Advising Students to Prepare for and Excel in Accelerated Nursing Programs

Abstract

Accelerated nursing programs allow students with previous baccalaureate degrees to enter into the nursing workforce more quickly than graduates of traditional nursing programs do. As students applying for admission to accelerated nursing programs tend to be older and bring with them vast life experiences, their path will be different from a traditional undergraduate nursing student. Applicants planning for accelerated study face a multitude of choices and challenges related to this educational pathway and germane to their success is early and appropriate advising. This chapter provides those who advise potential accelerated nursing students a greater understanding of the issues and challenges faced by these applicants, as well as the different educational pathways available to them. Also discussed are resources that should be available to these students to ensure their success in these fast-paced programs. A continuum of advising and mentoring strategies is detailed, extending from the preparation to apply to finding one's unique place in nursing.