Lutheran school of nursing

Levitas, BSN, RN · Nov 10, 2013

Hello there!

I am currently enrolled in Lutheran School of Nursing, and in fact, I graduate in 14 days!! Woot! I'll answer the questions the best I can. I took a year of pre-nursing from Lutheran as well.

Is it possible to work a part time job while attending?

Absolutely! I worked nearly full time all of the way up to the 2nd year of actual nursing classes (then I went down to 1-2 days a week). Only you will know how much you can, or cannot handle. If the grades start to slip, then cut back on work a little, but it's absolutely feasible!

I have taken every last one of my prereqs including biomedical ethics so I was wondering if that would make my load a little lighter?

It sure will! Some people (like myself) take a majority of their pre-nursing classes prior to starting the actual nursing program. Others take some classes along side the program. I found that getting a majority of mine done prior helped a great deal. Those nursing classes will take a lot of your focus and time!

How long are the lectures per day? Are they really from 7-3?

This varies depending on each class and professor. Some classes will last into the early afternoon, some get out at noon. There will be some classes that you actually have a day off in the week. Clinical times are also depending on the instructor. I've had some that allowed us to leave early every day, some that keep us until the full 8 hours are done, and some in between. Honestly, you'll want the instructor that keeps you there all day! That sounds painful, but really, if you're not enjoying yourself at clinical, then this may not be the right career chosen. I LOVED clinical, and one piece of solid advice would be to take every single learning experience you can get your hands on. Always volunteer (even for something like enema's!), if the nurses, and your instructor see that you're determined, and willing to do anything and everything, then that's exactly what you'll get! I got so much additional training and attention because I was always first to volunteer for any job, no matter what it was!

What is a typical 8 wk schedule like?

In a nutshell: Hectic :)

This again varies class to class. I've had some that felt like it lasted a year (Psych... ugh), and some that felt like 2 weeks (OB, Pediatrics). Like I previously said, sometimes you'll have a day off each week, sometimes you're there every day.

General advice

Your Fundamental teachers will be different than mine (though Joyce, one of my Fundy teachers, still teaches clinicals... hope that you get her! She's awesome!) Try and get advice from students who just went through the class that you're currently in. They can help you figure out how each teacher teaches, and how they test. Some go straight out of the book (which I prefer), some incorporate their own lecture (which may contradict the book... I don't like this), but all in all, you'll wanna go with the flow. If you haven't met Susan (you will), she always says, "Don't be the salmon trying to swim upstream. Just go with the flow of the current." It's good advice.

NEVER be afraid to ask questions. If you ask some of the veteran teachers, "I talked to this guy on allnurses who said he went here and just graduated. He said that he ALWAYS asked a lot of questions..." they might just know who you're talking about Any time I was even remotely confused about information, wanted clarification, or just wanted to know something, I asked. Your classmates (that don't want to be there) may get upset thinking that you're just "prolonging" the class... well, FORGET THEM! You paid tuition just like they did, and you've the right to inquire on anything you want/need!

Like I previously mentioned, try and take EVERY opportunity you can in clinical. Ask the nurses, and your instructors if there is anything you can do for them. Don't be afraid to ask doctors questions (there will be times where you can go and observe procedures and various other locations in the hospital, like the OR, ER, ICU, etc. Ask questions! Doctors love it, and they'll remember you!) Doing your absolute best (and having fun) at clinical is a solid way to ensure employment after graduation. They'll remember you, and they'll want you, and that feels great!

Lastly, if you've any questions, or need any additional help, feel free to PM me. I've been through it all at that place, and I always love helping! Best of luck to you!

2bNurseMustang · Nov 11, 2013

Was there a long waitlist?

Levitas, BSN, RN · Nov 12, 2013

I had to wait about a year, but it's always changing. Recently, we've had pretty full classes... exhibited by an inability to find a parking space, lol.

2bNurseMustang · Nov 21, 2013

I had to wait about a year but it's always changing. Recently, we've had pretty full classes... exhibited by an inability to find a parking space, lol.[/quote']
Ooh and congrats on completing the program..... YOU ROCK! GOOD LUCK ON BOARDS AS WELL! PRAYERS SENT :)

Mrs.Penn-Franklin · Aug 21, 2014

Hey Mel,

how are you classes coming along?? I am hoping to be admitted in the spring of 2015. How long did it take them to accept you into the program?