Prospective LPN questions

Marv · May 5, 2005

Well congrats on the choice of entering nursing. As for me, Math was a pretty difficult subject. Stuff like stats, trig, and algebra II never faired well with me. But I got by. As for LVN schools, the only math that you need to know is just simple multiplications, division, decimals, conversions. There are pretty much just dosage calculations using a standard formula. Formulas are also present for peds, IV drips, weight conversions. It's not that bad. Kinda like word problems. I was rusty at first, but once you get the concept it's like riding a bike. My advice, study examples and practive them so that it becomes second nature. Almost all med dosage problems can be found in form of an example in any type of study guide.

In my experience, the LVN program was easy. Nutrition, legal aspects, and history of nursing was digestible. But once you hit med surg, peds, and begin applying all the theory with clinical, you'd better be up to speed. I made the mistake of being to confident with my university science knowledge and got complacent. My grades suffered but i managed to succeed. Though I was capable of much better.

Good study guides to get would be:

-"Saunders" NCLEX LPN. ( this has a great CD-ROM, and plus it'll give you rationales for all answers and strategies. Most likely you'll be able to find what your learning in class in easy to read outline form in the book.)

That's pretty all you need in my opinion, and maybe a pocket LVN guide with lab values, formulas, and all that jazz. Well good luck!!!!

LPN Soon · May 7, 2005

Hiya,
I've been reading the forums for awhile now, and this is my first post :)
A little history about myself: I attended a state college right out of highschool, but didn't finish (couldn't decide what major, also had trouble with college-level math courses). I dropped out a couple of times, went back, but then finally just quit. It's been 6 years since i've been in school now, so i'm pretty rusty on just about everything.
I'm going to be attending a local vocational school in the Fall for the LPN program, and i'm pretty nervous.
My questions:
Are there alot of mathematics required in the LPN program? I've had trouble with math my whole life, and i'm afraid it might be the one stumbling block to finishing. The furthest math course I finished in high school was Geometry, and in college I had remedial math courses, and attempted but couldn't finish College Algebra.
Since it's been awhile since i've had any type of schooling, are there any books/online things that I could study maybe to brush up on what i'll be studying in the LPN program?
Sorry for the novel, thanks in advance! :)

I'm planning on attending LPN school this August and I'm like you I've had trouble with math my whole life. I bought a book called "Math for Nurses" it's by Mary Jo Boyor. It's a great book. What I like best about it is that at the end of each chapter it has a chapter review so that way you can practice, practice and practice. I found my on ebay for $5.00 that was including shipping. Best of Luck!!

EvinsAngel · May 8, 2005

Hi Chacha. I too am an LPN student. I just started in March and I'll be done next August. I definitely understand your fear of math. I graduated from high school 10 years ago and the last time I took math I was a junior in high school. To prepare for my program's enttrance exam I bought a review book for high school math and it was a ggod refresher. We haven't really gotten into any of the math stuff yet, but I have been told that the Saunders review book is very helpful. Where are you located if you don't mind me asking.

sue222 · May 10, 2005

i would like to know about lpn starting some type of business that involves nursing or any things in the medical field