[Ms. Nurse Assistant]

Someone told me that all of the dropouts from RN school went to LPN because the work was a bit easier..is this true?

[pagandeva2000]

It may be easier for an RN student to take an LPN course, but that is probably because they have learned part of it in even more detail. But, do not let LPN school fool you. Most programs are very intense...usually an 8 hour a day, 4-5 days per week, including clinicals. They are piling within a year a great deal of what RNs learn in two years (RNs have more theory and their classes are more intense) with no real break in between. You may get a holiday off, or maybe a week break at best, but it is crammed with pop quizzes, exams, clinical rotations with their own seperate assignments, performance of clinical skills, studying and cramming all the way. At least the RN program may sit out a semester, or have a summer break. LPN programs usually have no breaks.

Bottom line is that if you wish to be a nurse on any level, you have to work REALLY HARD at it AND pass NCLEX. And, I'll tell you something-whether you believe it or not, the mental as well as the physical work a nurse does is even more stressful, because of the accountability and liability. You will begin to see why a nurse counts on good aides and ancillary staff, because ultimately, the nurse (especially the RN) is responsible for the outcomes of ALL of it.

[Ms. Nurse Assistant]

What are some tips to passing nursing school?

[pagandeva2000]

Originally Posted by Ms. Nurse Assistant

What are some tips to passing nursing school?

Study your buns off, time management and not being distracted by friends, family and social situations. Also, do not argue with the professors, because you have to look at it like they are right, whether you really disagree or not.

[caprisonne]

Originally Posted by Ms. Nurse Assistant

What are some tips to passing nursing school?

I think they are equal when it comes to stress and difficulty with the main difference being the depth at which you cover any subject. I really found that in LPN school I was simply taught to do a thing, and anything past that (e.g., "Why am I doing this?") was only minimally covered if at all. In RN school though, you really dig into what you are doing and more specifically WHY! A lot more disease process teaching going on in RN school too. I have been an LPN for almost 7 years. I started BSN school here in Seattle, but I found that I didn't want to pursue a second bachelor's and then my master's in nursing because it would take 4 years to do that when I am eligible to pursue a master's as a physcian's assistant and it will only take 2 years. I always encourage someone thinking about pursuing nursing as a career to really go for it and aim for their BSN. I realize there are many reasons a person may not be able to devote themselves to the four year committment ... but, really, so many more doors are open to you if you go that far ... even more if you go for an advanced degreee. I think the most important part of being successful in any degree program is FOCUS & TIME MANAGEMENT! If i failed at either something always suffered (grades, lack of sleep, etc.). It is really important to be able to say, "NO!" ... when it comes to family and friend or what have you because you have something to get done for school. If you can stay focused and manage your time well then you'll have half the battle won!

Best of Luck,
c.

[NurseJulianna]

Originally Posted by pagandeva2000

It may be easier for an RN student to take an LPN course, but that is probably because they have learned part of it in even more detail. But, do not let LPN school fool you. Most programs are very intense...usually an 8 hour a day, 4-5 days per week, including clinicals. They are piling within a year a great deal of what RNs learn in two years (RNs have more theory and their classes are more intense) with no real break in between. You may get a holiday off, or maybe a week break at best, but it is crammed with pop quizzes, exams, clinical rotations with their own seperate assignments, performance of clinical skills, studying and cramming all the way. At least the RN program may sit out a semester, or have a summer break. LPN programs usually have no breaks.

Bottom line is that if you wish to be a nurse on any level, you have to work REALLY HARD at it AND pass NCLEX. And, I'll tell you something-whether you believe it or not, the mental as well as the physical work a nurse does is even more stressful, because of the accountability and liability. You will begin to see why a nurse counts on good aides and ancillary staff, because ultimately, the nurse (especially the RN) is responsible for the outcomes of ALL of it.

proud2blpn is totally right. I have been LPN for almost ten years and was a cna for 4 years before that, and that is one very good description the job of a licensed nurse. I wish I had known all of that coming into nursing, it can be tough to learn along the way, and schools should stress that more I think :")