Should I do an accelerated nursing program or a traditional one?

[Missashley]

I am currently only 6 classes away from having my bachelors degree in business management, however I always wanted to do nursing. I have completed almost all the pre reqs to get into the nursing program. The reason why I switched my major is because I hear so many horror stories of people failing out of nursing school and it scares me soo much. I know a handful of them that have failed out (some even failed out twice). I realized that I can't live my life being afraid to do something I've always wanted to do. I honestly could not picture myself doing anything else besides being a nurse. The situation that I am stuck in now is.. Do I finish my degree and try to get into an accelerated program? Or do I do the traditional program? Can anyone tell me about accelerated nursing programs? How intense is it and is it worth it?? Btw I'm 25 years old.

[vanessaem, BSN, RN]

It depends on on you. Now if you get your degree, traditional programs might push you into the accelerated program. Since you're almost done, you should probably take this route. The pro is that you finish school much quicker. The con is that things are fast paced and it feels like your head is spinning most of the time . I just graduated December '13 from a 15-month, accelerated program. Let me tell you, it was tough but I made it and you can too. Nursing will be my second career so basically I'm starting over. In my undergrad days, I was not a very good student and I was worried if I could do a program like this but I did and I did well.

Whether you're in a traditional program or an accelerated one, not only passing but doing well in the program is possible if you focus and make nursing school your top priority if you can. There were people in my class who had children, full time and part-time jobs and were able to make it work. You just have to use good time management when it comes to your studies. Please don't be concerned about flunking out. There were times during school I felt like giving up but the thought of what I had accomplished and what was left to accomplish got me through. You should go into nursing school with the mindset that your will pass and you will if you be positive and know what's important.

[ambb1993]

Accelerated programs allow no time for work. I attend Rutgers and they told me that if you do the accelerated program, do not expect to be able to work as much as you expect. Traditional is always safe and steady.