Should I complete my BSN in 3 years?

Published

Hello I am currently a senior in high school and I have been directly accepted to the Nursing program at the university. I will begin this coming fall of 2013. I am already ahead because of dual enrollment and college credit so I will be able to get my BSN a semester early. The advisor told me that i could do all my prequisites in one year if I took summer classes but that would mean that i would have to take 2 lab sciences together during my first year as a freshmen in college. She said it would be risky because my gpa could go down if i piled on too many science classes with labs my first year. Should i still do it for the sake of graduating early or should i take my time The lab sciences would be bio 201 and 202. Intro to chem and Anatomy and physiology. I could take some of them this coming summer and do 2 of those during the school year, I just want to get out into the workforce quickly and go back to school to become a pediatric nurse practicioner.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ER/ICU/STICU.

As a high school student going into your first year of college I would recommend you take your time. I know you have taken some classes that give you college credit, but the college courses can be more difficult. The science courses with labs can be tough and time consuming when taking one at a time.

In my opinion, graduating one semester early is not that big of a deal. I wouldn't sacrifice your GPA to get out a little early, especially if you plan on going back into a Master's program for NP where your GPA will be used as a determinant of your acceptance into a program. You are young so take your time. By getting into a Nursing program immediately out of high school has already put you way ahead of the game. Just take your time and focus on your studies and keeping your GPA as high as you can.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Nursing Professional Development.

Unless your financial situation really requires that you get through quickly (which I don't see as the major consideration in your post), I also recommend taking your time a little. It will give you time to mature ... and time to really learn the material and let it "sink in" so that you can apply it when you get to start actually "nursing."

Sure, you can race through and pass the tests ... but having the time to spend volunteering at a hospital or getting your CNA license and working part time while you go to school may be far more valuable to you in the long run. You'll be in a better position to get a good job and you will be better prepared to succeed in that job with a little experience under your belt than you will with being a year younger with no experience.

Good luck with whatever you decide.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in NICU.

If your goal is NP then you need to do what it takes to preserve your GPA. When applying to Master's programs, they look at GPA not that you finished in 3 yrs. You will regret trying to fly through your BSN and end up with a lower GPA than if you took your time.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ER trauma, ICU - trauma, neuro surgical.

I agree. Graduating early won't offer any more success than graduating in 4 years. Enjoy your time in college! College is about experiencing life...football games, friends, road trips, greek life, student government, bad decisions. I think the only thing you will get from graduating a semester early is bragging rights. It won't mean squat if your grades are average. You are already ahead of the game...no need to rush it. After school is done and you are going to work day in and day out, you will miss the college days....enjoy it. I've give anything to be back in college with the Ramen noodles and marker all over my face the morning after the Delta Gamma mixer.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion