializes in Government.

To the OP: I am an accelerated BSN grad from 21 years ago. Kinda makes me feel like a pioneer!

I didn't have to work since I had saved for 10 years to make this happen. I wish I had known:

1. All the grade grubbing and GPA craziness amounted to nothing after the fact. Maybe my class was just insane.

2. Keep yourself open to all the clinical possibilities. NONE of my classmates who went into the program with a pre-set idea about specialty ended up in it.

3. Don't let the dynamics of your class get to you. Emotions can be so high in these programs but the day you graduate, it's a whole new world.

Best wishes to you!

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Study with the NCLEX in mind - the NCLEX and RN practice are different.

I am a graduate of accelerated program - wish I spent more time prepping for certification! Much of the rest you will learn when you get a job.

Saunder's Review is good. Try to enjoy the process of learning - know your learning style! Are you visual? Auditory? Does it help to recopy your lecture notes more than it does to tutor a classmate? Do you record the lecture and listen or do you do better reading the textbook?

Pretty fundamental, but many students never think it over.

And remember, every cohort or class has a distinct personality and dynamic. Don't be bummed if you happen to be stuck with people who can't really aid you in studying. No reflection on you - just the way it is.

good luck. Congrats on choosing a fab field!!

:mnnnrsngrk:

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