Just how hard is the LPN program??

[hiyall]

After completing my prerequisites, I've been accepted into the LPN program at a local state college. The program is rumored to be tough, but I'm not too worried about academics because I'm a recent college grad w/ a 4.0. I'm mostly concerned about how demanding the program is. The director warned me that the course requires 60 hours a week between classes, homework, and clinical's. Does this sound right? I have a two year old whose very demanding and her father works two jobs so he's not around much to help with her and the house. I also do in-home parties for ladies on the weekends to make ends meet. Can it be done? Is it possible to complete nursing school and manage a busy life? Please share your experiences and let me know what to expect! Thanks.

[Ginger's Mom, MSN, RN]

The way my program works it is a three evenings a week program. Tuesday is class 3-9pm and Wednesday and Thursdays clinical 3-10 pm. I had one student who worked fulltime and was pregnant....she had her baby during vacation week and never missed a day. I would guess, my students would spend 3-4 hours a week preparing a careplan for me ( some of this could be done at the hospital if the patient's needs had been met). I suggested the students read the chapters before the lecture, depending on how fast you read this could be 5-10 hours a week. Of course study more when a test is upcoming. Some students struggle with the math, if that is an issue for you, it could take more time.

The way the program works it is best if you do some work every day rather one sitting. So I would say for my students class and clinical 24 hours + 10-20 hours of studying. It is doable, by Thursday evening I was really exhausted..... I loved teaching so you can say it was a labor of love.