NC ABSN Programs

[Dani2389]

Hello all,

I have a few questions for people who have already been through Accelerated Nursing Programs, particular Duke, UNC-Chapel Hill, or Winston-Salem State's programs. During the programs I know it's recommended not to work but how did you pay for living expenses? Do any programs offer additional funding for living expenses when taking out loans for any of the programs? Also are the programs worth the stress of going through or do you wish you would've went through a traditional program? I am trying to decide on which program I want to apply to or if I even want to do an accelerated program. I just got a job at a hospital as a nursing assistant and don't know if I want to give up if I get accepted to an absn program. Any advice would be wonderful from people who've completed an absn program.

[SnickerSnacker]

Hi Dani2389,

I finish WSSU's ABSN program tomorrow. I also spent one semester in Forsyth Tech's ADN program while I waited to hear if I was accepted into WSSU. The ABSN was definitely right for me -- I can't imagine spending any more time in nursing school right now. I definitely feel prepared for the NCLEX.

I don't know about funding sources at other schools. WSSU has a funding agreement with Baptist Hospital in which some students' tuition, fees, and books are covered. The Robert Wood Johnson program offers some students about $10K for school. (I'm not sure about those numbers, however.) Outside of that, WSSU doesn't offer much in the way of help. Dealing with the financial aid office can be a pain. I recommend the state's forgivable loans for service program (CFNC - Paying For College), which offers $7K a year to ABSN students.

I moved in with family to complete my program. Others took out additional loans. Several of my classmates managed to keep their jobs, although the program recommends against it. I still do some freelance work in my previous field and am PRN at a local hospital. It is doable if not ideal.

I definitely recommend an ABSN program if you can make school your primary focus for the duration, with some caveats. At least at WSSU, the administrators and many instructors do not plan ahead. You will have last minute schedule notifications and changes, sometimes with as little as 20 minutes notice. Authority figures generally do not consider childcare needs, family emergencies, etc. Having been an adult for a decade or two now, it was initially mind-boggling to be treated with such a lack of consideration.

[Dani2389]

Congrats SnickerSnacker on finishing the program! I know you're excited and thank u so much for responding to my post. I am still debating on which program to go for and thank u for the advice. The only hesitation I have about accelerated programs is not being able to work & I don't want to lose my job at the hospital since my son is on my health insurance. But thank u and congrats again!

[SnickerSnacker]

Thanks! If you go to a state school, you can buy student health insurance. It's about $700 a semester for one person -- I'm not sure what it costs for and adult and child. Your employer-based insurance is probably cheaper, however. Good luck in whatever path you choose!