To the accelerated (A-BSN) students: Any regrets?

newbiepnp, MSN, RN, NP, CNS · Jan 24, 2011

As a current ABSN, I'm very happy I made the choice I did. I couldn't imagine doing this taking 2-4 years. Yes it's tough, and sometimes overwhelming, but I'll be done in August, 1 year from the time I started all this. No work to distract me. 100% all school.

Ftr_NurseJackie · Jan 25, 2011

No regrets! We learn at the same pace, it's different b/c we go all summer. We end up with the same amount of clinical hours.

Music in My Heart · Jan 25, 2011

Full disclosure: I went through a direct-entry MSN program.

I have an undergrad. degree, so it seems like more schools would want me to apply to their A-BSN programs.

Yes, that's correct. In fact, many schools will not accept postbaccalaureate students into a BSN program, only into a 2nd-degree program of some sort (ABSN or DEMSN).

However, it just seems like a lot of work and not enough time to actually learn the material. Also, I don't see how you would be able to study that much, since you would also be required to attend clinicals.

For sure, it's a lot of work but I didn't find it difficult to learn the material and I passed the NCLEX with ease (our program has a 100% first-time pass rate and a completion rate of >80%). Nursing school is not conceptually challenging but the pace is unrelenting, especially in an accelerated program, so one must have good study skills and be diligent in their work.

So my question is: do you have any regrets? Do you wish that maybe you could have done the LVN route first and get some experience? Or try to apply to the regular BSN programs?

Nope, no regrets at all. In fact, given how things have turned out with new-grad hiring, I'm glad I got in and got out as quickly as I did. The real learning in nursing happens on the job and in the studying that folks do once they have real patients with whom they can connect the "book learnin'."

LVN route? If one wants to be an RN, I see no point in spending the time and money to pursue an LVN first, particularly given that LVN jobs - at least here in Cali - are largely confined to SNFs and MD offices.

Or are the accelerated BSN programs "just right" in terms of the amount of time given/needed?

I believe that they are. I would have gone crazy if the pace had been too much slower. It just wasn't that hard.

xInspiredx · Jan 25, 2011

^Thank you for the replies everyone!

I definitely feel reassured now.

iPink, BSN, RN · Jan 25, 2011

In my ABSN and I do study a lot, but all the work is doable. Very happy with my decision to take this route.

For some strange reason, I have a feeling you're going to reask this question in the not so distant future.

Purple_Scrubs, BSN, RN · Jan 25, 2011

I graduated from an accelerated BSN program several years ago. I have absolutely no regrets about taking this route. Yes, we have the same number of clinical hours as everyone else. Clinicals are what you make of them...if you are eager to learn, there will be people eager to teach you. Don't be a wallflower, seek opportunities to watch and do. As far as classroom learning, I found the accelerated pace actually easier than my pre reqs which I took one at a time. Since the material builds on prior learning, you don't have as much time to forget. There is also a great deal of overlap so the really important things will be stressed in multiple courses.

I will say this: while I was in the middle of my program, there was a time that I wanted to quit and apply to the local community college's ADN program. I seriously considered it. In fact, almost every person in my cohort admitted to similar thoughts. Do not be surprised if this happens to you. Don't give in, tough it out! The only exception is if you find it impossible to keep your grades up in the accelerated program. Otherwise, suck it up and remember it will be worth it in the end.

ok2bme · Feb 4, 2011

No regrets! It is one of the best choices I have ever made in life...and graduating from an A-BSN program magna cum laude is my proudest accomplishment so far. I am more proud of my education than I am of my license. The condensed cirriculum was intense yet doable. As a new grad, I feel as competent and prepared as my ADN and generic BSN peers. I would recommend this track to anyone who qualifies...good luck with your decision. :up:

jjjoy, LPN · Feb 4, 2011

If you're really concerned about what your experience in the program will be, instead of worrying accelerated 1 yr BSN versus traditional junior-year acceptance 2-yr BSN program, just find out about the actual programs themselves and see if one or another looks like it would be a better fit for you. No one wants to go to a poor quality program, but many people just want to get out of school ASAP and get out there on the job where the real learning begins. In that case, any reputable school will do. For others, they may feel that a certain type of nursing school experience would be a better investment of time and money for them.

Both accelerated and traditional programs may or may not provide a strong clinical foundation. Both accelerated and traditional programs may or may not help students assimilate the tons of information they are being deluged with. Both accelerated and traditional programs may or may not tend to focus on "ideal world" nursing as opposed to preparing students for the "real world". Both accelerated and traditional program students may suffer from limitations on clinical opportunities (eg having to wait around for an instructor to administer medications, not being allowed to start IVs, etc).

Some advantages of a longer program is that it may allow time to work as a nursing assistant and/or apply for student nurse internship positions (not all places have them). Being a student longer also allows some unique opportunities such as being a student research assistant, being involved with a school's charity health care work, or becoming an officer in the NSNA (nursing student assn).

The obvious advantage of an accelerated program is being finished faster. A not-so-obvious advantage is that accelerated program student colleagues will likely tend to be very motivated and focused and mature since they already have bachelor's degrees and were accepted to these very competitive programs.

pexx84 · Feb 4, 2011

No regrets here. My guess is that much of the kvetching that you see about nursing school on this forum is from younger students. If you already have a degree, and have been kicking about the workforce for a few years, you'll find nursing school, if not "easy," at least quite doable. If you did well in a reasonably rigorous A&P and microbiology, you've already taken your most difficult courses. I find the accelerated program to be the perfect pace for me. Given the competitiveness of the accelerated programs (about 1/10 seats/applications rate in my area of the country), you'll have the added advantage of having bright and highly motivated classmates.

I am still debating on whether or not to apply for the accelerated BSN program, or go the regular BSN route...So my question is: do you have any regrets?... Or are the accelerated BSN programs "just right" in terms of the amount of time given/needed?

Southern Magnolia · Feb 4, 2011

I am a 2nd degree student hoping to begin a traditional BSN program this fall. I had to make the same decision you're making and I chose to go the traditional route. Just my opinion but I thought I'd share my thought process.

I chose the traditional route because the accelerated option was not financially or geographically as advantageous for me. I too was concerned about trying to cram everything into a year. My fear was that eventhough I'd have the same amount (roughly) of clinical time as a ABSN as the trad BSN's - I was worried that I wouldn't be able to absorb it all and process everything appropriately. I also have children so for me 2 1/2 years of a moderate course load was better than 12-14 months of not seeing or caring for my family.

The program I'm doing accepts my first degree as meeting all liberal studies, elective, diversity, and other undergrad requirements. All I'll be taking are nursing courses.

Best wishes

ImThatGuy, BSN, RN · Feb 4, 2011

I sometimes regret not applying to the accelerated program on literally the opposite side of the state from me. However, I just have to reflect on the thought "there's no way in **** that I would ever live on that side of the state," and I begin to feel better.

I do seriously wish this program was only a year though, or if even some of these BSN fluff courses were online or something...gerontology, research methods, issues and trends, etc.