How would you go about studying for an accelerated nursing program?
I will be starting an accelerated nursing program (1 year program) in November and was looking for any tips or advice to help me succeed. Since this is an accelerated program, I am not sure if my normal study habits will suffice. Nursing programs are normally 2-3 years, so my program will be really fast paced and I need to be prepared. #NursingStudent #nursing #nursing-education
4 answers
Sara’s Answer
In any case, you should expect a strenuous year of classes, clinicals and studying. Also important to figure out any time required for other obligations: family, children, job. In general I recommended that students adopt a schedule that they can stick to, consider going to bed at a time when they can assure adequate sleep and then rise in the early morning to study when your mind is fresh and you aren't exhausted. Build in at least one weekly "time off " break to relax and recharge. If you will be driving or taking public transportation to and from class, consider recording lectures (instructor approval), your class notes and/or text book hilights to listen to while traveling.
Lastly, don't wait until the end of this year to assess if it's working for you. If not, adjust the time and money you are investing in this program. It makes more sense to extend than fail.
Good luck and thank you for choosing nursing.
Linda Hassan’s Answer
I recommend that you do the following to survive this intense study and academic test of your endurance and mental acuity: 1) eat healthy and exercise; make meals the night before (think of purchasing an electric pressure cooker); 2) find one or two friends in the program that are like minded with their goals and vision for the program and build a strong bond to support each other with studies and barriers (school and personal). Study with them and quiz each other; and divid up the study materials and share the synthesized materials. You cannot possibly do it all on your own. 3) Identify what is important to pass the NCLEX and inquire with instructors the materials important for passing the nursing board examination (NCLEX). 4) Purchase a NCLEX study guide prior to the program. 5) Then purchase a Kaplan course following your studies to help you pass the NCLEX. 6) Do not let others determine your demise. Faculty may haze you to weed out weak candidates for the nursing profession.
Lastly, be strong, know your goals (graduate with a nursing education) and then become a liscensed nurse. You can do it!!!
Please reach out if you'd like additional advise or mentoring!!
Patricia’s Answer
I have never done an accelerated program but I know others that have. I would suggest as an aid help is to enroll into a KAPLANcourse. Those that have used that program seem to excel, especially on the NCLEX as well as in their bridge programs. The KAPLANcourse has sample classrooms, practice tests etc. that you can attend to see if this is a right fit for you. The course seems to work for those that have taken it and it should give you a good feel for the questions you will encounter during the courses you take. It can never hurt to enroll into pre-classes to assist and give yourself a good head start. Also there are good HESI/NCLEX type questions online also. Good luck and God Bless.