So...how much sleep did you really get during your accelerated BSN program?

[nsm1639]

I'm about to start a 15-month accelerated BSN program in the summer. The curriculum is 4 semesters long, with each semester consisting of 14-17 units. The semester schedule for the ABSN program at this institution actually looks identical to the schedule for their traditional BSN, with the only difference being that the ABSN program utilizes the summer breaks (as opposed to the traditional BSN getting their summers off). By no means was I a straight-A student in my previous undergrad degree, not even in my prerequisite courses. (I earned B's and even a C in one of them) I do NOT consider myself a particularly "fast" learner. English is my second language so I tend to be on the slower side when it comes to reading. The thing that worries me the most is about getting through the program is sleep. Ideally, I need 8 hours of sleep to function, 7 being minimum. I start falling apart when I get less than 7 hours of sleep. But from what I've read on this website, it seems like like getting 7-8 hours of sleep on a regular basis is almost impossible in nursing school, let alone an accelerated program. What do you think? Did anybody survive an ABSN program without losing their sanity from the lack of sleep?

[verene, MSN]

Currently in an ABSN program. Typically get 8 hours a night. I could spend more time studying, or having time with my family, or anything really, but I prioritize sleep as I can't function with out it.

[NICU Guy, BSN, RN]

The amount of sleep depends on the student and their ability to learn the material, the trust in themselves that they know the material, and family situation. I had classmates that struggled and spent many hours studying and not getting much sleep. Another classmate knew the material, but didn't trust herself and overstudied for tests and didn't get much sleep before tests. She was an A student despite being counterproductive with her lack of sleep before tests. Some ABSN students have kids and spend time with them and study after the kids go to bed causing late night study sessions.

[FutureNurseInfo]

I will be applying to ABSN programs soon and I also have read a ton of stuff on here. All I know is sleep is important. So, whatever you will have to do, make sure you get enough sleep.

[RNNPICU, BSN, RN]

Most of it will depend on how you study and what other responsibilities you have outside of nursing school. An accelerated program moves fast and there is a ton of material to learn. I started off in an accelerated program but because I needed to work full-time it did nto work for me, so I had to cut back on school and balance that. Even in the regular paced program I remember one semester towards the end I was talking on the phone with my friend and fell asleep mid-sentence, it wasn't even 8pm!!

But truly sleep will depend on the week, the amount of course work each semester, especially once your clinical start and you are preparing work the night before. If you come up with a good game plan and are organized about it you should get some sleep. Just make sure to let friends and family know that you may not be available for many many things so when you can attend it is a nice surprise and when you don't you are not disappointing anyone.