How Do I Start a Career in Nursing with a BSN Degree?
An Accelerated Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing (ABSN) is a specialized program designed to prepare students for high-skilled positions in the nursing profession. When you chose to obtain your BSN through an accelerated program, you position yourself for greater rewards. But that does not mean it comes without challenges in terms of time and commitment.
What does an Accelerated BSN Program entail?
Generally, the coursework in an accelerated BSN program incorporates the same material covered in a typical Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing (BSN) that takes 4 years. The only difference is that the courses are highly packed to enable a speedy completion. The program equips you with the skills and knowledge required to pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) and become a registered nurse (RN).
BSN coursework covers clinical procedure, nursing care, psychology, general knowledge, among other topics. The key subjects covered in an accelerated BSN include:
- Physiology
- Pharmacology
- Nutrition
- Anatomy
- Microbiology
Additionally, you may cover maternal care, neonatal care, and exploration of community health issues. Other than lecture-style classes and bookwork, an accelerated BSN program offers hands-on experience in nursing care to ensure that students can perfectly perform nursing duties upon graduation.
A BSN graduate should be equipped with the skills and knowledge to take up entry-level positions in various fields like surgical nursing, critical care, healthcare management, maternity, and neonatal care.
Joining the Nursing Field through Accelerated Nursing Programs
Earning a nursing degree through the accelerated program can be challenging but the rewards could be worth the sacrifice. It takes a huge commitment of time, energy, and money. However, an accelerated program also has some advantages over the traditional 4-year BSN programs.
The shorter instruction times means that you can cover the coursework with no extended breaks - you won’t easily forget the material you’ve learned. Again, you can join the lucrative nursing career faster.
To successfully complete an accelerated BSN program and start practicing as a nurse, you need to have the following traits and skills:
- Time Management: You need to exercise perfect time management, especially if you work a full-time job and study part-time.
- Support Network: The program is demanding and time-consuming, so you’ll need someone to lean on when you need support. It could be a babysitter, peer to share ideas with, or a friendly ear.
- Ability to Learn Quickly: Accelerated programs are fast and strenuous. There could be no time to endlessly review materials, so you need to be a fast learner.
- Determination: If you are certain that nursing is the career you’ll want to pursue, you will need the strength and determination to take on the challenges that come with accelerated BSN programs.
Although accelerated BSN programs can be demanding, with the right guidance, you can quickly complete your course and start your career in nursing. Make a detailed schedule of your class time, work time, study time, and other important commitments and stick to it. Also, talk to your instructor whenever you encounter challenges in your coursework.
Is an Accelerated BSN Program Right for You?
If you are wondering if an accelerated program is right for you, it’s perfectly understandable. The major doubt is often on whether or not you can manage your time and resources effectively. Or, perhaps you are worried about your ability to handle the compressed coursework. Beginning something new is always frightening, but with the right support community, you could pull it through.
Craft a good relationship with your instructors, faculty, and fellow students to get the guidance, inspiration, and support you need. That will aid your path to a fulfilling career in nursing.
Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) Overview
A nursing profession is more than just an ordinary job. It provides a sense of purpose, and for many practicing nurses, it aligns with their individual values. Nurses touch people’s lives every single day and make a difference in their quality of life.
If you’re looking to begin a career in nursing, it makes sense to earn your bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN) the right way. As the demand for BSN nurses increases, you need an accelerated program that will help you join the lucrative field within a shorter period of time.
According to the recommendation by the Institute of Medicine, 80 percent of RNs should attain a bachelor's degree by 2020. So, if you don’t want to spend several years in a nursing school, consider an accelerated BSN program where you could completely your degree in as little as 2.5 years.
Are you interested in a nursing career? If you want to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Traditional Track, but don't want to spend four years earning it, consider ECPI University. To learn more about our requirements and course offerings, connect with a knowledgeable admissions advisor today.
It could be the Best Decision You Ever Make!
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Gainful Employment Information – Bachelor of Science in Nursing – Traditional Track
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