Newbie here thinking about going back to school to become an LPN

kimber1985 · Nov 27, 2006

I am 39 and in RN school. I never had any children, just a bunch of failed relationships. It was something I always wanted to do. I had almost no experience. I do great on test and find clinicals a little intimidating. But I love it. I am fairly shy and have grown alot in the 14 months I have been in the program. There are alot of older students in my class, so don't let that be an issue for you. I think just taking care of your kids will give you more experience than you may think. I would consider RN over LPN.

Good Luck to you.

Kim

phoenix72 · Nov 27, 2006

:welcome:. I've been on the board for a few weeks and absolutely love it. There is an abundance of information here. Don't worry about not having a medical background. You are going in with a fresh mind and will learn everything you need to. We all start somewhere, right? I have to say, though, be very careful with the nursing programs at the tech schools. I checked one out the other day and it was going to cost $25,000. for an AS degree LPN program. This same program costs about $2,800 at the Adult school in the area and they have the same licensing test pass rates. My best advice is to do a lot of research and find all the different routes to your license. As far as being shy, just try not to let it psych you out. We all have some sort of reservation to work through. Congrats on your new career choice!!

Tweety, BSN, RN · Nov 27, 2006

There will be people with a medical background in your class, particularly Nursing Assistants. However, don't let that stop you. You will learn everything you need to know. I worked at Pizza Hut prior to starting nursing school and I survived. Good luck!!!

maddiesmommy · Nov 27, 2006

Thank you all so much for the wonderful words of encouragement. It makes me even more excited to push forward with this. This may sound premature, since I haven't even contacted the school yet, but today, my husband & I went and looked at different stethoscopes, nursing shoes, etc. Of course, I won't buy anything until I get accepted, but can you tell I am excited to pursue this? :specs:

maddiesmommy · Nov 27, 2006

Also, while I was in the store, looking at nursing supplies, a woman, whom I assume was a nurse, looked at me and said "You won't have a life if you become a nurse... I told my daughter that I'd pay for her education, but not to become a nurse."

I just smiled politely and went on with my looking. I know that nursing is a career that requires lots of your time and I'm totally ready for that challenge. Fortunately, I have a very supportive family who is willing to help with childcare when I need it. :)

phoenix72 · Nov 27, 2006

Thank you all so much for the wonderful words of encouragement. It makes me even more excited to push forward with this. This may sound premature, since I haven't even contacted the school yet, but today, my husband & I went and looked at different stethoscopes, nursing shoes, etc. Of course, I won't buy anything until I get accepted, but can you tell I am excited to pursue this?

It doesn't sound premature at all. I've spent all my time doing research and looking at different stethascopes, shoes, etc since I decided to attend. That's what has been keeping me sane in the time before I can start classes. I think you are just excited and that enthusiasm will be a good thing. You are blessed to have a supportive husband by your side. Do you mind if I ask what tech school you're looking at? I was considering a drive 45 minutes each way to Visalia to go to San Joaquin Valley College for their LVN program then going through their LVN to RN program.

maddiesmommy · Nov 27, 2006

Do you mind if I ask what tech school you're looking at? I was considering a drive 45 minutes each way to Visalia to go to San Joaquin Valley College for their LVN program then going through their LVN to RN program.

I am considering going to a James Rumsey Technical. I don't know of any other LPN programs around me. I would eventually like to pursue my RN, but for now, and very limited funds, I want to get my feet wet as an LPN and if I really love it (which I just know I will) bridge over to RN eventually.

Good luck to you also. :)

Daytonite, BSN, RN · Nov 27, 2006

hi, maddiesmommy!

i started nursing school back in 1973 not knowing one thing about nursing other than what i had heard from my mom who was an lvn. i was an account clerk. i knew, however, that i needed to be doing something to help people. best decision i ever made. like me, you will be taught everything you need to know in school. there were people in my nursing classes who had been lvns and who had worked as nursing assistants (there were no cnas back then). after i graduated and went to work i was still learning. i learned a lot from other nurses i worked with over the years. one thing about nursing is that you are always learning--always. the quest for knowledge is the great equalizer. when i saw this with some of my nursing instructors over the years as well, i began to realize that age really means nothing. it's all about your attitude. if you feel you want more experience then you can do like i did, get a job working in a nursing home as an aide after you finish your beginning nursing classes. otherwise, concentrate on learning as much as you can when you take your nursing classes. don't see your instructors as authority figures, but as colleagues who are there to help you. learn where to find answers because that is a skill that will serve you well after you complete school. everyone is nervous when they first start out. i used to get sick to my stomach as i walked into the hospital for my clinicals when i was a student and even for a few years after graduating. it was because i was always worried i would accidentally kill someone. well, it's been 33 years. haven't killed anyone yet! and, if you look to the left or read my profile, you'll see i've accomplished a lot in my 30 years as a nurse of which i'm very proud. not bad for someone who started off knowing absolutely zippo about what a nurse does!

see you on the student forums! welcome to allnurses! :welcome:

maddiesmommy · Nov 27, 2006

Daytonite,

Hello and thank you so much! Your words are so encouraging and you make me want this even more. :bow:

Unfortunately, it looks like I might have to wait a few years before starting school. I called the tech school today, and they are sending me the information on the LPN class, but she said it's a full-time only program that runs M-F, 8:00am-3:45pm. Right now, that schedule won't work for me. I have an 18 month old, and also, my sister pays me during the week to watch my 2 little nieces M-F.

I originally had told my sister, that once my youngest starts Kindergarten, that I was going to start working, but now I might be starting LPN school instead. We really can't afford to pay for daycare right now, as we are barely getting by. This will, however, give me time to save money for tuition fees and supplies. I am determined to make this happen.

vampiregirl, BSN, RN · Nov 28, 2006

What about finding out what general education classes you will need and taking some of them in the evenings or whenever is convenient for you?