2 yr BSN close to home, or ABSN 3 hours away??

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I have been accepted to a 2-year BSN program at a private school here in NY city, and an accelerated BSN program at a state school 3 hrs away upstate. The accelerated program is 1/2 the cost and only 12 months. It seems like the logical choice, but I am FULL of anxiety at the thought of leaving my family and significant other, if only for a year.

I'm not really worried about getting more clinical experience over 2 years or the board pass rates (they are about the same for both schools). I work as a PCA in a private city hospital now and I see that as long as you have your BSN and pass the boards, you're hired based on your personality and fit on a unit. Is this the case or am I selling myself short going through an accelerated program?

I'm wondering if anyone has any thoughts on this. The RNs on my unit tell me to do the accelerated option and get on the floor faster, but I'm not sure what the most important factors are. My significant other says he supports me whatever I decide. Am I kidding myself thinking I'll have enough time/energy to come home and visit him and my fam/friends? Has anyone done something like this? Any advice would be greatly, greatly appreciated. I'm confused!!!! :confused:

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Specializes in Psych, EMS.

Are you married? Do you have kids? If at least one of those answers is affirmative, I would go with the generic BSN program close to home. If not, then I would consider the ABSN program.

I faced a similar dilemma, and I chose to move 4 hours away to attend the ABSN program, and I am so glad that I did. I saved time and money. I have increased pride and confidence as a result of excelling in the program. Because it is so intense, my classmates and I bonded, and they are some of my best friends.

My experience was very positive and I try to share it with others taking the plunge. Of course, yours may differ. I would list out the pros and cons to help you make the right decision.

Best of luck and congrats on the acceptance!!

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I would probably choose the nearby school so that I could be near family and not have the commute time or expenses of living apart. I did an hour and a half commute to go to school and it wore me down as well as my car. Three hours away is too far to be driving every day. I would want an apartment rather than a rented room and even rented rooms are costly. That is just the way I see it.

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If it were me, I would pick the ABSN, no contest. Half the cost and half the time? Amazing! I am currently in a long-distance relationship...my boyfriend is a 12 hour drive away, so I would be grateful for 3 hours. ;) 3 hours would still leave you time to go home on the weekends if you so desire. Just rent a cheap apartment, study hard (you might even study better away from family and sig. other), and 1 year will fly by and you can move back to the city and be in less debt and start making money sooner than you would have with the 2-year program. Good luck!

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Thanks everybody, great points. In a weird and wonderful twist, I've been accepted to the ABSN at the school here at home. I'm super grateful to have this "dilemma" as two months ago I was convinced I wouldn't get in anywhere

Guess it's off to scour the financial aid posts!

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