Thoughts on Accelerated BSN programs?

live4rachael · Mar 26, 2010

I'm about to graduate from one while being married, with a 2 1/2 year old, and working 20 hours a week as a student tech. Definitely hasn't been easy but well worth it.

anurseatlast · Mar 26, 2010

I did a 14m accelerated program. I was a non-traditional student. I was 51 when I graduated. I loved it! It is intense but you learn so much every week. I was very glad I did it - I think I would have been bored with a slower program. They tell you not to work which would be great but as a single mom, I had to as did some of my classmates. Your jobs will have to fit around your school schedule. Get your school stuff organized in the beginning - find a system for keeping track of all your assignments, tests, pre-clinicals, etc. Find someone to be your cheerleader for days you are stressed. Know why you are doing it (writing it down so you have it to look at when you are discouraged is a great idea.) I found a study partner to be a big help - but it has to be the right person. We talked through things we found confusing, studied for tests, and encouraged each other. We also had a study group before tests with a couple other students. We were open to others coming to study with us as long as they were serious about studying. Find someone to proofread your papers.

The great thing about accelerated programs is that they are short! You can do anything (well, most things!) for a year. It will all be worth it when you sign RN after your name for the first time!

damaranicole · Mar 26, 2010

Luckily I won't have to work, thanks to my husband. However, I do worry about neglecting my son. I just don't want to be at school all day long, and sometimes night, and then doing homework all night and all weekend. Was that your experiences? The advisor told me that accelerated programs are great if you can kind of keep your life on hold. Having a 2 1/2 year old, I would think that they wouldn't really remember that mommy wasn't at home a lot because of school, but mine is 11 and still at the age where he kind of wants to hang out with me, ya know? So, that's my biggest concern.

Purple_Scrubs, BSN, RN · Mar 26, 2010

I do not have kids but am/was married when I went through my accelerated program. One of my classmates had 2 kids and was one of the wisest people I know. She said on many occasions that time with her family is non-negotiable. Meaning, it did not matter what test was tomorrow, or what care plans were due, she set aside a certain amount of time per day to be with her family. Also, weekend days were family time. She did not study on the weekends until the kids went to bed. That might not work for everyone, some people might need a day on the weekends to catch up, but I highly recommend leaving at least one weekend day school-free.

If you are like myself and many of my classmates, you may be an over-achiever who wants nothing but an A. Let that go. A few B's that come because you are unwilling to sacrifice time with you family are insignificant in the long run.

Good luck!

carolinapooh, BSN, RN · Mar 26, 2010

My dad went to school and worked full time. My sister was not quite thirteen and I was not quite three when he started. (Since I'm now just shy of 37, that should tell you how long ago that was!)

Today we talk about what a brave thing that was. Back then, even in the post-Vietnam era, it was just becoming more "normal" for a forty-five year old with four kids to go back to school (we have two older brothers). He completed an AS and a BS and I remember how cool it was to go to his college graduation (I was almost eight at the time). My point is it took him a LOT longer than it will you in an accelerated program and we just accepted that was the way it was. (Oh, and my dad worked shift work besides!)

Kids are more resilient than you think. I for one am very proud of what he did. This is temporary, but the rest of your kids' life is essentially forever (at least in their eyes). Involve the eleven year old as much as you can, and definitely keep promises you make (as much as is possible). But life goes on, and this is a great way for them to see that.