ACCELERATED NURSING PROGRAMS | My Experience & Tips for Success

Nurse Liz
31 Jul 201819:34
EducationalLearning
32 Likes 10 Comments

TLDRThe video script offers an insightful overview of accelerated nursing programs, detailing what they entail, the prerequisites needed, and the application process. It emphasizes the intensity and full-time commitment of these programs, highlighting the importance of organization, study strategies, and mental preparedness. The speaker, Liz, shares her personal experience with an accelerated nursing program, providing practical tips for success, such as forming study groups and maintaining a balanced lifestyle. She encourages viewers to persevere despite the challenges, emphasizing the rewarding career that awaits upon completion.

Takeaways
  • 📚 Accelerated nursing programs are condensed courses designed for individuals with a bachelor's degree to obtain a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and become eligible for the NCLEX exam.
  • 🎓 Prerequisites for these programs include a bachelor's degree in any field, along with specific classes such as anatomy, physiology, statistics, biology, microbiology, psychology, nutrition, and chemistry.
  • 🌟 A minimum GPA is often required for admission, with a 3.0 being a common threshold.
  • 📈 To improve chances of acceptance, focus on prerequisites and aim to raise your GPA if it's below the required minimum.
  • 📝 The application process includes submitting your undergraduate GPA, work experience, a personal statement, and meeting the prerequisites.
  • 🏥 Clinical experience and volunteering can strengthen an application, showing a well-rounded background.
  • 📊 Look at program completion rates and NCLEX passing rates when choosing a program, as these are indicators of program quality and success.
  • 🗣️ Personal statements should be authentic and reflect the applicant's genuine interest in nursing, aligning with the nursing school's values.
  • 🏫 Accelerated nursing programs typically last 12 to 18 months and involve a mix of bookwork and clinical classes, with a gradual increase in clinical hours.
  • 💼 It's possible to work while attending an accelerated nursing program, but it's essential to prioritize school and manage time effectively.
  • 📝 Keep a notebook to jot down clinical experiences and skills to review later, aiding in retention and preparedness.
Q & A

  • What is an accelerated nursing program?

    -An accelerated nursing program is a condensed nursing program designed for individuals who already hold a bachelor's degree in any field. It provides intensive study in nursing courses, leading to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree and eligibility to take the NCLEX exam to become a registered nurse in the United States.

  • What are the prerequisites for entering an accelerated nursing program?

    -To enter an accelerated nursing program, one typically needs to have a bachelor's degree in any field, complete prerequisite classes such as anatomy and physiology, statistics, biology, microbiology, psychology, nutrition, and chemistry, and maintain a minimum GPA, often around 3.0, as required by many programs.

  • How long do accelerated nursing programs usually last?

    -Accelerated nursing programs generally last between 12 to 18 months, with the speaker's program being 17 months long.

  • What should one consider when choosing an accelerated nursing program?

    -When choosing an accelerated nursing program, one should consider program completion rates, NCLEX passing rates, and the school's reputation based on word of mouth from nurses in the area.

  • What is the typical schedule like for an accelerated nursing program?

    -The typical schedule for an accelerated nursing program involves five days a week of full-time study, with a mix of bookwork classes and clinical practice. As the program progresses, students spend more time in clinical settings and less on campus.

  • Can students work while attending an accelerated nursing program?

    -While nursing schools may advise against it, students who need to work can do so, but they should prioritize their studies and ensure that their job does not drain all their energy, as nursing school requires significant commitment.

  • How does the speaker describe the difficulty level of an accelerated nursing program?

    -The speaker describes an accelerated nursing program as hard and intense, with a lot of studying, exams, and assignments. However, the content is engaging for those interested in nursing, and the program is manageable with the right study habits and support.

  • What tips does the speaker give for succeeding in an accelerated nursing program?

    -The speaker recommends finding a study group for shared learning and support, becoming highly organized with a planner, bringing a notebook to jot down clinical and lab experiences, and believing in oneself to overcome the challenges of the program.

  • How does the speaker suggest managing a social life during an accelerated nursing program?

    -The speaker suggests that while social life might suffer to some extent, it's possible to maintain a balance by organizing and prioritizing time effectively. She shares her personal experience of working and adjusting her social activities to fit her schedule.

  • What is the speaker's advice for handling the workload of an accelerated nursing program?

    -The speaker advises students to take one day at a time, not to be overwhelmed by the overall length of the program, and to remember that the hard work will lead to a rewarding career in nursing.

  • How does the speaker describe the application process for an accelerated nursing program?

    -The application process involves looking at the applicant's original undergraduate GPA, work experience, a personal statement, and meeting the prerequisite requirements. The speaker emphasizes the importance of being authentic and incorporating the nursing school's values into the personal statement.

Outlines
00:00
🎓 Introduction to Accelerated Nursing Programs

This paragraph introduces the concept of accelerated nursing programs, which are designed for individuals who decide later in life to pursue a career in nursing. The speaker, Liz, shares her personal experience of transitioning into nursing through such a program. She provides an overview of what accelerated nursing programs entail, including the prerequisites required, the nature of the classes, and the eligibility for the NCLEX exam. Liz also touches on her background as a family nurse practitioner and her journey through an accelerated nursing program to obtain her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN).

05:01
📚 Prerequisites and Application Process

In this paragraph, Liz discusses the prerequisites for entering an accelerated nursing program, which include a bachelor's degree in any field, completion of certain science and statistics courses, and a minimum GPA requirement. She offers advice on how to fulfill these prerequisites, such as taking classes at a community college or incorporating them into one's current college schedule. Liz also talks about the application process, emphasizing the importance of a strong personal statement that aligns with the nursing school's values and the significance of work experience or volunteer activities in healthcare settings.

10:01
🏥 Program Duration and Structure

Liz explains the typical duration of accelerated nursing programs, which range from 12 to 18 months. She shares her experience of completing a 17-month program and discusses the structure of the program, which starts with foundational classes and gradually shifts towards more clinical experience. The paragraph highlights the intensive nature of the program, with five days a week of full-time study and clinical practice. Liz also provides insight into how to prepare for the program, emphasizing the need for mental preparedness, organization, and a strong support system.

15:02
📈 Success Strategies and Personal Experiences

In the final paragraph, Liz offers tips for succeeding in an accelerated nursing program. She suggests forming a study group for shared learning and emotional support, maintaining strict organization with a planner to manage assignments and life events, and keeping a notebook to record new clinical experiences and skills. Liz encourages viewers to believe in their ability to complete the program, despite its challenges, and reminds them to take it one day at a time. She concludes by inviting viewers to share their experiences or questions about accelerated nursing programs and promotes her content related to nursing and her journey as a family nurse practitioner.

Mindmap
Keywords
💡Accelerated Nursing Programs
Accelerated Nursing Programs are condensed educational tracks designed to provide students with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) in a shorter period than traditional programs. These programs are for individuals who hold a bachelor's degree in any field and are looking to transition into nursing. They focus solely on nursing courses, preparing students to take the NCLEX, the exam required to become a registered nurse in the United States. The video emphasizes the intensive and fast-paced nature of these programs, which typically last 12 to 18 months.
💡Prerequisites
Prerequisites are the prior educational requirements that must be fulfilled before entering an accelerated nursing program. These typically include courses in anatomy and physiology, statistics, biology, microbiology, psychology, nutrition, and chemistry. Some programs may also require that these courses be completed within the last five years, necessitating potential re-taking of classes for some students.
💡NCLEX
The NCLEX, or National Council Licensure Examination, is a standardized test in the United States that determines whether a candidate is qualified to practice as a registered nurse. It is the final step in the nursing education process and is a requirement for all nursing graduates, including those from accelerated programs.
💡GPA
Grade Point Average (GPA) is a numerical scale that represents a student's academic performance. In the context of accelerated nursing programs, a minimum GPA is often required for admission. Liz mentions a common requirement of a 3.0 GPA, indicating that applicants must demonstrate a certain level of academic achievement.
💡Application Process
The application process for accelerated nursing programs involves submitting an application, often with components such as transcripts, work experience, a personal statement, and sometimes letters of recommendation. Programs review these materials to assess an applicant's suitability for the intensive program.
💡Clinical Experience
Clinical experience refers to the hands-on practice that nursing students gain in real-world healthcare settings as part of their education. In accelerated nursing programs, students typically begin with classroom and lab-based learning before progressing to clinical rotations, where they apply their knowledge under the supervision of experienced nurses.
💡Studying and Exams
Studying and exams are critical components of nursing education, especially in accelerated programs where students must quickly absorb and retain a large amount of information. Exams are frequent and cover a broad range of nursing knowledge and skills.
💡Work-Life Balance
Work-life balance refers to the ability to maintain a healthy equilibrium between professional responsibilities and personal life. For students in accelerated nursing programs, this balance can be particularly challenging due to the program's intensity and time commitment.
💡Study Groups
Study groups are gatherings of students who come together to share knowledge, discuss course material, and help each other understand complex concepts. They are particularly beneficial in accelerated nursing programs, where the volume of information can be overwhelming.
💡Mental Health
Mental health refers to an individual's psychological and emotional well-being. In the context of the video, maintaining good mental health is crucial for coping with the stress and challenges of an accelerated nursing program.
💡Time Management
Time management is the process of planning and exercising conscious control over the amount of time spent on specific activities, especially to increase effectiveness, efficiency, and productivity. For students in accelerated nursing programs, effective time management is essential to juggle studies, clinicals, work, and personal life.
Highlights

Accelerated nursing programs are designed for individuals who decide later in life to pursue a career in nursing.

These programs lead to a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and make graduates eligible to take the NCLEX, the exam to become a registered nurse.

To apply for an accelerated nursing program, one typically needs a bachelor's degree in any field and completion of prerequisite classes such as anatomy, physiology, statistics, and psychology.

Prerequisite classes can be taken at a community college, which can be more flexible and affordable.

Many programs require a minimum GPA for admission, often around 3.0.

The application process involves submitting your undergraduate GPA, work experience, a resume, and a personal statement.

Accelerated nursing programs usually last between 12 to 18 months.

When choosing a program, consider its completion rates, NCLEX passing rates, and the reputation of the school through word of mouth.

The first semester typically focuses on foundational bookwork classes, while subsequent semesters mix bookwork with clinical practice.

Accelerated nursing programs are demanding and require significant study and dedication.

Working while attending an accelerated nursing program is possible but should be balanced with the priority of schoolwork.

Nursing school is challenging, but passion and hard work can lead to success.

Study groups can be beneficial for learning and providing emotional support during the intense program.

Organization and a planner are essential tools for managing the workload of an accelerated nursing program.

Keeping a notebook to record new clinical experiences and skills is a helpful study technique.

Believing in oneself and taking one day at a time can help overcome the challenges of an accelerated nursing program.

Transcripts

Browse More Related Video

📝📚 HOW I STUDIED & STAY ORGANIZED IN NURSING SCHOOL (4.0 GPA)

Nursing School Prerequisites | What are the Requirements for Nursing School

HOW I MAKE MY NURSING SCHOOL STUDY GUIDES & HOW I STUDY

Community College nursing prerequisite classes+ how to create your own class schedule

WORKING DURING NURSING SCHOOL |Can You, Should You, and Best Jobs

Reasons as to WHY I chose an associate degree nursing program| community college nursing

Rate This

5.0 / 5 (0 votes)

Thanks for rating:

Related Tags
NursingEducationAcceleratedBSNCareerChangeNursingStudentStudyTipsHealthcareCareerEducationalAdviceNursingPrerequisitesNCLEXPreparationTimeManagement