Avoiding socialization pitfalls in accelerated second-degree nursing education: the returning-to-school syndrome model.

Second-degree students are highly motivated and tend to excel academically. However, nurse educators in accelerated programs face challenges in socializing these students to the nursing role. One pitfall is the hostility that may develop if students perceive a mismatch between their expectations and their new role as baccalaureate nursing (BSN) students in a fast-paced and intense program. This article discusses the applicability of the returning-to-school syndrome model in helping second-degree nursing students maneuver successfully through an accelerated BSN program. This 3-stage model has been previously applied in RN-to-BSN education. Using the model in an accelerated BSN curriculum to identify transition points and offer student support through specific stages can better prepare students to meet the challenges of accelerated education, as well as help nurse educators become more adept at providing resources and implementing supportive strategies at the appropriate time.