Watch This Before You Start an Accelerated Program // Part 2 // NURSING SCHOOL

[@TinaRistovski]

I am half way through my 16 month program and this video speaks to me!!! I agree with everything. I was terrified going into the program pretty much told my family and friends don’t expect me to have time for any event…. But with a good planner and getting things done as soon as you are able to… IT IS SO DOABLE. I have been able to enjoy my days off and try to get all my work done on weekdays as motivation for a fun weekend. I know it’s not always like that but it is definitely possible to have a life and get through an accelerated program!:)

[@margaretarmen]

Yes yes yes!! This is awesome -- I am so glad you've found a balance that works for you. Like you said, it is definitely possible it just takes some work! Good luck with the second half of your program, you're almost there!

[@amberturnbull5700]

Are you working throughout your program?

[@TinaRistovski]

@@amberturnbull5700 no they told us it was not a good idea but I could have easily worked at least part time up until the half way point…now is my most busy semester (med surg 2 and mental Health with Clinical’s) most students had to quit their jobs with this one

[@kristiedouglas3197]

This was so helpful, I start my 15 month program in one month and was feeling so overwhelmed starting! This brought a lot of peace 🙏🏾

[@margaretarmen]

I'm so glad! You've got this!!

[@amberturnbull5700]

Me too, 16 month program at my local community college in AZ.

[@sasha54199]

Going through your whole channel because im really nervous to start my ABSN program, and these are SO helpful and honest! Thank you

[@KhadijaRoberts]

This video was so helpful! I just started my ABSN program and I also have heard nothing but negatives about nursing school. Thank you for being honest and not trying to scare people! This was such a refreshing view :)

[@margaretarmen]

I'm so glad you found it helpful!!

[@MezOnTheMove]

"I will never run voluntarily." I felt that.

[@newreader1766]

I’m watching this to relieve my anxiety and get tips for when I start my accelerated program in May. I’ve never been so scared before 🥺. Thanks so much for sharing your experience and feelings to help us who are in the same spot.

[@margaretarmen]

You’ve got this!! 💪🏼💪🏼

[@CherryJ2911]

Thanks so much for this!!!❤ I love your positivity!!!!!! Thank you

[@NurseAbby]

Just finished your part one and started your part 2. You are so encouraging!

[@sarahwallace-w1i]

I just got accepted to a 15-month accelerated! This is so helpful and HOPEful-exactly what I wanted to hear! I will be leaning into your videos for a boost-Thank you❤️ I hope your wedding was everything you imagined.

[@margaretarmen]

Yay!! Congratulations! Good luck with everything 🎉

[@nasayjones3056]

This is ONE of my favorite videos of yours! I play it multiple times 😊

[@Mel-pb5xw]

Starting graduate entry MSN in August (21months/ also considered accelerated) so really appreciate the video! (& look forward to checking out more) PS As a runner - not marathon, but half - I appreciate the metaphor & think it’s likely pretty spot on!🙂

[@staceygobin8575]

So happy to see you post again!! Love your energy so so much! You inspire me and so many others. You look incredible!! Enjoy your time off and take time to be in the moment of your life. Good luck with the wedding- See ya soon!

[@margaretarmen]

Thank you so much, see you soon! :)

[@amberturnbull5700]

Thank you so much for these videos. Starting an accelerated associates nursing program next semester. Keeping positive. I have 10 years in the medical field, hoping that will help me through the program.

[@margaretarmen]

Your medical experience will be SO valuable to you. Good luck with your program, you'll be great!!

[@marieGuerrier-r2v]

Just enrolled in an 18 month program. I’m already panicking. Wish me luck. I start in January

[@margaretarmen]

You got this!

[@crazy50love]

my 15 month program starts on August 26th. I am so nervous, about all the same things you said! I hope I will do well and your words helped.

[@margaretarmen]

You will do great, good luck!!

[@kalpanapriyadharshinithi-wo3py]

Hi! I have a masters degree in arts and I would like to change my career path. My masters degree doesn’t have any courses that are needed for the prerequisites of nursing. Where can I do the prerequisites courses?

[@cute7580]

Hi can I ask are ther nursing shool who accept international student?

[@benchuksokeke237]

Please can you recommend some schools that will take international students for accelerated BSN nursing

[@pilipinagirl1]

Hi, thank you for this video!!!

[@Anon-it5hg]

Do you mind sharing what you did for health insurance? I’m getting my pre req’s out of the way online, but when I start the program I know I’ll have to quit my 9-5 (my current source of insurance). Getting on my parent’s insurance isn’t an option so I’m feeling stuck!

[@margaretarmen]

Ugh, this is so hard. I wish I could give you a good answer but there are not a ton of great (and affordable) options. I am currently enrolled with Cobra but the monthly payments are brutal, so I can't say I recommend it. Maybe talk with your program about what the other students are doing or if they have any recommendations. Good luck, sorry I couldn't be more help.

[@rachaeljones122]

I am in an ABSN program and I pay for the health clinic on campus which takes care of all my routine annual physicals and any illness that may come up. It costs about $100 a semester. It's ran by an NP and she can prescribe and medications I need as well.

[@Mel-pb5xw]

Most schools have a student plan available (& generally required unless you have other insurance).

[@sasha54199]

Obamacare! I pay $20 a month for medical, if you want more info you can DM me

[@DA_Karas]

Hi Margaret, I'm thinking of going this same route. How many hours per week were you studying outside of the classroom during your ABSN? It seems daunting but I want to try it. Thanks!

[@margaretarmen]

Great question! It’s hard for me to say exactly but I would estimate about 10-15 hours of work outside my classes a week. It would fluctuate depending on which classes I was in and if there was a test or project coming up but that’s about how much time I spent I think

[@kaylahood1000]

I want to become a nurse I have my bachelors degree in social work but it’s my GPA which is to low and I don’t qualify for financial aid . Plus Math and science aren’t my strongest subjects.

[@Tee3900]

Still try

[@maggyhovden6993]

I’m looking into starting prerequisites soon but am wondering if I can handle taking a few at a time while working full time….I wanna do online. Tips?

[@margaretarmen]

If they were anything like mine I think you could absolutely do a few at a time while you’re working! Mine were all online and self-paced. I would say as long as you’re willing to do a couple modules after work and on weekends it shouldn’t be a problem!

[@Idkjk971]

How were the exams? Doable ? Do they come from what they teach or or textbooks ?

[@margaretarmen]

They really varied from class to class. Some were easy and straightforward and some took me weeks to study for. Also, some teachers took material from lectures and others focused on lectures and textbook material. You'll really have to take it from a class by class basis. #1 advice - if you are struggling in a class on exams, go sit with the professor and review the test. 9 times out of 10 they will give you a lot of great advice on how to best study/prep for tests. Plus, you'll get some insight into how they are creating the questions. Hope this helps!

[@twochap]

Hi there, did people in your class work while in this program? Thanks!

[@margaretarmen]

Hi! Yes, a lot of people worked. Most people were working part time and there were a few people that still had their full time jobs - which I would not recommend but sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do.

[@redrabbito]

Hi love, I will be starting taking my prerequisites this fall, how long did it take you to take all of them? Looking forward to this journey and I wish you nothing but the best!

[@margaretarmen]

Hi!! I took a year to do all my prereqs (I think I had 8 to complete). I probably could've done them faster but I wanted to embrace some time off as well. Thank you!!

[@desco7628]

Same here. Have all my boys going to college next year! It helps!! But I take my time :-))

[@stephanie-zb6xp]

Can I ask how you approached your personal statements when applying especially coming from a completely different “background.” I have a BA in child and adolescent development and I am in the process of applying to accelerated nursing programs too, but am having a hard time not making it about just wanting to become a pediatric nurse 😅. Your videos have been so eye opening so thank you !

[@margaretarmen]

That is such a great background to come from -- you are going to bring a fantastic perspective to the table and absolutely crush your peds course, I'm sure. :) I wouldn't shy away too much from expressing your desire to be a pediatric nurse. It sounds like you truly have a passion for that field. Besides your background, I would explain what else makes you want to be a nurse and focus on your strengths and experience and why those things would make you an asset to the program. I hope that helped, you've got this!

[@ebb9650]

Margaret, which school did you apply to?

[@anairanyzapata3323]

Hi Margaret! I’m a sophomore in college, I’m majoring in public health and I realized that I wanted to become a nurse last year. My school recommended I graduate with a bachelors first as a back up plan and then go into an accelerated BSN. I wanted to ask if you think the time you take the prerequisites and getting into nursing school matters? I’ve already taken A&P1 but not A&P 2 and other science prerequisites. Do you think it is okay for me to take them early a couple of years before even taking the entrance exams for Nursing school or do you think I will be okay? I’m also worried about the financial aspect of an ABSN. :(( I’m getting through my bachelors right now because of government aid and I’m afraid I won’t be able to afford an ABSN. did you take out loans or do you have any tips for people like me?

[@margaretarmen]

Hi! Many programs will accept credits from the last 10 years (or something like that) so you can definitely take time between graduating and starting the nursing program. Since a lot of this is program-specific, I would reach out to the program you are interested in and ask them what they think would be a good timeline and what their requirements are. Unfortunately, I do not know much about financial aid or student loans and how that process works. However, I know that there are a lot of aid/scholarship opportunities for nursing students that you can look into. Your program should be able to help you sort that out as well. Hope this helps, good luck with everything!

[@anairanyzapata3323]

@@margaretarmen yeah! Thank you so much 💓💓💓

[@aheilman6]

Thank you

[@Idkjk971]

How long did it take you to complete your prerequisites?

[@margaretarmen]

Roughly a year!

[@pilipinagirl1]

How many schools did u apply for? I’m dreading not getting accepted :(

[@margaretarmen]

I only applied to two. Don't get discouraged -- the right program is out there for you and you will get accepted!

[@shannasalvatore2631]

I dont know why the nursing community on YT doesn't talk about this much, but you can also apply to private schools in your area and its guaranteed acceptance (as long as you pass the nursing entrance exam). Community colleges and universities are the only ones that are a guessing game. Yes, private comes with higher cost but they have the same accreditations and hired just as equally. They also usually have 4 start dates a year, so it isnt a waiting game. Most also do not need any pre-reqs and they are a part of their program.

[@margaretarmen]

@@shannasalvatore2631 great point, private schools are an excellent option! I am attending a private college myself. However, as you said it can be a more expensive option. Mine has two starts per year, requires pre-reqs, and has no entrance exam, so every program is different. I would encourage anyone interested in an accelerated program to explore all of their options because there is such a large variety!

[@Mel-pb5xw]

@@shannasalvatore2631 acceptance definitely isn’t a guarantee at all private schools🤔. In fact many are incredibly competitive. Do you mean for profit privates?

[@DabidRobinson]

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