Your Accelerated Future to Nursing

Nursing is more than a career — it’s a calling. For students in South College’s Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program, that calling comes with both incredible rewards and serious challenges.
In a recent episode of Live From South College, host Kathleen Stockham sat down with current ABSN student Abigail and alumnus Carson, now an ER nurse, to talk candidly about life inside one of the college’s most demanding (and fulfilling) programs.
Why Choose Nursing — and Why South College?
For both Abigail and Carson, nursing started with people. Abigail credits her grandmother’s compassion for sparking her interest:
“I just love people… even as a kid I carried Band-Aids on the playground.”
Carson’s passion grew out of a love for anatomy and physiology — and the stories shared by her own grandmother, an OR nurse for nearly 40 years.
When it came time to choose a school, both found that South College stood out for its small classes, personal attention, and genuine care for students.
“Professors knew my name,” Carson recalls. “They noticed if I was struggling.”
Thriving in a Fast-Paced Program
The Accelerated BSN packs rigorous nursing coursework, labs, and clinicals into just 18 months. It’s not for the faint of heart.
Carson admits the speed was tough, but also rewarding: “You learn so much in such a short amount of time… I felt ready for the NCLEX.”
Abigail, still in her final quarter, survives with “a good planner and a caffeine addiction,” but credits South College’s support systems for helping students keep up.
Both students emphasized that while the program moves quickly, it mirrors the fast pace of real-world healthcare. By pushing students to adapt, prioritize, and make quick decisions, it prepares them for demanding environments like the ER, ICU, or labor and delivery.

Lessons from the Trenches
Some of the pair’s best advice centers on planning and perseverance:
– Map out your weeks — down to clinicals, tests, and study blocks.
– Expect a leap in difficulty after the first quarter.
– Take NCLEX-style practice questions early and often.
Carson’s mantra? Trust the process. Nursing school is designed to prepare students for the unknown — just like a shift in a busy ER.
They also stressed the importance of leaning on peers. Friendships forged during long study sessions and challenging clinicals often become lifelong professional connections.
“The people you meet in nursing school will understand what no one else can,” Carson said. “You’ll still lean on each other as new grads.”
Building Resilience and Teamwork
Nursing is as much about character as it is about clinical skill. Abigail and Carson spoke about the resilience they developed in the program: handling setbacks, staying motivated after tough tests, and learning from emotional moments like witnessing a patient fatality or a code.
Teamwork also plays a central role. From lab partners to clinical instructors, students are constantly learning how to collaborate under pressure. Those skills translate directly to patient care, where nurses coordinate with colleagues to make quick, lifesaving decisions.
“Finding coworkers you’re not afraid to ask for help is huge,” Carson noted. “That support makes all the difference.”
Clinical Highlights (and Surprises)
For every grueling exam, there’s a moment that reminds students why they chose nursing. Abigail shared an unforgettable encounter with a patient — an Elvis impersonator — who nicknamed her his “guardian angel.”
Carson cherishes the hugs and heartfelt thanks from ER patients and their families: “Those moments affirm you’re where you’re supposed to be.”
Even humorous challenges, like Abigail fainting after skipping water on a long clinical shift, underscore the real-life demands of nursing — and the importance of self-care.
From Student to Nurse: Making the Leap
Carson’s ER role challenged her to narrow broad nursing knowledge into specialized skills like IV starts, cardiac drips, and conscious sedation. Her advice to graduates is clear: seek mentors, stay humble, and keep asking questions.
Abigail is aiming for labor and delivery but has accepted an oncology position to build experience first — a strategic move to strengthen her foundation before stepping into her dream specialty.
Advice for Future Nurses
Both women urge anyone considering nursing — especially via an accelerated path — to dive in:
“We always need more nurses,” Abigail says. “It’s the most rewarding experience you’ll have.”
Carson adds: “Those 18 months fly by. Don’t underestimate the friendships you’ll make — they’re often for life.”
They also remind prospective students to take care of themselves. Good headphones for focused study, a reliable planner, and hydration during long shifts all help maintain balance.
Looking Ahead: Where Dreams Meet Direction
South College’s Accelerated BSN program is proof that with the right guidance, determination, and a sense of humor, students can transform their passion for helping others into a thriving nursing career.
As Abigail and Carson’s stories show, the journey isn’t easy — but it’s worth every step. From the first lecture to the NCLEX, and from clinical rotations to real-world practice, the ABSN pathway equips nurses to meet challenges with confidence and compassion.
“Nursing gives you a chance to make a difference every single day,” Carson reflected. “That’s what makes all the hard work worth it.”
For those ready to answer the call, South College stands ready to guide you — helping your dream find its direction.