Soon to be an LPN student

HisTreasure, BSN, RN · May 31, 2005

I can't really tell you anything that hasn't already been said. All the advice you have received is wise and true. :coollook: . I am a recent grad of an LPN program, I graduated on May 24, I start my first job on June 6! :balloons: The advice I would like to emphasize from my own experience as a young mother of three dealing with one income and a husband who works many hours is this:

1. Plan ahead. This includes meals, clothes, study time, quiet/alone time, family time, what to do in case childcare falls through, etc.

2. Be flexible, because no matter how well you plan, chances are things will go to HECK anyway! :rotfl:

3. Budget. Not just your finances, which is important, but also your time and everything you have to give. Don't spread yourself too thin by trying to be supermom, wonderwife, the merry maid, and Baby Einstein. Chances are, you can be one of the above, but not all of the above. So, may humbly suggest that your best at everything you endeavor to do, but don't expect perfection as the outcome of all these endeavors.

4. Remember you are not a failure and everyone makes mistakes. This comment may raise some eyebrows, and may even get me flamed, but I emphasize it anyway. I have seen quite a few people in the program punish themselves way to much over not getting that A on the test, or getting a not so wonderful mark on a careplan. I am a firm believer in doing your best and striving for excellence, but I think it's best to keep everything in perspective and remember that one unfavorable grade (especially if we are stellar students during pre-reqs, etc.) does not define you as a person or a future nurse.

5. Stay out of the drama. Even if you are a quiet, introverted individual the probability is high that drama will still seek you out. Personally, I know first hand how drama combined with the rigors of the nursing program and home stressors can drive a person just about to the edge. I wanted to withdraw a couple of times this past year because I felt I couldn't handle everything that was coming at me, but I thank God that He kept me, because I WOULD HATE TO HAVE TO DO IT AGAIN! :uhoh3:

Seriously, this year will probably teach you more about yourself than you wish to know. It will test you, challenge your body, mind, and spirit. It will quite possibly be the best and worst year of life. May you have Blessed Assurance, and may God (or whomever you serve) be with you. Keep us posted, you are in for an AWESOME year!

HisTreasure, BSN, RN · May 31, 2005

I agree too - stay out of the drama. It was amazing what played out during school. We started with 42 and ended up with 29. Most left due to drama with the teacher...only one student left due to academics. Our teacher was hired for our 2nd half of the program and she was "different" to say the least. She did know her stuff and that's all I cared about. Some felt it necessary to challenge her ways and they lost in the long run....some as late as a few weeks before school. We also had drama between students.

:stone OK... I thought I wrote this! THE EXACT SAME THING HAPPENED IN OUR PROGRAM! I had to check your location because I am in NY too, and I was thinking "Is this one of my classmates?" :uhoh21: Too eerie! We lost one of our instructors about 4 weeks before the end of school. It was rumored that she resigned because she had other job offers, but it finally came to the light that she was asked to leave and as of the pinning she was still looking for work. She knew her stuff too so I am not sure why she was let go, although I do believe a lot had to do with some very catty students continuously reporting her to the dean of the school alleging things that had very little basis in truth. The drama between the students. :crying2: I swear people thought they knew more about each other than was humanly possible. I was burned pretty badly when I found out my so-called friend was talking about my CHILDREN behind my back, and vicious lies at that! She had only seen them once, and the things that came out of her mouth! If she would have come to graduation she and I would have probably had some words. Oh well, God knew what he was doing by seeing that she had a prior engagement. Off topic, I know :imbar but thanks for letting me vent.

BTW, we too started 42 and graduated 29.

2bRn-STAT · May 31, 2005

Thank you. Even though your post was for someone else, that real ly helps. Excellent advice. I have been taking courses for my Rn for a year, I only have micro left to take. The waiting lists are ridiculous, but I just got accepted in ECPI's LPN program in NC. I am super excited becuz I was beginning to think that the community colleges were never going to happen with their long wait. I have bad study habits and get really good grades. I want to do more than that while I am in nursing school. I have a "watch too much TV problem" I was telling my husband -it will have to cease. My schedule will be Mon-Fri 800-430 for 12 months starting this June. There will be no room for reality tv and Dr Phil. :) Your study tips really gave me a vision of how to set up my area to be more successful than I have been. I do not like waiting til the last minute to study before a big test. I got a B in A&P I but then I slipped up this last semester and got a C in A&P II. I started to not care and was satisfied that all I needed was a 70 to get a C out of the course. That attitude sucks- especially for someone like me. As blessed as I am to be able to go to school full time w/o working I must excel better than that. AND I WILL in my LPN school. Wish me luck.

prayer · Jun 1, 2005

Congrats to all that are starting school!!! I just graduated last December at age 42. I was in an accelerated program that took 10 months, so the pace was pretty fast. With three kids still at home it was a challange. BUT if I can do it, so can you.
My best piece of advice is to take each day as it comes. I woke up each day and said "I'm getting through this day and will worry about tomorrow, tomorrow". Pretty soon the end was there and I was a nurse. I didn't have to work, but many people in my class did have too. They did just fine. But it is better if you don't have too.
I agree too - stay out of the drama. It was amazing what played out during school. We started with 42 and ended up with 29. Most left due to drama with the teacher...only one student left due to academics. Our teacher was hired for our 2nd half of the program and she was "different" to say the least. She did know her stuff and that's all I cared about. Some felt it necessary to challenge her ways and they lost in the long run....some as late as a few weeks before school. We also had drama between students.
Another good thing to do is to tape your lecture notes. Most teachers will not let you record them, but you can record yourself reading all the notes you took. I used to listen to them on my drive to school. Really helped cement the facts.
Keep us posted!

is the math for med actually as heard as people make it out to be. could you give me some pointers on how to study for the math and could you tell me about some of the hardest challenges so I would know what to look forward too. :uhoh3:

prayer · Jun 1, 2005

is anyone from louisiana :)

kathc · Jun 6, 2005

:stone OK... I thought I wrote this! THE EXACT SAME THING HAPPENED IN OUR PROGRAM! I had to check your location because I am in NY too, and I was thinking "Is this one of my classmates?" :uhoh21: Too eerie! We lost one of our instructors about 4 weeks before the end of school. It was rumored that she resigned because she had other job offers, but it finally came to the light that she was asked to leave and as of the pinning she was still looking for work. She knew her stuff too so I am not sure why she was let go, although I do believe a lot had to do with some very catty students continuously reporting her to the dean of the school alleging things that had very little basis in truth. The drama between the students. I swear people thought they knew more about each other than was humanly possible. I was burned pretty badly when I found out my so-called friend was talking about my CHILDREN behind my back, and vicious lies at that! She had only seen them once, and the things that came out of her mouth! If she would have come to graduation she and I would have probably had some words. Oh well, God knew what he was doing by seeing that she had a prior engagement. Off topic, I know :imbar but thanks for letting me vent.
BTW, we too started 42 and graduated 29.

And here I thought we were the only ones.. :chuckle. We were told by the dean that we were the worst class she had seen. I'm just glad to be out of the drama..of course now I have it at work...but at least I'm getting paid to watch it play out. Sorry about getting burned by someone that you thought was a friend - and to talk about your children? That is just mean. I just don't get how people had so much energy for the drama. I was so busy just trying to keep up and learn all I needed to.

prayer, how hard the math is depends on how well you do with math now. Even if you know minimum, you can still do well...but it will be harder. Study fraction, ratios, and percentage problems. You should be able to find some sites online to help with practicing. When you get to the math portion of class...practice, practice, practice...and then practice some more. I think where some of our classmates got stuck is with different teachers teaching different methods. There is usually more than one way to solve a problem. Pick the one that works for you and stick with it. Since I was in school in the late '70s, I did math a different way. I wasn't about to learn a new method and just stuck with what I knew. Hope that helps.

mrscableman · Jun 6, 2005

My name is Lori.
I just passed the LPN entrance exam . And have been accepted into the program. 30 out of 150 applicants. Any advise for new nursing students? Anything I should study before starting the program? :uhoh21: Any advise would be great.
Thanks

wtg me too only 24 out of 150 accepted and i think 6 alternates tho im not sure. congrats hun :balloons: start july 13th in OK, gl I have no advice but wanted to post a congrats lol

PeepnBiscuitsRN · Jun 6, 2005

Congrats! Isn't it an awesome feeling? I can't WAIT to get my books and things!

Natasha3344 · Jun 6, 2005

Yes it is exciting!!! :balloons: :rotfl:

But it seems everyone will be starting much earlier than I. :uhoh3:

We have orientation on Aug 16 and don't start till Sept. 6th, seems soooooooooooooo far away!!!

Wish I was starting sooner!!! :bluecry1:

mrscableman · Jun 7, 2005

Yes it is exciting!!! :balloons: :rotfl:
But it seems everyone will be starting much earlier than I.
We have orientation on Aug 16 and don't start till Sept. 6th, seems soooooooooooooo far away!!!
Wish I was starting sooner!!!

Im not sure about the others buts mine is at a technical school,,, instead of at a normal or community college tho that is in the future. I couldnt imagine waiting that long im on pins and needles now and I actually have cpr class on Monday June 13 wohooooooooooo and maybe I can even ask some questions. lol

wohooooooooo ready to go lol

christi :balloons: :rotfl:

2bRn-STAT · Jun 7, 2005

Hey everybody!! Congrats to all accepted and good luck if anyone is still waiting. I found out almost a month ago that I was accepted. I am also at a technical school-ECPI in Raleigh NC. The community colleges just couldnt get me in fast enough. Well this is great cuz, I'll have my LPN in 12 months and then I can bridge and get my Rn at the community college I was waiting so long at. Great that there is no waiting when you are already an LPN-but you have to pass those exams for some schools. I was reading in the forum how one of the girls was so geeked and she cant wait to get her books- I am the same way- just stupid like a little kid. I already bought some cute skechers that will match my scrubs:) I cant stop reading my acceptance letter-Im 28 not 8 but you wouldnt know it. My husband laughs and so does my 11 year old. I have orientation on June 24th and I START the following Monday-JUNE 27th !!! Oh funny thing- I got a letter from 1 of the 3 schools Im on a waiting list for yesterday saying that I did not get accepted into their Fall 05 program-Like I didnt know that was coming again- hahahahaha

southern_girl · Jun 8, 2005

Can everyone please share what steps you are taking during the summer to prepare for the challenge ahead.

Thanks in advance

Monica