accelerated bsn program tips

The mass migration of the baby boomer generation into retirement has ushered an unprecedented demand for graduates of nursing programs. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that this demand will grow at a faster-than-average rate of 16 percent between 2010 and 2020. A November 2013 report by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing gave credence to such estimates by discovering a whopping 59 percent of bachelor of science in nursing graduates received job offers at the time of their graduation--nearly double the 29.3 percent average for all other professionals--with 89 percent of BSN graduates securing a job within four to six months after graduation. 

In short, if you're looking to enroll in a BSN program, there's never been a better time . . . and accelerated BSN programs can get you onto the path towards success fast. However, that doesn't mean it isn't without its own challenges. Consider these 5 tips to help you nail your accelerated BSN program:

1. Take responsibility and define your priorities.  

If you already have an associate's or bachelor's degree, then you could receive a fully accredited BSN degree in as little as 12 months. However, such a rigorous program will require much of your attention. Plan to make studying and excelling at your degree your number one priority for the next year and ensure that everyone around you understands your determination. Avoid entertaining anyone with negative or neutral opinions about your decision. Instead surround yourself with good people who will listen when you need to vent and push you when you need some sideline support. 

2. Form a study group with people that encourage and affirm each other.  

A nursing career is 100 percent about people. Forming a study group with encouraging nursing students therefore has two key benefits: first, it'll prepare you for a career that'll consistently involve working with other nurses, doctors, and patients to determine the best treatment course for an individual. Second, study groups are an exceptional way to divide and conquer the enormous amount of information that you'll receive during an accelerated BSN program. 

3. Maintain a healthy lifestyle.  

For most people who enroll in an accelerated BSN program, school isn't their only concern. Some have young children in the home, while others are trying to keep their full-time job. Regardless, staying on task and nailing every exam will require maintaining a healthy lifestyle. This includes eating healthy, getting a proper amount of sleep, and drinking enough water. All three of these correspond to reducing the impact of stress on your emotional and mental well-being. Experts recommend 7 to 9 hours of sleep for optimal cerebral performance that'll enable your mind to convert daily experiences (like lectures) into long-term memory.

4. Ask questions and take advantage of all web-based resources.  

As a student, you'll have unfettered access to a diverse range of information. The last thing you want to do is squander it. Instead, take the time to ask detailed questions of your instructor on anything you're not sure about and take advantage of any web-based resources associated with your textbooks and assigned readings. Most schools and programs will give you free access to digital libraries filled with important academic journals, books, and primary sources, such as JSTOR, that can both help prepare you for upcoming exams and papers, as well as point you to exciting new research being undertaken by today's healthcare professionals. 

5. Participate in class discussions.  

Depending on your school and program, part of your course may include online materials. Online class discussion forums have become near ubiquitous among all types of universities in recent years, regardless of whether or not the school is foremost an online institution. The internet makes it easier for instructors to organize class information, make available relevant resource information, and quantify who and how much various students are participating. Most instructors will require a set minimum of class discussion posts with varying ideals of what qualifies as a substantive answer. However, to truly nail the BSN program, you'll want to invest some extra effort to really involve yourself in class discussions. Consider setting aside a time of the day, such as 45 minutes after dinner, to check into the discussion forums for your relevant classes. Post your own questions and observations as well as respond to other students' queries and topic remarks. Such discussions could both help you gain a better grasp of the material in addition to netting your instructor's notice and earning you a higher grade.

Start on Your Accelerated BSN at ECPI University!

Ready to get started? If you're interested in pursuing a career in nursing, then contact ECPI University to learn about how you can transform your degree into a BSN in as little as twelve months with the Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program. It could be the Best Decision You Ever Make!

Learn more about ECPI's College of Nursing TODAY!

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