I didn't really know where to put this thread...I have heard some pretty negative things about Accelerated (second degree) nursing programs. Things like they are really tough, leave you unprepared etc. I am starting one soon and am beginning to really get freaked out . I'm starting to think that going to a community college might be better. Are accelerated programs really too much to handle? My program is 18-months long so not too short but they still expect you not to work. Is this an impossible feat?! And also do I really need to be good at science to be a good nurse????
Marie_LPN, RN, LPN, RN 12,126 Posts Specializes in 5 yrs OR, ASU Pre-Op 2 yr. ER. Jun 16, 2005 I would think that if you had to work while you went to school that an accelerated program would be too much.People will post their experiences here, but ultimately only you will know if it'll be too much for you.
GrnHonu99, RN 1,459 Posts Specializes in Neuro, Critical Care. Jun 16, 2005 I am in an accelerated masters of nursing program for students with unrelated bachelors degrees (mine is in psych). My program is 15 months long and VERY DEMANDING! In no way would I EVER say that my program leaves me unprepared! 18 months strait isnt much different from the 2 year programs that have 2 summers off! If you added two summer semesters into your program wouldnt that be somewhere around 22-24 months?There are several ladies in my program that have kids, take two or three other classes at another college and have a part time job...they are gettting strait A's, and our program is TOUGH! I am in my primary nursing school about 40 hours a week and im taking two classes at my local CC AP2 and Micro (just finishing up)..im there about 10-15 hours a week...in addition I study about 30-40 hours a week outside of class...it's hard but i do it! I dont work but if i didnt have the two extra classes I could prob. do it. Its all about you personally, id say dont work at first until you know where YOU stand with the amount of work, etc. Just dont get behind and always always always keep a positive attitude..ie...DONT EVER THINK YOU CANT DO IT!...the more you think it, the more likely you will buckle..if you stay focused and work hard you can do almost anything...good luck!|
laurik 5 Posts Jun 16, 2005 You can do it!! I will soon be graduating from an accelerated program in August (10 weeks to go). Our program is only 12 months long and at the end I will have a BSN in addition to my previous bachelor's degree. It has been a busy year and I wouldn't suggest that you work if at all possible.Accelerated programs are intense and exhausting at times, but it is totally worth it. Why not just set your mind to it and get it done. I by no means feel that I will be unprepared and I don't think my classmates feel that way either. You recieve the same content as traditional programs, just at a faster pace. GO FOR IT AND BE CONFIDENT!!Best of Luck.
seneca-BSN-student 37 Posts Jun 17, 2005 I'm starting my accelerated BSN program in September. I will also be working full-time (no choice :uhoh21: ). Mine is kind of different though, because most of time I will be taking only one course. I will constantly be taking one class after another (six or twelve weeks at a time) until December 2008. Then I'll graduate! I'm pretty scared though...just like you. You can do it! Lots of luck...
DRIVERRN 19 Posts Jun 17, 2005 As an RN from a Diploma program graduated 1970, I have some advice to offer. Get a job at a hospital on a Med-Surg floor and stick with it for at least a year. You will then have the clinical skills you need to be a nurse. We need you. We need you to be a competant caring patient care advocate to replace all of us "oldtimers" who will retire all at the same time in less than 10 years. Good Luck!
lady_jezebel 548 Posts Jun 17, 2005 I didn't really know where to put this thread...I have heard some pretty negative things about Accelerated (second degree) nursing programs. Things like they are really tough, leave you unprepared etc. I am starting one soon and am beginning to really get freaked out . I'm starting to think that going to a community college might be better. Are accelerated programs really too much to handle? My program is 18-months long so not too short but they still expect you not to work. Is this an impossible feat?! And also do I really need to be good at science to be a good nurse????You'll be fine. You learn the basics in school & the rest on the job. The degree just gets you in the door -- the real learning starts later. There are excellent & sub-par nurses from all the types of programs -- diploma, ADN, BSN, accelerated BSN. The type of nurse you'll be depends on what you put into it. I think 18 months is sufficient, honestly -- I did a second degree 24 month program (it's all they had at the time), and STILL felt that some of it was silly "busy" work -- and I was able to jump right in on the job & prove myself. An 18 month program may trim it down to exactly what you need to know to be a good nurse.
Sweetpea00 29 Posts Jun 17, 2005 I wouldn't consider 18 months accelerated....all the regular nursing programs I know of are typically 18 months...5 semesters...so I'm sure you can do and continue to work!
