Orientation Day LPN to RN

[99percentangel]

A dozen new vibrant colorful textbooks decorate the kitchen table and a quick peek into several reveal that they are written in English and the information is not all Greek!

These are my study guides for the first quarter of my nursing program at Bohecker College! Almost $855.00 and about 55 pounds of dry weight to lug from class to class. "They aren't heavy...They're my BOOKS!"

MY magic number 55 cheered loudly again today! Cars with 55 in the license plates surrounded me as I traveled the two miles to school. The president of Bohecker College announced that after our class graduates, Bohecker College will have graduated 455 nurses (LPN and RN's). And, my drive-through lunch came to $5.05. As if I need more affirmation!

Orientation was scheduled for 8:30 a.m., but I was saying good morning to the college landscapers by 8:15. Not surprisingly, I was one of the first student nurses to arrive. Almost 25 other students trickled in for the next 45 minutes. But absolutely no one wore a bigger smile than I did! (Our class has more students (55?), but we are divided up into different orientation days.)

The crispy morning air seemed perfect for my first day although early fog caused some schools in the county to open a couple of hours late. On the whiteboard at the front on the room, the words blazed out at me. "Welcome RN Students".

Orientation included a welcome to several students who were returning after finishing the LPN course to complete the RN program. As I glanced around the room full of LPN's, I looked to see if there was anyone I knew or had worked with but all were strangers with almost no expression on their sleepy faces. The young man next to me looked way too young to be a nurse. He shivered in the cool classroom and didn't even bring a pen to write with! The young lady on the other side said she'd been working as an LPN for a year but there was no shine in her eyes. Most of the class agreed with the admissions director that the main reason for advancing their education is to make more money.

My numbers-minded husband has put together some figures, but my goal when I'm an RN is to work WHERE I CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE. For too many years I've been an observer in the team-making process of caregiving when my abilities and experience could have been used if the letters after my name had been different. I feel like I've been walking behind the horse in the parade, scooping up the mess even as I listened and learned along the way.

Yep. At the golden age of 58, I will be the oldest, wisest and most grandmotherly student in the school. (That's not to say the smartest.) Hubby advises to choose my study partners carefully because he says, many will be coming to me for advice. I'm not convinced of that, but do hope to have the same opportunity to learn as if it was my first year on the job!

Much of the orientation time was spent listening to motivational speakers urging students to not give up and keep their goals in front of them at all times. "You'll want to throw your books at the wall and give up. You'll have excuses to call off. Kids will get sick. Cars will break down. You will be tempted to give up!".

I wanted to raise my hand high and argue.

"Not me! I've looked forward to this year for 38 years. See me smile! Nothing you offer will beat me down! BRING IT ON!

My smile didn't fade as I signed my name to an $800+ bill for my books! My smile didn't fade as I lugged the pile of textbooks to my car on several trips. My smile didn't fade when my uniform fitting was about at least 6 sizes larger than the first time I was a student nurse! My smile didn't fade when I noticed that I was older than most of the administration and ALL of the students in my class

My smile will glow in the dark tonight as I snuggle next to hubby Jim who must take some credit for directing me on the path! Jim's faith in me is unwavering!. His belief in my dreams and gentle nudges to keep me focused on the goal are priceless! He has promised to "hold the ladder" and I am sure he will not only hold the ladder but build a bridge if I need it.

After orientation as I was loading the trunk with boxes of books, another student stopped to say hi. He asked why I had waited so long to get my RN. My reply...

"I finally have a husband who believes in me and wouldn't let me give up my dream."

I'm also appreciative that my two sons are grown, educated and supportive.

Take Care on the Journey,

~Linda

[LPN_of_BC]

hi very nice letter....now I know I'm not yet too late to be an RN...I'm 43 years old and have been an LPN for 4 years now planning to take a BSN....thanks for this very inspiring and motivating letter...:up::bowingpur:roll

[pacunurse12]

thats great..i glad to hear about you all !!! u go now!!!

[prvrbs35]

Great story. I like the thought of "WHERE I CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE." As a LVN I go to work with that same thought. I know that I make a difference in the lives of my patients.

I am a motivated 45 y/o LVN working on my prerequisites toward ADN. I wish you well.

[jaywolves]

I have nothing but admiration for you and would echo your husbands warning, "be picky about your lab partners" not only will they want to pick your mind but - especially the youngest ones - seem to only be looking for a shortcut. They don't want explanations as much as they want answers and those of us with some years of professional experience (in any field) seem to be the ones that really push ourselves. They tend to want to party and slack off and then come to you before class starts with, "wow, did you even finish that case study?" Just to get to cheat.

I had the same trepidation going back to school at 33. 15 years of working in a professional level career only to be outsourced put me back in a classroom actually pursuing a dream. The goal to work in medicine and actually make a difference.

Don't lose your excitement in your quest. Remember always how this feels and focus on that feeling before every quarter/semester. You'll be the one at the end with the grades and the experience to succeed no matter what your goal. Let the kids be kids. They'll figure it out someday.

THANK YOU FOR SHARING YOUR EXPERIENCE!

[mondaymanila]

there's always room for improvement and there's always a way in making them and with your determination,success is just in your way..

Godspeed..:redpinkhe

[mondaymanila]

you inspire me most especially and truly you we all just get better as we age gracefully...amazing!!

:redpinkheGodspeed...

[mbailes56]

congratulations, I am 52 and pursing my LPN because after 3 hard years at An RN school I missed my maternal grade by 3 points and was told I had to sit out a year and come back and do both years over, I had one year obtaining all of my pre requisites, I said no thank you, I dont have the time to sit out 1 year and repeat both years when I was ready to graduate but missed Maternal Nursing by 3 points of having a "C". I wish you the best of Luck! Dont let anybody get inside your head and tell you that you cant do it because I did and I didnt do it.

[bthsp]

I loved your article and good luck--Iam going to be a LPN at the age of 55 and yes iam the oldest one in my class,but like you iam determined..So good luck in all your travels.....

[Brian, ASN, RN]

Valerie,

Good Catch! Yes, I should have written RN where I put LPN.

Thanks for all the encouragement!

I edited the artilcle to read RN (not LPN) :) Great article! Good Luck in school, and keep us posted on your journey!

[mercermom_rn]

What a great story! I am 43 yrs old and finished my BSN last May:yeah:. I was also the oldest person in my class. I felt so out of place many times, especially since most of my young classmates had part time jobs as EMTs or patient techs, seemed very comfortable in patient care and a few already had jobs waiting for them. The last time I was in school was in 1987 afer finishing a 5 year engineering degree. I wanted a life (kids and a non-healthcare job) so I did not opt for an accelerated program but chose to enroll in a regular 4 year program. I almost did not become a nurse since like another poster, I missed passing Maternity by a few points, and considered not coming back 12 months later to retake it. But I did go back, graduated after 4.5 yrs, passed the boards and hopeful that a hospital would take a chance on me . I am thinking positive that there is a place for me out there. Good luck!

[Ms.Williams]

Dear Linda

Thank you so much for your story, maybe now I can get some encouragement to continue. I too am in my 50's, 52 to be exact and an LPN for 15 years and proud of it. You stated it so well as though you felt like the horse following in the pararade and how your EXPERTISE could and would have at least been acknowledged had your initials been 2 instead of 3. (RN vs LPN). I currently taking and retaking some classes due to time expiration on some of them and that in itself is frustrating, and sometimes the courses and entrance tests can be frustrating but you made me smile. Best of luck of to you and I look forward to reading some of your stories as you move thru this transiton

[maxx08]

congratulations! You are an inspiration! Please keep us updated on your progress.

I start school next week for my RN. My goal is to finally have my RN before age 40. Should make it by 6 months, God willing. Then its on to BSN and ultimate goal of MSN or PHD, that should be about the time of retirement age. My plan is to become a nursing instructor for my retirement job. It will be a blast!

I applaud you in going back to school at this stage in your life. I'm sure you will have some challenges, but many of the challenges that plague those younger will not affect you in the least.

Thanks for posting.