Lutheran School of Nursing

Jess_Missouri_RN · Jan 17, 2009

Welcome :)

I am currently attending LSN, what would you like to know?!

ANEWME · Jan 17, 2009

Is it a good a program and what is the pros/ cons of the school. I am a little worried because it is an diploma program and I really hope that I am able to get a job where I want and not have to settle just cause I have a diploma. I currently work at SLCH (hospital) and have been there for years and I really hope to get a job there when I finish. So whatever info u can give me that u think will be helpful I will be very greatful, thanks alot for replying!

Jess_Missouri_RN · Jan 17, 2009

Anewme, you wont be "settling" for a diploma. Students at LSN get more clinical time than most other ASN programs. We started clinicals 5 weeks into the program and get 2 days per week in the hospital. We all are RN's when we sit to take NCLEX and many nurses from LSN go on to be and do great things. I am currently at St. Marys in Clayton this rotation and have 3 nurses on my floor that graduated from LSN. From day 1 they are preparing you to sit for the NCLEX.

I have not been in other programs so I cant really compare but LSN is no piece of cake, by any means. It's very focused and can be very tough. Each class is done in 8 week rotations so it can be very fast paced but you learn so much and so far all my clinical instructors have been very good and helpful.

The first year we get 196 clinical hours. The second year is 8 weeks of womens health/OB, 8 weeks of psych, 8 weeks of peds and 8 weeks of advanced med surg then 6 weeks of "internship". You have to pass the HESI before you can sit for the NCLEX and graduate. Everyone wants you to succeed and they offer many programs to help you do so. They have dorms for those who need/want to live at the school. LSN has been around for 100 years - so it has to be doing something right, right?!

All classes must be met with 75% or better to pass, classes are small in size.

Ummmm, what else? I cant think of anything else but let me know if you want to know something specific.

ANEWME · Jan 18, 2009

I totally agree with you on the diploma/ Associate program, at the end we all have to take the NCLEX. But by me working with alot of nuirses who have bachelors, they try and tell me I might as well get a BSN. But they don't understand, I have children and I can't be in school for that long, eventually I will go back and get a BSN. I really want to work in labor and delivery and work some PRN shifts in the EU at Children's. So hopefully everything works out for me! Thanks for all the info it was very helpful! But I do have one more question, what is on the TABE exam that I have to take and what should I be focusing more on because I have to take that soon? I am so nervous about this whole ordeal but I am stoked at the same time:)

Jess_Missouri_RN · Jan 18, 2009

You can take your BSN at Webster and LSN credits will transfer, some girls in my class want to do this when they graduate and I believe it's something like 1 night per week for 1-2 years or something. I'm not sure, I haven't really looked into it, I'm taking one step at a time, lol. Once I get through this I will focus on continuing but I dont know if I will. I'm almost 32 now with three kids, just getting my RN is enough for me, for now. I also believe SLU will take LSN credits too. Basically once you're already an RN you can go about anywhere to get your BSN/MSN.

The TABE test is so easy. It's a reading comp test just to see where you place in regards to reading. I believe they require everyone to pass at 10th grade level and the highest you can score is 12 - which is so easy to get. Basically you read a paragraph and answer the question with multiple choice. If you passed HS or GED - dont even worry about it, lol. The only other advice I can give is to make sure you have all your shots done before starting school. It's too hectic to be running around getting shots with school. When is your TABE?

ANEWME · Jan 18, 2009

OOOOh, thank god I thought it involved a some difficult math of some sort. Hopefully I can get my testing done soon! I will have to let Mrs. Brown know how helpful you were. I appreciate it very much!

Jess_Missouri_RN · Jan 18, 2009

You're very welcome! You'll have to let me know when you're at the school so I can say hi if I'm there. Good luck!

mamason · Feb 9, 2009

I totally agree with you on the diploma/ Associate program, at the end we all have to take the NCLEX. But by me working with alot of nuirses who have bachelors, they try and tell me I might as well get a BSN. But they don't understand, I have children and I can't be in school for that long, eventually I will go back and get a BSN. I really want to work in labor and delivery and work some PRN shifts in the EU at Children's. So hopefully everything works out for me! Thanks for all the info it was very helpful! But I do have one more question, what is on the TABE exam that I have to take and what should I be focusing more on because I have to take that soon? I am so nervous about this whole ordeal but I am stoked at the same time:)

Listen, I graduated from Lutheran. I now work with BSN, Associates, and Master degree holding nurses. We all do the same job. They wipe butts just like I do. They don't get any special priveleges because of their degree. The only time that degree matters is if you choose to move up the ladder to management or choose a specialty such as practicioner. I'm happy with my diploma and I came out of school running circles around the 4 year degree students. That was mainly because of the clinical experience that Lutheran offers. Ohhh... and....my pay is comparable to theirs. THe only time someone makes more money than me is because they have been there longer. No difference. Good luck on your journey! Stay focused on your goals and you will do fine. :smokin:

nancypants · Apr 29, 2011

You can take your BSN at Webster and LSN credits will transfer, some girls in my class want to do this when they graduate and I believe it's something like 1 night per week for 1-2 years or something. I'm not sure, I haven't really looked into it, I'm taking one step at a time, lol. Once I get through this I will focus on continuing but I dont know if I will. I'm almost 32 now with three kids, just getting my RN is enough for me, for now. I also believe SLU will take LSN credits too. Basically once you're already an RN you can go about anywhere to get your BSN/MSN.
The TABE test is so easy. It's a reading comp test just to see where you place in regards to reading. I believe they require everyone to pass at 10th grade level and the highest you can score is 12 - which is so easy to get. Basically you read a paragraph and answer the question with multiple choice. If you passed HS or GED - dont even worry about it, lol. The only other advice I can give is to make sure you have all your shots done before starting school. It's too hectic to be running around getting shots with school. When is your TABE?

I am applying at Lutheran for Spring 2011 and 42! I guess you are graduated by now? How is everything going?

nancypants · Apr 29, 2011

Listen, I graduated from Lutheran. I now work with BSN, Associates, and Master degree holding nurses. We all do the same job. They wipe butts just like I do. They don't get any special priveleges because of their degree. The only time that degree matters is if you choose to move up the ladder to management or choose a specialty such as practicioner. I'm happy with my diploma and I came out of school running circles around the 4 year degree students. That was mainly because of the clinical experience that Lutheran offers. Ohhh... and....my pay is comparable to theirs. THe only time someone makes more money than me is because they have been there longer. No difference. Good luck on your journey! Stay focused on your goals and you will do fine.

I have applied at LSN for Spring 2012. I am nervous and excited. I see everyone's posts are older. How is everything going?

barnettdcm · May 14, 2011

I'm going to apply for Fall 2012. Seems like a really good program. How difficult is it to get in to? I had a terrible first year of college (in 03) and have hardly any shot getting into a BSN program until after I get my RN, since they calculate cumulative GPA on every class taken, unlike the community colleges who said they were calculating the last 12hrs. Anyway, just wondering if Lutheran School of Nursing would be too much of a long shot for me. My grades the past few years have been good.