An accelerated nursing program offers an efficient way to build up the skills you need for your future career. However, this type of fast-track nursing education can lead to stress and an intense workload.
Fortunately, you can stay motivated and succeed in several ways during an online ABSN program. Read on to learn how to stay focused, develop effective study habits, and network with fellow nurses for support and encouragement.
Develop Effective Time Management Skills
Managing your time wisely will make you a more focused nursing student. It will also allow you to keep up with the demands of your online ABSN program, including clinical rotations and coursework.
Nursing programs at the baccalaureate level require students to participate in clinical rotations in their local communities under the supervision of a licensed registered nurse (RN) as a preceptor. Many online ABSN programs offer support in finding these clinical sites.
Additionally, online ABSN programs provide access to a student advisor and clinical placement services to help you stay on track throughout your program. These resources will ensure that you remain on track to complete your nursing degree promptly.
Plan Ahead
Becoming a nurse requires a serious commitment, and planning is essential. Set realistic goals for yourself that can be accomplished on a short-term basis, such as attending lectures and completing assignments on time. This will help keep you motivated and on track to graduate from the program promptly.
If you’re considering an online accelerated nursing program, look for one that offers hands-on labs and clinical rotations to supplement the theoretical coursework. For example, the Accelerated BSN program at La Salle University provides students with a flexible online learning platform and an on-site clinical experience. This allows adult learners with life obligations to fast-track their bachelor’s degree and start a career in the nursing shortage field. Click here to learn more about this exciting program!
Get Organized
A robust support system is essential if you are pursuing an online bachelor’s degree in nursing. These individuals can be supportive during times of stress and can help you regain focus when you feel overwhelmed.
You can also benefit from having a strong sense of motivation during challenging times in your online ABSN program. It is important to remember why you are making this journey and the impact that your work will have on others’ lives.
An accelerated BSN path allows you to complete your nursing education in much less time than a traditional baccalaureate nursing program. The accelerated coursework focuses on the nursing curriculum rather than the general requirements of a conventional bachelor’s degree. This allows you to graduate faster and start your career sooner.
Connect With Your Professors
Connecting with your classmates is essential to complete your accelerated nursing program as quickly as possible. This could mean discussing lecture topics in real time, participating in study groups for quizzes or exams, and collaborating on project-based assignments. The more you get to know your cohort, the easier it will be to lean on them for support throughout your accelerated BSN track.
Many online ABSN programs offer integrated student advisors, clinical placement services, and faculty who support students beyond their instruction. A supportive online faculty can help you stay on top of your accelerated nursing coursework and even serve as a mentor when you enter the workforce. This support can be the difference between success and failure for an accelerated nursing student.
Practice Self-Care
As nurses, we regularly set aside our comfort and safety on behalf of others. In the past year, this has meant elevating the needs of our patients above our own lives during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Dedication to the care of others can quickly burn you out. Practicing self-care and making time for your health and well-being is essential.
Online ABSN programs allow students to take courses from home, the office, or any location with a reliable internet connection. However, this flexibility does not mean you can be lax with your studies. You will still need to meet course requirements and submit assignments on time. In addition to completing your online nursing coursework, you will also complete in-person labs and clinical rotations requiring hands-on patient experience.
