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What was it like to go into nursing after graduating with a bachelor's degree in a related field?

When I applied for college I wasn't sure what I wanted to do within the medical field, so I applied as a biology major and am currently in a general studies program. I still plan on majoring in biology, but I'm also seriously thinking about going into nursing after. I know there are accelerated bachelor's degree programs available after getting another degree, but how do those compare to the traditional path to becoming a nurse?
#nursing #biology #medicine #college #science

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Lacey’s Answer

When I decided to go to nursing school everything was impacted so counselors would tell students, "wherever you get it, just go, even if its not your first choice". It happened that at that time a local school was developing their accelerated BSN program and I was able to get into their first cohort of the program. My first bachelor's degree is not science related and yet I did just as well as those with science degrees. The difference between the Acel-BSN and the traditional path for becoming a nurse has to do with the degree which you achieve. To become a nurse the minimum you have to complete is a certificate course to test for a licensed vocational or licensed practical nurse (LVN/LPN) license or an associate degree (ASN) to take the NCLEX and become a registered nurse. They then have the option to advance their education to get a Bachelor's in Nursing Science (BSN), or they can go straight into a BSN program and after completing so many courses are eligible to take the NCLEX to become an RN. The Acel-BSN programs are like this option. Instead of having to take all the general education courses that would be built into a standard BSN program all you take is straight nursing core classes for 18-20 months (depending on your program). Instead of going slow and steady like a new college student, the accelerated program puts extra credits per semester (mine was 17-19 instead of standard 12/trimester) because the students are familiar with the process of going to college and therefore are held to a higher expectation. Acel-BSN programs are great for those who are sure they want to be nurses and change fields quickly but they're more than your average commitment. Make sure you have a support team in place, a financial plan, and full understanding of the educational program your committing to before you chose that route over the standard ASN degree.
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Stephanie’s Answer

If you just focus on biology then your studies will concentrate on it along with the prerequisites required. Speaking from a medical standpoint, and you went back to school you could skip some of the prerequisites required since you would have those college credits acquired. Personally, I'd speak with your student advisor as they know specifically how your school operates. But, you need to ask yourself, do you truly want to go back to school when your done? Or, just have them integrated if possible? Most colleges students have assigned classes which are part of the program others do not. I currently have went back to school after being out a few years. I'm now a therapist. But I was a CNA then RN. Time management is utmost importance and keep a schedule that works for you. Do not get overwhelmed by your studies. Most schools have a class to learn about time management; however, I do not know which school you attend. Ensure you do not over-do your credits too. Within the class I'm speaking on,they should describe studying time per college credits and the requirements to set aside for proper academics. I know for a two college credit class I study about 2 or 3 hours per day. taken "brain breaks" are highly beneficial so you do not get burned out and crash and cause stress. Meditation has helped, too. I go to Grand Canyon University in AZ. I have three classes, and I am top of my class. I am also, a mom. So, if I can do it, you can! Try making a pro and con list, or look at the classes for both side by side, to see which would be a better fit. Both, are highly rewarding. Both benefit a greater good, of helping, and sharing compassion to those around you. Medical was a natural calling for me. However, once I took psychology I just kept going back to it. I was a natural at that, too. Which ever you decide; best of luck.

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