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

[sunshinydays]

Hi! Thanks for posting that encouraging message! I have been an LVN since the 1980's and have contemplated furthering my education for years. Your favorite number of 55, is what caught my eye. I am 55 years old and your words have given me hope that I, too, can go back to school and become an RN! Thanks again.

[vivbingy]

Thank you for this article; I am heading back to school and my age was a concern for me. Now I feel that it's not the age, but your willingness to learn.

[seerachel]

Thank you so much for a very inspiring article...I'm also an LPN and have a few more days to finish my BSN. Yes, I will be done technically with schoolwork this Friday, 10/17/08 and will be back to school for our KAPLAN review at the end of this month. I've been working as an LPN for about 14 years and I was also one of the "oldest" in class--turning 42 soon. I worked full time and go to school full time and it was really challenging. Like yourself, I want to "make a difference" and it didn't matter what initials came after my name. Being an LPN doesn't mean we are not as good as the RNs. I would even make a joke at work that the LPN may stand for Lowest Paid Nurse and the RN for a Rich Nurse...obviously it didn't bother me at all because I know that we are as good as the RNs (with maybe a few limitations on our part). As far as I'm concerned, I am just happy to greet my patients with "Hi, my name is Rachel and I will be your nurse today..." This profession is amazing as it "brings out the best" in me and having the initials "RN" after my name would open more doors for me...

I wish you luck with your latest endeavor and don't give up!

[Tonnie-Soon2BNurse]

i am currently in school to become an lpn and i am 34 yrs. old w/ 3 children and a wonderful husband. i totally understand where you are coming from. i have been wearing the biggest grin on my face since sept. when i found out that i was accepted into school. prayerfully, as soon as i become an lpn and get my footing (a job and experience), i plan to return within the year to pursue my rn degree. i had to put my dreams on hold b/c i had to travel a different path earlier in my life. sometimes i beat myself up saying, "i could have done this years ago", but i realize now is the best time for me. i am more comfortable in my skin and not as shy as i used to be. i love who i've become as a person and i am more than capable of handling tough situations. thank you so much for you story as it is extremely encouraging. good luck and may god bless every step you take!!!!! :redbeathe:yeah:

[newleaf2012]

this was such a great article ! i want to start a local lpn class in the fall (2009) and i hope to get my adn !

[bradleyshanetaylor]

nice story, and if you would of been in my class, i would of been that young man that didnt bring a pen to class too, good luck and you will do good sound like an awsome person that will make a differene to patient.

[patient feeling]

very nice article

:yeah::yeah:

[winsome08]

I too waited until my kids were older then went back to school. There were 24 students and 4 of us were between the ages 36-41. My 20 yr old told me when she was about 12yrs old that "you're never too old to go back to school" after seeing a 70 yr old graduating student at my baby sister's graduation in 2002 from one of the local colleges in my state. Good luck to you.

[KacyLynnRN]

Great article! Reminded me of my first day at school in my LPN to RN program! With your enthusiasm and wonderful support system, I am sure you will breeze right through "the year from hell" (as I called it)! Good luck to you!

[delaney1]

I worked as a Certified Surgical Technician 27 years before I went for my RN at 46 years old. Best thing I ever did in my career. I am now in Administration and will retire in a couple of years, but nothing still makes me prouder than being able to put R.N. after my name. Good luck and pass on the good attitude!

[lbug4]

Thank you. That is all that I can say. I found out two days ago that, although I had gotten into an LVN (you call it LPN where you live) program, I was ineligible for entry due to a pre-req that I had not been able to get into. I took my first nursing pre-req 6 years ago. I was 20 years old and pregnant, and already had 2 sons. I had found myself a single mom, but was convinced that I was going to make something of myself and set an example for my kids. Regardless of how hard it was or how long it took.

I did finish those pre-req's, with a 3.5 while working full time grave yard shifts and raising 2 boys on my own. I put my name on a waitlist for an rn program...then saw that my number wasnt due to come up for 3 more years. I gave it the old college try for about 3 semesters, and then I realized that I needed to move on. I had three children. I was single. I had finished an associates degree in psych while I was waiting for a nursing opening. I needed a bachelors, a career. I switched majors.

4 months before graduating from SDSU with a BS in Psych, I met my current husband. While he was proud of me, and happy for me, he made it known that I didnt need to abandon my nursing dream. He let me know he would bend over backward to help me realize it. So I tried again...

But it was back to the daunting waitlists, and my science pre-req's had expired. I was frustrated, but determined. I decided to get my LVN first, and do an RN step-up program after. There weren't waiting lists for that. I finished my pre-req's (again), and applied to a local LVN program that I could afford. I found out that I was guaranteed a spot! I was beyond excited. I've been a CNA working for an acceptance letter for 5 years!!! Then I found out I was missing a pre-req required by their facility, and the classes offered there were filled. They gave me a list of places offering the class in the time alotted before the LPN program started. I left, still confident that this was finally my shot! Then I found out that all of the classes were full. Here I was, 26 years old. Having to put it off for yet ANOTHER year. It was inconceivable. I needed to further my psych education, and have a real career. I cried all night, and applied to a Masters program in Psych the next day. Then I read your story on allnurses.com. It made me think, Im 26. She is 20 years older than me, and she hasn't given up. Here I am giving up!! I will smile the whole time when it is my turn too! My husband doesn't want me to give up either! I called the school back and retracted my application for the psych program, and then I poured over the internet for schools within a 2 hour radius of my home that offered the pre-req class I needed. And I found one. An hour away, but worth the drive twice a week. I take that for 6 weeks, and then I look at a white board that says welcome LVN students...

I know we are complete strangers, but it is honestly because of your post. I wouldnt have bothered to look in neighboring counties without reading your story. I cant thank you enough. And if I have questions during the LVN process, I'd love to look to you as a mentor!

Best to you and yours! Happy Holidays!

Laurie Lawson

[99percentangel]

Dear Laurie,

I hope to keep in touch. I loved your comment! I've posted it on my blog for my family and friends to read, and I'm sure they will want to know your progress.

Take Care on the Journey, ~Linda