Wondering if you have the qualities of a nurse? We explain how determination, self-reliance, and compassion can help you get through an accelerated nursing program and eventually, become a great nurse. We can connect you to an ABSN program that best suits you and your qualities.
Thanks to the internet, we have quick, easy access to anything we want 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You will even find online-based accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) programs that allow you to earn a nursing degree in as little as 16 months. But before you get too excited about the thought of accelerating into the nursing profession, you must consider if it is the right choice for you by determining if you have the qualities of a nurse.
While ABSN programs make it possible to earn a quality nursing degree in just over a year, it’s not the type of education that just anyone can access. These accelerated nursing programs are for individuals who already have some form of college education.
Some ABSN programs require a non-nursing bachelor’s degree to qualify, while others want you to have a certain amount of college credits. Either way, ABSN programs build on your undergraduate education, so you don’t have to start over from scratch. Bear in mind that ABSN programs also require you to complete a series of prerequisite courses before applying.
Qualities of a Good Nurse
Because ABSN programs are rigorous, you’ll have to make sacrifices while in nursing school. The time and energy accelerated nursing programs require can be compared to a full-time job. ABSN students who tend to be the most successful with their education and eventually their careers have the following traits:
Determination
You need to have the strength of mind and character to keep pace with a compressed nursing curriculum. In other words, you must have the will to do what needs to be done, even if you don’t want to. You can help build this trait by writing down your why in a journal. By having your story of why you want to become a nurse on paper, you can go back and read it when times get tough to give you the inspiration you need to keep moving forward.
Self-Reliance
Most ABSN programs involve a significant amount of online coursework, so you must be okay with studying on your own and holding yourself personally accountable. This will be key when it comes to completing a program with a fast-paced curriculum. Not only will you have to practice self-discipline in completing your classwork, but once you graduate, you will have to study for and schedule your NCLEX exam to obtain your RN licensure.
Compassion
Competence and compassion are equally essential to the delivery of quality patient care. You need emotional intelligence to empathize with others and respond accordingly. Develop your compassion by practicing your listening skills. Actively listening to your patients as they explain their symptoms is a vital responsibility as a nurse. When your patients feel comfortable talking with you, they may be more willing to open up, which will help you gather the information you need to provide the best treatment.
Self-Awareness
The overwhelming nature of accelerated learning tends to summon unwanted emotions in students. You should be mindful of how these feelings affect your study habits and find ways to relax and recharge. It could be as simple as daily meditation or a weekly massage. Taking the time for self-care will not only positively impact your studies but is also a good habit to get into before beginning your career as a nurse. After all, you can’t take good care of others if you are not taking good care of yourself.
Things You Can Expect from an ABSN Program.
Now that you know the qualities of a nurse, you can begin developing personal qualities to contribute to your success. Let’s go over the specifics of ABSN programs. For the most part, ABSN programs span four full-time semesters and feature a rigorous blend of online nursing coursework, onsite nursing labs, and in-person clinical rotations. Here’s what you can expect from each of these learning components:
Online Nursing Coursework
Establishing the foundation of your education, online ABSN courses typically cover the fundamentals and theories of the nursing profession, from pharmacology to physiology to public health. While instructor deadlines still apply, online nursing coursework lets you study at your own pace and complete assignments at any time of the day or night. The intuitive online learning platforms used by ABSN programs feature dynamic multimedia content, from video lectures to simulated case studies, to help you better understand and retain core nursing concepts.
Nursing Skills Labs
ABSN nursing labs are contextual learning environments that allow you to learn, practice, and master core nursing skills without the fear of risking patient safety. These labs are equipped with hospital beds, medical supplies, clinical task trainers, and full-body manikins. You will work alongside a clinical instructor, applying basic nursing procedures such as blood pressure monitoring, catheterization, head-to-toe assessments, and wound care.
Nursing Simulation Labs
Mirroring a clinical environment, ABSN nursing simulation labs develop your problem-solving skills and clinical judgment in complex care situations by having a high-tech manikin carry out the patient role. Because these manikins can simulate a human's physical and emotional responses, they allow you to intervene in high-risk situations, such as cardiac arrest, without consequence.
Clinical Rotations
Some ABSN programs get you started on clinical practicum during your first semester of nursing school. These clinicals, which take place in various health care settings, allow you to gain real-world experience in diverse areas of nursing practice, from adult care to pediatrics to community health.
Are You Ready to Become an RN?
As you can see, an ABSN program makes it possible to earn a nursing degree fast, but it’s an intense education path that should not be entered into lightly. If you’re up to the challenge and have the qualities of a nurse, you’ll be done much quicker than you would in a traditional nursing program.
We can connect you with the best ABSN program based on your qualifications. Simply complete our online form, and you'll be contacted by the nursing schools that match your criteria. This is a free service, and you are not obligated to attend the schools that contact you.
