And they all pretty much suck.
I think that might be just a bit of an over generalization......
I usually hate when people go, well at MY school we blah blah....but now with some distance from my own ABSN (12 months) I think I have the proper perspective to compare based on my own experience.
The time thing? Yeah, it's 3 full semesters of 8-5 didactic and 2-12's of clinical a week. I don't really think that averages out to anything less than a typical 4 semester ADN program w/summer off. Plus, each state mandates required clinical hours so i got at least the same #(1100) as any other CA student nurse did. And everone needs the same pre-reqs as far as I can tell. We did, anyway(A&P, Micro, Dev. Psych, statistics, chem).
I do think they gloss over basic nursing 'skills', though. However, within a week or so on the floor that issue was taken of.
I only write this in retrospect, however, because I absolutely HATED my ABSN and was sure I was being woefully prpared for the 'real world'. It wasn't until I was out working with the rest of my new grad co-hort that I realized just how adequate the education really was.
In fact, my big issue now with these accelerated deals is they are preparing nurses TOO much in depth if that makes any sense. I actually think they are possibly over-educating nurses for their role on the floor. It was shocking to be expected to learn so much intricate patho, pharm, etc. only to find that you are not expected to know this or that and while any knowledge is fantastic in itself it's a little disheartening to not be allowed much input or have any value placed on what you might offer. (This is also a little of a 'me' thing and why I'm back undecided re NP/PA/MD/etc...I'll probably just go back to flying
🙂
I used to be a huge BSN entry advocate but i actually now think we should just eliminate the BSN preparation option for nurses and have ADN/Diplomas and then an undergrad pre-health or pre-NP curriculum for studying advanced practice at the post-grad level. Maybe even share the current pre-med curriculum that's in place now. If people want to advocate for minimal prep. then who am I to argue? It's just not for me and something I can't get behind. I only think it's insulting to those who can't, or more aptly won't, follow the argument.
Anyway, having done the accelerated and now on the other side I do get a little peeved with a general 'they all suck' becuase they truly don't, if we're comparing to traditional AA program preparation for nurses at the bedside. Some probably do, and like I said I have no love lost for my own, but I can't begrudge them for providing me a MORE than adequate preparation to the entry level nurse role.
I think we need more science, less fluffy theory. I'd also like to see a required course in logic and critical thinking.
