are there any male lpn students here?

I just finished my LPN program... take my NCLEX on Aug 14. Starting my 2nd year for my RN on Aug 20.

So what advice do you guys who are graduating have for us who are just stating programs?

Be prepared - it will be unlike anything you have done before. Critical thinking is crucial. They don't test you on facts - every question is a critical thinking scenario. Just take it one day at a time - make wise use of your time - and relax when you can!

Don't try to memorize every little detail or you'll give yourself a brain hemorrhage. I always studied with the goal of recognizing things when I saw them on the test. It must have worked as I have a pretty good average going into my final 2 weeks.
Your time will be pretty much monopolized but remember to make time for yourself. Otherwise, you risk stressing out and and winding yourself up into a tight little ball that might come undone when you least expect it.
Finally, when you are shadowing real live nurses during your clinicals, pay attention. In school you learn how things are done at a hospital one of my instructors refers to as "Utopia General". While you are in school you will have to do things the school way but your clinical experience can show you how it works in the real world. Watch, learn, and don't be shy about asking to be allowed to do procedures (with your instructors approval, of course).
Good luck!

Graduated from a very intense program (11 months) last Feb 2009. TOok the NCLEX PN Aug 13 and still waiting for the results. Good luck!

I am in the LPN program too. I start August 18th. I went through two long days of orientation last week. I graduate next summer and have full intentions of doing the LPN to RN bridge ASAP!

Thanks guys - sounds like solid advice. I've been told its hard to work while going through a program so I'm leaving my full time job, scary - especially these days. I got a job weekend night as a Unit Clerk in the ER at the local hospital. It doesn't pay alot but I figure Ill see alot and get some real hospital experience.
One of the reasons I'm attracted to nursing as a profession is that it is an applied knowledge field - I think that is why critical thinking is stressed. I'm really excited to start next month.

LPN student here.. But not for long, I graduate on Aug 14!!

Only 2 weeks left!!

Any questions, feel free to ask.

Not anymore. Just got my results today and I passed!!!!! Thanks be to god!


LVN Program - 11 months - $34,000.00
NCLEX PN Review - 3 weeks - $0
Waiting for results - 18 days - $200 (test fee)

Up next:

Pre-reqs to ADN - 4 classes (A&P II, Sociology, English 1A & Speech) - Aug-Dec 2009 - $4000.00
Transition Course - 3 weeks Jan 2010 - $3000.00
LVN-RN Bridge - 8 months Feb-Oct 2010 - $34,000.00

Just keep it up guys...you are in the right direction. PM me for any questions or advice.

GOOD LUCK!

Jeez Carlito-
Congrats but 34k seems really steep for an LPN program - where did you go?
I'm paying 7k for my 11 month program.