Today, there is high demand for nurses. Many individuals are now changing careers to meet this demand. But can someone who already has a bachelor’s degree become a nurse without doing four more years? Absolutely. This is the exact situation Netra Chhantyal, a current ABSN student at Concordia University Wisconsin, was facing.
What is the ABSN program?
Concordia Wisconsin’s Accelerated Second Degree BSN (ABSN) program is made for those who have a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field and are ready to transition their career into nursing. The 14-month program combines online and in-person classes on our Mequon campus.
The program is geared towards giving you the skills you need to hit the ground running as a registered nurse. You will have hands-on experience with clinicals at Milwaukee area hospitals. When you graduate you will be ready to take on your new career.
After completing her bachelor’s degree, student Netra Chhantyal, found her passion for becoming a nurse and is now almost finished with Concordia’s ABSN program. Let’s hear about her experience.
Why did you choose to enroll in your nursing degree at Concordia University Wisconsin?
I had a bachelor’s degree in a different field and my passion to help people push me to pursue a Nursing degree. I was looking for an accelerated BSN option. My cousin told me that Concordia University Wisconsin has a program for Accelerated BSN which was only 14 months. So, I applied and enrolled.
Would you recommend your program to others and why?
I would recommend this program to those who already hold a bachelor’s degree in a different field and want to pursue Nursing. The reason I recommend this program is that this program is extremely fast-paced, and they can get a nursing degree within 14 months.
What are you hoping to do with your degree when you finish?
Once I finish my degree, I would like to work in a hospital either on the med-surg floor or in the pediatric department.
What advice would you give an individual contemplating a nursing degree?
Providing care to the population is a huge responsibility. You must keep your professional and personal life to the side and always keep your patient the top priority. So, I would advise an individual to be selfless, patient, and compassionate because you’ll encounter various types of patients and needs.
What are a few challenges you encountered as a nursing student?
Time management is my main challenge. In the program, our courses require many assignments, projects, and discussions that need to be completed within a certain time. Another challenge is the level of stress in the clinical setting.
The clinical was truly eye-opening. I worked with patients that were sick, critically ill, and had behavior problems. During the experience, I did have a moment when I questioned if I could manage these chaotic situations. Over time, this hands-on experience has given me the confidence to provide excellent care in the midst of these realistic and difficult situations.
What are the greatest benefits of CUW’s nursing programs?
The greatest benefit is that in our in-person courses, students were broken into small groups. Therefore we could interact more and have more individual attention during skill labs. Also, the program takes a holistic approach to nursing, meaning treating patients in mind, body, and spirit. This is a great benefit to healthcare as when nurses provide holistic care the recovery time is shorter.
What motivated/supported you through our program?
I’m fortunate to be in Concordia University Wisconsin’s Accelerated BSN program. The lectures, readings, Simulation Lab, work, and clinicals boost my nursing abilities, inspiring me to work hard to be an excellent nurse in the future.
What is your advice to future students?
Focus on your studies and manage your time to complete assigned readings and assignments on time because time management is critical in this nursing degree.
Want to become a nurse?
If you have your bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field but want to become a nurse in 14 months, we have your back. Check out more information about our program below.