What are the disadvantages to an accelerated BSN (Bachelors in Nursing)? Have you obtained one successfully?

I was thinking since I already have a Bachelor's Degree in spanish that I could do an accelerated degree in Nursing. Has anyone found that too difficult? Is it doable? Is there anything I should study more before considering something like this? Where could I obtain more info on this career plan?

The previous answer has a lot of errors.

First of all, there are many accelerated nursing programs that are accepting a bachelors degree in any area. There are prerequisites but an accelerated program is designed for those coming from other fields. They will give you everything you need to be a successful nurse. You will become an RN upon completion of their program. You do not have to be an RN to get into an accelerated program.

As far as nursing goes...I have done it all. I started with a 2 year degree and ended up with a Masters degree. I have been a nurses aide and most recently the VP of Operations for a multi-billion dollar health insurance company making oodles of money.

Is it doable? ABSOLUTELY but it will take time and a commitment. However, what doesn't?

I have been very blessed by my 20+ year nursing career. I have seen the highest of highs and the lowest of lows but I can honestly say that I have touched thousands of lives. How many people get to say that in one lifetime.

Go for it!

Hmm... Most accelerated BSN programs require you to be an RN first.
The easiest (well, it isn't really easy, ha) way to become an RN is through a 2 year program at a community college. You could go to a regular university, but CC is much more affordable.
After that, you could do a universitie's accelerated RN-BSN program. Since there is such a nursing shortage right now, it's relatively easy to get the hospital to work with you on this, and even chip in for some of the funds.
Nursing programs require prerequisites in Sciences (Biology and Chemistry) And, to get into chemistry, you either have to place into it through standardized tests, the Accuplacer, or pass a college level Math.

I'm assuming that your degree in Spanish covered core classes, such as Psychology and English.
If so, you would just be able to strictly take nursing classes, once you're accepted into a nursing program.
Actually, most nursing students take all classes that can be taken outside of the program ahead of time, just to lessen the workload.
An Associate's Degree (which would make you an RN) in nursing focuses on practical aspects, whereas the next 2 years (Totaling in 4, giving you a BSN) focuses more on the psychological aspects, as well, as more practical.

After that, you could work towards your Masters in nursing, in a specialty, which would enable you to become a Nurse Practitioner. You could work in a doctor's office, write prescriptions, and treat patients to a certain degree... and make over double the pay.

There are no advantages to a BSN in nursing, versus an RN. Higher pay, more job opportunities are just some of the benefits. In fact, some areas such as pediatrics only allow those with a BSN to work in them.
In 10-20 years, after the nursing shortage has decreased, it is rumored that a BSN in nursing will be the minimum for all new nurses. There have been movements to do that within the last 5 years, but the nursing shortage has kept them from coming to pass.

Hi! I also agree that the first poster has an inaccurate answer. These accelerated programs are indeed for people who already have their BS degrees in another area. Usually an RN who has the two year degree (assuming that she does not have any other degree or a BS degree) would still have to do another 2 years at a 4 year university, and does not have the accrued credit requirements to apply to the ABS.

I am applying to UB for the abs program for this summer 08'. The program is a very intensive one year program with little time for working. You can not do this program part time. I emailed the advisor and she said that at the most if you MUST work they recommend no more that 15 hours a week.
Its defnitely doable if you dont mind being straped for money for 1 year. If you have children and no outside support this may not be the program for you, and I would reccommend the traditional BSN program since you have your bachelors. This should only take two years provided that you have completed all the prequisites prior to enrolling.

But the upside is that you have fluency in spanish! you will definitely receive countelss bonuses and be heavily recruited as a bilingual nurse. You would be a very valuable asset and would be able to work anywhere. I think that is too awesome.

I would recommed that you look up schools in your area that offer the accelerated nursing degree and contact them to get the best information and requirements that would apply to your situation.