CURRENTLY in ISU's LPN-BSN program?

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Apr 30, 2015

Welcome!

We have moved your thread to the Indiana State University online degree forum with the goal of eliciting responses from other ISU students. Good luck to you.

taspalmer · May 3, 2015

Are you currently in Phase 3?

Vocationofalifetime · May 13, 2015

Hello,

I am in phase 3 of the LPN-BSN distance program, and I have five core classes left. I'm in taking N424 Adult Med-Surg IV (high acuity) in the Fall. I started the program--writing my TEAS exam three summers ago already! I have a previous BA, so many of my courses transferred, and I challenged the initial four courses required quite easily. I only took the challenge courses each only once after buying only four modules from TCN.

I take only one class a semester (as I work 36 hrs/week), and usually an 11-week Summer session also. I find the courses very challenging, requiring alot of time, and necessitating that the student be proactive in all areas of the coursework and clinical piece. The instructors are usually quite good (some are better than others and really care about the student's success) though there is no hand-holding. If you have questions, you have to ask--use the discussion board, directly email the instructor, or ask other successful students (they are the students who are also proactive, and not lazy).

Finding a clinical site is a major challenge for most of us, and it is up to the student to find a placement. This can be the student's undoing! What is more, the student may find if difficult to find a preceptor, which is also required for the clinical courses. If you are lucky to find a clinical placement and a preceptor (I've been successful three times now), you will not have an instructor on the unit with you, though your preceptor is supposed to be 1:1 with you as you fulfill your hours/course requirements. This can pose some challenges because you don't have an instructor available, and the preceptor may just assign you to an staff nurse who doesn't want the "help". This can be a problem, but hasn't been for me so far. However, I think that if the student is respectful of the staff nurses' time and expertise, and practices within the limits of their experience and education, it can still work. The preceptor though, is allowing the student to practice under their nursing license, while in the facility completing their clinical hours. This is very risky for the preceptor, and the student must respect that above all (second only to patient safety!).

I would recommend any LPN to consider ISU's distance program if the LPN has experience working with patients (I've been an LPN since 1993) and is willing to accept complete responsibility for success. The student needs to be motivated and a "self-starter", willing to study and participate. You will have "no life" because the program demands complete focus. It is not a program for a lazy student, and the program is not designed to make the process easy. You will feel like quitting many times, overwhelmed, and humiliated when you realize how little you know. . .But these feelings fade. You will find good students that will support you, and on whom you can depend on and vent to. You will find an instructor that is willing to take your calls and texts and that actually helps you learn and solve problems. With every success, you will build more confidence and competence, and you will succeed. But, you have to really commit, and not give up, turn over every single rock and ask for help and support.

You will also have to buy alot of textbooks, reference books, and spend an enormous amount of time online. But, I love it, and I can see myself being able to complete the program. It will take me twice as long as I thought, but I am getting there. . .Good luck to you!

Almond224 · May 16, 2015

Thank you so much for responding to the OP. I am currently enrolled at ISU taking prereq's. I was very nervous about finding preceptors. After reading your response, I feel much better about enrolling in the actual nursing program.

HealthKibitz · May 17, 2015

I enrolled in the program and then switched to Excelsior and did a lot in that program but then decided to come BACK to ISU. I am currently at the stage of taking the tests for Adult, Mental Health, etc. and think I might take those very soon if I can get them done prior to fall semester time line. I may not! If not, it means I will have to wait until January to get into the nursing courses but that won't be that bad. Feel free to email me!

HealthKibitz · May 17, 2015

Please advise on where the ISU "forum" is???? I see where things have been moved previously but who knows how to get to where you moved it to????? Please email me on how to get to the ISU forum. Thanks.

nurseb430 · May 18, 2015

I am looking to be isu student im currently waiting for a decision to be made on my transferring classes hope all are excepted i want to get into the program next January

blessednurse2be · May 28, 2015

Is there a waiting list to get into ISU?

FancyLexRN, ASN, LPN, RN · Jul 8, 2015

No waiting list. You just have to complete the 7 required prerequisites to apply to the nursing program. Heres a link to the program's summary. http://cms.indstate.edu/health/sites/health.indstate.edu/files/bnc-lpn-bs-program-summary.pdf

LvANrse80, ASN, BSN, CNA, LPN, RN · Aug 20, 2015

Hi, I'm interested in applying to ISU. I'm a Current LPN in Wisconsin. And would love a Study Buddy.

KellyDAguilar · Aug 27, 2015

Hello! I am in the process of applying and I am looking for the same thing. Is there a facebook group out there too? Maybe we could start one. I am in Michigan.