A day in the life of a nursing student in an ABSN program is fast-paced. Nursing students take classes, complete assignments, participate in nursing skills and simulation labs, and work clinical shifts at nearby healthcare facilities to gain hands-on experience. They also spend plenty of time studying.
A day in the life of a nursing student is typically packed with classes, labs, clinical learning experiences, and studying. The nursing school curriculum can be rigorous, and the schedule is fast-paced, so students need to use excellent time-management skills to stay on top of their obligations. In an accelerated nursing program, the schedule is even more fast-paced, requiring a strong commitment to succeed.
At Utica University, we provide robust student support to help our nursing students succeed despite the fast pace. Utica’s Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) and Advanced Standing B.S. in Nursing programs enroll individuals from all walks of life. Some students are recent college graduates, while others are career changers with children. Every nursing student experiences the program a little differently, but all benefit from the supportive learning community at Utica.
While every Utica ABSN student completes the same professional nursing curriculum, the way they approach it can differ slightly. Explore what to expect in nursing school, from classes to labs to clinicals, to get a better sense of how you can navigate a day in the life of a nursing student.
What a “Typical” Day in Nursing School Really Looks Like
Utica University’s ABSN program comprises three main learning components: classes, labs, and clinical rotations.
Online Coursework
Didactic coursework teaches nursing students about key nursing theories and concepts in practice areas such as adult health, pediatrics, maternity, and beyond. These classes also teach about patient assessments, pharmacology, human anatomy, and pathophysiology. The didactic coursework lays a foundation for developing applied nursing skills.
Utica ABSN students can complete their fundamental nursing courses online, giving them flexibility to choose when and where they study. Professor deadlines, however, still apply. Faculty support is just an email or call away.
Another benefit of online learning is that you can review the material as many times as you wish to reinforce the learning process. You can reach out to your instructors at any time and discuss nursing concepts with your fellow cohort members.
Get tips on effective time management practices for nursing school.
Nursing Labs
In addition to coursework, a day in the life of a nursing student typically features labs. Utica ABSN students attend nursing skills and simulation labs every week. Unlike the online courses, labs run on a set schedule.
In-person nursing skills and simulation labs are essential for learning hands-on clinical skills and the nursing process. During skills labs, you’ll learn how to handle tasks like assessing patients, placing nasogastric tubes, placing IV lines, and administering medications.
During simulation labs, you’ll work in small groups to apply the nursing process to a simulated clinical issue. Working on medical manikins that replicate human responses, your group may need to address anything from an allergic reaction to a heart attack to shoulder dystocia during childbirth. You’ll be expected to develop appropriate clinical responses and initiate nursing interventions.
After each simulation, your group will gather for a debriefing with your instructor. Pay close attention and take plenty of notes during the debriefing, as learning from your mistakes is essential.
During your time in Utica’s four-semester ABSN program, you can expect to complete about 225 hours of lab time. If you’re a student with children or other important family obligations, it helps to plan for these labs in advance. Here’s what you can expect for each semester:
| Semester I | Semester II | Semester III | Semester IV |
|---|---|---|---|
| Foundations for Nursing Care | Medical/Surgical Care I | Senior Care I | Senior Care II |
| Health Assessment | |||
| 90 lab hours | 45 lab hours | 45 lab hours | 45 lab hours |
Clinical Placements
Clinical placements involve working shifts at a nearby healthcare facility. You’ll work with members of your cohort, your clinical instructors, and experienced RNs in various practice areas. Clinicals are essential to the nursing education process, as they provide hands-on, immersive experience providing direct patient care.
Unlike most nursing programs, Utica’s ABSN begins clinical placements in the first semester. Over the span of the program, you’ll log 588 hours of real-world experience in diverse areas of patient care. Here’s a breakdown of clinical rotations by semester.
| Semester I | Semester II | Semester III | Semester IV |
|---|---|---|---|
| Foundations for Nursing Care | Obstetric Population | Medical/Surgical Care II | Professional Nursing Trends |
| Populations & Communities | Aging Population | Psychiatric Population | Advanced Medical/Surgical Nursing |
| Medical/Surgical Care I | Pediatric Population | ||
| 84 clinical hours | 168 clinical hours | 168 clinical hours | 168 clinical hours |
Some nursing students feel a little intimidated by the prospect of working with actual patients right away. Knowing what to expect in nursing school and jumping right into clinical shifts in the first semester, however, does offer advantages. After acclimating to the clinical environment, you’ll quickly gain confidence through this real-world experience.
Nursing students start with clinical shifts slowly. You’ll first handle simple patient care tasks, such as assisting with ambulation and setting up the room for a new intake. As your nursing education progresses and your clinical skills advance, you’ll be able to take on more complex tasks, like placing IV lines.
Take a closer look at what to expect in clinicals.
Why Nursing School Looks Different for ABSN Students
What to expect in nursing school as an ABSN student will be different from what a student in a traditional B.S. in Nursing program would experience. A day in the life of a nursing student in a traditional B.S. in Nursing program will be more like that of a typical college student. That is, they will complete general education and degree-requirement courses as part of the overall curriculum before diving into nursing education.
In contrast, ABSN students leverage their previously earned non-nursing degree or credits toward earning a nursing degree sooner. They complete degree-requirement courses prior to enrollment, so as soon as they enter the program, students dive right into the nursing curriculum.
ABSN programs are faster-paced compared to traditional B.S. in Nursing programs. They require excellent time management skills and an enduring commitment to succeed. The advantage lies in being able to graduate more quickly and enter the nursing workforce sooner.
What to Expect in Nursing School Beyond the Daily Schedule
Your daily schedule will be filled with classes, labs, and clinical rotations. Beyond these scheduling commitments, you can expect to study every day. You’ll need to study for your classes, labs, and clinicals, and you’ll also need to study for the NCLEX-RN. In total, an ABSN student might spend between 40 and 60 hours per week on their nursing education.
Earn Your Nursing Degree Faster at Utica University
Utica University provides a supported, personalized learning experience for our nursing students in New York. While earning your B.S. in Nursing in as few as 16 months, you’ll benefit from attentive instructors and Academic Success Coaches. You’ll also have the support of a close-knit nursing cohort.
Request more information and connect with an admission representative today to discuss your eligibility for the ABSN or Advanced Standing B.S. in Nursing program.
