Second Degree in Nursing-But I need to work

elkpark · Mar 10, 2014

The whole point of accelerated BSN programs is that they are all of the nursing content and clinical experience of a standard, traditional BSN program shoehorned into a significantly shorter amount of time. These programs are v. intense, rigorous, and demanding (a friend of mine who went through an ABSN program described it as amounting to, basically, 16 hr days, six days a week, for a full year). Even non-accelerated nursing programs are roughly the equivalent of a full-time job; how prepared do you feel to hold down two full-time jobs simultaneously (and function adequately at both?) Most of the programs recommend that you not work at all while you're in the program, let alone full-time. I'm sure there's someone "out there" who managed to complete a program while working full-time, but it's certainly not the norm.

Have you considered looking into "regular" (non-accelerated) nursing programs? That would take you longer to complete, but working while you're in school would be a more workable plan.

Whether or not you can take prereqs online (and whether any theory courses are offered online) would be up to the individual school.

Best wishes for your journey.

iPink, BSN, RN · Mar 11, 2014

The accelerated BSN program I graduated from (almost 2 years ago) started a part-time route that was still quicker than the traditional 4-year program. You completed your BSN in 2 years and classes are held in the evening. My advice is doing a search in your area. If there are absolutely no other options, you may want to look at ASN/ADN programs. They are cheaper and at least you can continue to work.

You know what you can and can't handle. There were the few classmates of mine who continued to work while in the program and still graduated with honors. However, they didn't have children to take care of either.

All the best.

akulahawkRN, ADN, RN, EMT-P · Mar 11, 2014

While I'm sure it's possible for someone to work full-time in an ABSN program, a LOT of factors would all have to align just right to allow it to happen without too much difficulty. I'm in a ADN program and I also have a 1st Bachelors. The very semester that I was accepted into the ADN program, the BSN and ABSN programs also became available to 2nd Bachelors students. In other words, I didn't have that choice. That being said, I still have to work full-time while going to school and raising a family.

While I could imagine doing an "accelerated" 4 semester program that goes straight through in 16 months, I couldn't imagine doing an ABSN program that goes through the same material in just 1 year while working and raising a family.

Another way to look at an ABSN program is a normal program is, say 48 Units long, 12 per Semester. An ABSN program is the equivalent of 16 Units/Semester for 3 Semesters. That's not insignificant. That's basically a 5 day/week "job" all year long.

For a single mother that must work while in school, I would suggest looking at either traditional length programs or find someone that can provide childcare while you're in school. In any case, you'll also need to ensure that work can accommodate your school schedule as the school will NOT accommodate your work schedule. If your employer will allow you to study while at work, that is pure gravy because you'll shave a significant amount of time from your study time at home.

Look into student grants, fee waivers, scholarships, and loans to try to offset the overall cost. The ABSN programs near me are run by the University's Nursing Department but are funded as a University Extension program, so students pay the entire $700+/unit cost for the program courses themselves. The students can take their UDGE courses required for graduation like any other student, so their per-unit cost is a LOT lower. Because I wouldn't have been able to work during the program, the entire cost for me to attend an ABSN program here would have been about $60k, including living expenses. Getting some of those things covered by grants and such can make a HUGE difference in overall cost, so look into them as funding sources.

As others have said, only you know if you can handle the academic/clinical/job workload while juggling the needs of the family. Only you can decide to go for such a challenge or not. Is it possible? For some people it is. For others, it isn't. Gather and evaluate all the information against your own particular situation and see if it's something you can do.

I wish you all the best, and success in whatever path you take to achieve your goals.