Don't Know What to Expect?

1. Hello, my name is Kristin, I am 21 years old and will be graduating in May with a degree in Psychology. In the fall I will be attending nursing school in Philadelphia. It is a one year program and will recieve a BSN. I don't know of anyone who has done a program like this before. I am very anxious and nervous. I have no idea what to expect, like the work load or hours of studying. Does anyone know anything about this type of program or is going through it right now?
   
   Kristin
2. 

   About kaolivo

   Joined: Apr '02; Posts: 6

   11 Comments

   Topic Closed
3. 
   Apr 16, '02

   Is it by chance Thomas Jefferson University? I was thinking of doing my RN to BSN there. Sorry I don't have any info or experience for you, just curiosity!
4. 
   Apr 16, '02

   A one year program to BSN? Really? What am I missing here? I'm curious too!
   Julie
5. 
   Apr 16, '02

   The one year program is at Hahnemann University in Philadelphia. It goes fall, winter, spring and summer. I think I graduate in August sometime. Right now I'm finishing up with some pre-reqs, since I didn't have much biology. I believe Jefferson has this program too, not sure though. Well, thanks for the replies.
   Kristin
6. 
   Apr 16, '02

   I am not familiar with your program but I can share my experience in my Bridge program. First, if you can, I would try to get certified as a nursing assistant. It will help you with simple things like baths, bed changes, personal care which are part of fundamentals.
   Be prepared to learn a large volume of material in a short period of time. Don't beat yourself up if you don't read every single page of the assigned readings. For me, the readings supplement the lecture notes. Get a good NCLEX prep book. You can do practice questions for your tests. I have Lippincotts and use it to study for my pathophys exams.
   Take time for yourself. I treat myself and it helps me stay in touch with reality.
   Take a deep breath and be ready for an adventure!
7. 
   Apr 16, '02

   Bonnie Blue, thanks so much for the advice.
8. 
   Apr 16, '02

   Juile, yep there is a one year program for the BSN. They have at my school the traditional four year program and then the one year accelerated option program which leads to the BSN. In order to be in the one year program you must already have a bachelor's degree in another field.
   
   I knew several Students at my school who went through it and according to many of them 95% of the class regretted doing the program because they felt it was so intensive, so quick and they did not learn very much. Many said if they had to do it over again they would have gone for the associate's or through the traditional program.
   
   According to my friends who went through the program they Anyone that goes through it must be ready to study EVERY night for at least 4 hours and can NOT even think about working not even on the weekend.
9. 
   Apr 17, '02

   Wow...
   I had never heard of such! Cool idea, though!
   Julie
10. 
    Apr 27, '02

    Kristen- (and others)
    I'm going to be starting the accelerated BSN program at Thomas Jefferson, also in Philadelphia, starting June 3rd. When I read your post I was hoping you were talking about Jefferson's program too! I applied to Hahnneman as well but just ended up opting for Jefferson. I'm a bit nervous and uncertain too, about what to expect.... Good luck to you!
    Louise
11. 
    Apr 28, '02

    ljb, Glad to hear you are going for the one year program as well. Please let me know how it is. I am starting at the end of August, I'm so nervous. Good luck with everything.
    Kristin
12. 
    Apr 29, '02

    Hi! I just found this site tonight so I'm new at this! I'm starting an accelerated program at Jefferson so I was excited to see the posts from you guys also in the Philadelphia area. I'm graduating with a biology degree in May and then starting the nursing program in Sept (it's the 2 year one though-for people with an undergrad degree). I'm excited but yet also nervous about what to expect and everything. Talk to you soon!
    Nikki
13. 
    Apr 29, '02

    Kristin,
    I don't know how many science classes you get in a psyche degree. I went back to school in 1995. I graduated in 1984 with a B.S. in Business Administration. I had always wanted to be a nurse or a pt so I started nights in 1995 and took the required prereq sciences, bio, A&P 1 and 2, Chemistry and Microbiology. I worked 30 hours a week while I did this as a single mom. When it came time to go to Nursing School, I could have opted for a two year degree to get an associate or 3 years to get a BSN. I don't know how you possibly obtain a BSN in one year and learn the material and skills you need. I graduated last May, and I am glad I had the three years because I was able to study the material, digest it and experience all the different clinical experiences. Believe me, I was nervous too, I was 35 going back. I was the oldest in my class. I would not recommend what you are planning to do. Nursing is a very stressful job and very very different from school. Once your on your own, you are the nurse, you develop the plan, it is your license, you have to talk to the patients and the family. I understand you wanting to get "it over with", but you are doing yourself a disservice by pursuing this path. My transition was tough and I am now 39, I have a lot of life experience to draw on. Don't be too tough on yourself. Give yourself time to absorb your material and still have a life. You are so young. Don't rush it through. If you want to be a nurse, you are obviously a special person, take care of yourself, and give yourself time to get through the program. If it takes two years or three, it really doesn't matter. but don't burn out before you start.

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