5 tips for excelling in accelerated nursing programs

If you're thinking of going back to school for your ADN or BSN degree and RN license, an accelerated program can be very appealing. Accelerated programs mean you can graduate faster, which also means you spend less time in school, and more time getting into your new career (and higher salary) more quickly.

With an accelerated nursing program, you can earn your RN degree in 12-18 months. However, an accelerated nursing program does not come without its challenges. So, we've come up with five tips to not only help you survive an accelerated nursing program but excel in it.

1. Learn good time management skills

Most nursing programs include a blended curriculum with online coursework, hands-on labs, and in-person clinical rotations. Advanced nursing programs are essentially cramming a traditional two or four-year nursing curriculum into a little over a year. Finding balance while going through the program is key to your success. How exactly do you find balance? Having a planner or to-do list to keep track of your work is crucial.

2. Optimize the way you study

Are you a visual, auditory, or kinesthetic learner? Everyone has their own way of retaining knowledge. You may prefer to study for more extended periods of time, or you may be the type that studies in intervals with plenty of breaks. Some people find that just listening to an online lecture and taking notes is enough for them, but others find value in keeping notecards. Find your unique study pattern, and once you find something that works for you, stick with it.

3. Get to know the people in your program

Getting to know the people in your program is a key to success. For one, you can hold study groups. Pick 3-4 people from your nursing program and try to form a study group. With study groups, you can get new perspectives on the material your program covers, and fill knowledge gaps in your understanding while giving you a social support system. Your group can discuss challenging concepts and ideas, review material before exams, and help each other with any assignments you may have.

4. Be prepared and stay organized

Remember that an accelerated nursing program covers all of the material you'd find in a traditional four-year program but in a shorter amount of time. Falling behind or waiting until the last minute to complete projects can cost you in an accelerated program. The more organized you are, the better. Ensure that you have your binders, notebooks, laptop, paper, pens, pencils, stethoscope, penlight, and scrubs prepared ahead of time. Organization and planning will help you effectively study for your courses.

5. Keep the big picture in mind.

The fast-pace of accelerated nursing programs can become stressful. Keeping up with upcoming assignments and preparing for exams while balancing your personal life is all a par for the course when it comes to accelerated nursing programs. There may be times when you wonder if all of the stress and lack of sleep are worth it. You have to find your why and keep it top of mind when things get tough.

Nursing is not an easy job. In some ways, the fast-pace of accelerated programs may even better prepare you for what you face once you're on the job.

When you're feeling overwhelmed, take a breath. Think of the reasons why you wanted to become a nurse. Maybe it was an experience where a nurse made a difference in your own life. Maybe it was a desire to help others. See this nursing program as a unique opportunity to connect with an amazing network of healthcare professionals. Listen to stories from other nurses who went through your program and surround yourself with a supportive network.

Get Started with Achieve Test Prep 

Joining an accelerated nursing program comes with its challenges. But, accelerated nursing programs are worth pursuing. Hopefully, with these five tips, you'll not only survive an accelerated nursing program but excel in it.

Are you ready to take on the challenge? If you're thinking about starting an accelerated nursing program. Achieve Test Prep can help. By using Credit-by-Exam, our accelerated nursing programs make getting your degree both fast and affordable. With credit by exam, you can test out of core classes and prerequisites and finish your RN or BSN degree...faster. Best of all, you’ll have the full support of our dedicated advisors and expert instructors every step of the way. 

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