Soon to be LPN student

Pambamm · Mar 18, 2009

First of all Congratulations !! :yeah: I'm an LPN student graduating in 2 months/May 2009. :nurse: Woo Hoo !!

My suggestion would be, in addition to the medical terminology and anatomy books, to prepare for pharmacology by brushing up on basic math (including metric conversions). If math isn't a strong suit for you it will really give you a headstart on the conversions and formulas you'll need to be doing in pharmacology.

Otherwise, there are some great "how to deal with nursing school" types of books out there that give a lot of helpful hints. Try to not read too much over the Summer. Relax, enjoy and get rested up for the crazy, fun, challenging, soooo satisfying ride called LPN School !! I think you've made a great move by joining a group like All Nurses too.

Again, Congratulations and the Best of Luck !!

deemarys · Mar 19, 2009

Just like the previous post stated brush up on your math. I am in the program and majority of students are more worried about math than any other subject. As long as you have an understanding of ratios and proportions, division, percentages and fractions you should be good to go. Congratulations btw :)

ZanatuBelmont · Mar 20, 2009

I just got accepted into the Monmouth County Vocational School for LPN, I start in September. I bought a book called "Medical terms for nurses" and also an Anatomy & Physiology made easy book. I was just wondering if anyone has any other recommendations since I have around five months before the program even starts. I would like to get as much of a heads up as I can. Thanks!

You are very smart to do that as LPN/LVN programs are fast-paced with a lot of information in a short amount of time! You'll do great, I'm sure! Here are some tips I have:

Take this time to learn all you can about assessments (how to conduct them, what to look for, etc.). Since you won't be in the program until September, I wouldn't worry too much on the rationales for observing something (i.e., pale skin, lethargic, use of acessory muscles to breathe, would point to respiratory distress). Instead, just get a general feel for things that you would observe in general terms, learn your "norms."

Second, I would continue your direction studying more A&P. Take a close look at the circulatory, respiratory and musculo-skeletal systems. They have been hit the hardest in my program, as in how they function, anatomical and cellular structures, etc., both during first semester and during this semester (I have 14 weeks left!).

Finally, I HIGHLY, HIGHLY, HIGHLY recommend you learn Pharmacology. Since you're not in the program yet don't even LOOK at the individual drugs. Instead, learn all you can about the autonomic nervous system - sympathetic and parasympathetic, to be more specific. You learn that those two systems are the "foundation" of everything nurse related. Many things mimic what those two systems do - learn how they affect the body. Learning that will equip you with the skill to closely predict the side effects of almost ANY drug and body response. Do not make the mistake (when you are in Pharmacology) of focusing too much on the ends of drugs (example: drugs that in in "lol" such as Atenolol are beta-blockers. While learning the end is a TOOL, it is NOT how you LEARN and UNDERSTAND the CONCEPTS in Pharmacology! CLASSIFY the drugs rather than learning them individually. You can bet money that 20 drugs in one class (example: anti-hypertensive drugs) are going to have the exact or near same side effects, minus exceptions, which you should learn.

I have found that all my hard work and dedication in Pharmacology 1st semester has made my experience in second semester easier. MUCH easier.

Good luck to you, I am sure many people here have other great tips!

ashleys0623 · Mar 20, 2009

First of all Congratulations !! I'm an LPN student graduating in 2 months/May 2009. Woo Hoo !!
My suggestion would be, in addition to the medical terminology and anatomy books, to prepare for pharmacology by brushing up on basic math (including metric conversions). If math isn't a strong suit for you it will really give you a headstart on the conversions and formulas you'll need to be doing in pharmacology.
Otherwise, there are some great "how to deal with nursing school" types of books out there that give a lot of helpful hints. Try to not read too much over the Summer. Relax, enjoy and get rested up for the crazy, fun, challenging, soooo satisfying ride called LPN School !! I think you've made a great move by joining a group like All Nurses too.
Again, Congratulations and the Best of Luck !!

I am terrible at math so I am going to be brushing up on my math soon, thanks for the advice!

ashleys0623 · Mar 20, 2009

Thanks everyone for the advice I am taking it all in and going to be studying a lot!