Help! I want to drop out of my accelerated program!

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Help!

I'm in an accelerated program but am thinking of dropping out. I opted for this type of program due to my age and wanting to start a new career. I also thought that I wanted to be in a faster paced program, but now that I am in it, I find it to be a bit overwhelming. I am wondering if another school would allow a transfer from an accelerated program into a regular 2 year program? Do schools do this, or would I have to re-apply and start from the beginning? If so, I assume I would have to let them know that I was previously in an accelerated program-- which would make me "an accelerated program drop out."

I am exhausted and unable to focus right now. I just got back a poorly written assignment that, at the time of submission, thought looked OK. I now realize how bad it was and realize that I must have been more tired than I had thought I was when I was working on it. It took me a long time to complete the assignment, too. It was really bad.

I did OK the first quarter, and am "hanging in there" this term, but I am not sure that I will be able to maintain my grades given the pace and my inability to focus because I am sleep deprived and have been sleep deprived for the past 7 weeks. Perhaps it is my age, or my learning style which takes a bit longer than the demands of the course. I am experiencing two things: stress from the pressure to get good grades and trying to stay on top of the schedule because the program is moving very fast.

I am debating whether or not I should drop out of the quarter with 4 weeks left, or should I finish the term and then withdraw after the grades have been submitted? At least this way I can present myself as having been in good standing.

Can anyone offer any suggestions about SFSU's program and the General Masters for NP program at UCSF? I woluld be interested in other schools. I suspect that UCSF is pretty fast paced. How are the programs at these schools?

Do nursing schools accept people who have withdrawn from another school?

I am feeling frustrated and overwhelmed at the moment. I am also feeling exhausted, but too exhausted to sleep and I have to study for an exam in a couple of days, so I will go back and hit the books, hoping I can retain it all.

Thanks.

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I'm in an accelerated program now. Whats the pace? How many semester or quarter hours are you taking this term? How much longer do you have?

Are there things in your life you could modify to make more time for studying? Friends, significant other, kids, work, TV time lol? My life is COMPLETELY on pause for the duration of this program. It sucks big time. There's been more than one occasion where I've felt like I'm barely hanging on (76 on a medsurg test today). It's def been rough and I mean ROUGH. I have bags under my eyes, I've gained weight, my hair is falling out...it's nuts, but it's only 12 months, temporary.

IDK about your question regarding xferring into a traditional program. I just wanted to see if there were other aspects of your life you could put on hold so that every waking second goes to your ABSN program.

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Your post should be required reading for those who contemplate accelerated programs.

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It's the middle of the second quarter. I have no outside commitments. I want options. I don't know what to do. Thanks for your input.

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People should know what they are getting themselves into. If you ar. Ft Lardner and do well on the quarter system, with ex lent time management skills, and the total drive, than it will work for you. You have to be totally honest with your self. If you are lacking in any of these points I just made, then you should probably opt for a traditional program. I did extremely well under a semester program when I took my prerequisites, however, being in this program is kind of strange. A lot of the professors although very competent nurses andvery nice, are not necessarily good teachers. So you must contend with the teachers shortage in the nursing in school industry. This is difficult if you are expecting a certain level of competence and educational proficiency.I am learning the hard way, and my grades are suffering because of it. Sure, I will get through the program but I would like to have options there after. Because no matter how you put it grades do matter.

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Specializes in Critical care.

My accelerated program lets people drop down to the traditional track pace if need be. Is this an option for you?

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Specializes in Prior military RN/current ICU RN..

Why? Because it is difficult? Anyone who thinks 21 hours a semester of nursing school is "easy" is brain dead. Yes..it is difficult. It was stressful. It was challenging. The OP says she is "sleep deprived" Oh I am sorry is that a surprise? I have been a nurse for 9 years and many YEARS I have been "sleep deprived". I don't get any of this. To the OP. If you want to quit then quit. Not really that complicated. Telling people you are sleep deprived and stressed ..why would anyone care? You don't feel you can do it. It is ok. Some can and some choose to not do it. As far as specifics about other schools you would be wise to not take random people on a message boards ideas (mine included) as to whether "other schools" will accept you. You need to start working..and working hard..to figure out what you are doing. And if you don't want to be "sleep deprived" you need to pick another career.

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Specializes in ICU.

I'm also going to tell you a traditional program is very fast paced. This was my past week. I had to watch 4 hours of videos with worksheets for each video. I also had ATI due for one class Tuesday. I had 2 tests on Friday so I had to study for those after school Tuesday and Wednesday. I had to write a paper for clinical on Thursday. So I fit that in with doing my ATI assignments in med/surg and pharm. Thursday was a 12 hour clinical day at the hospital starting at 6:30am. Reviewed for tests after clinical and do the required reading for med/surg and assignment for after the test. Friday is all day classes from 8-4. Two tests that day. I finally got some sleep last night.

Next week, I have 2 tests again. I have another ATI assignment and paper due for mental health on Tuesday. I have paperwork for that clinical rotation also due. Studying Monday and Wednesday. Clinical all day Thursday and all day class Friday.

I also have my son to take care of, a house to manage, get bills paid. It's not easy and sleep comes and goes. When I'm stressed, my sleep gets all wonky. My point to you is, you really need to investigate other schools and programs and see what is for you. Don't just assume it will be an easy ride in the traditional program.

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