Just wanted to say hi...

Angela,
Welcome to the forums! I'll take a bite & try to answer your questions.
1. I graduated from TSU's BSN program. I chose the program because I lived in Nashville & could only afford to attend a public university. Also because I already had a B.A. in another discipline & was trying to get into TSU's ADN program. I was working at Vanderbilt at the time & they offered to reimburse 50% of my tuition. The ADN prgram was full & they suggested that I reapply in the next year. The BSN program had space & I'd graduate in the same amount of time with only needing 2 or 3 additional courses.
2. My hardest classes were intro to med-surg nursing and microbiology. I didn't overcome either class but did pass both of them. The nursing class was one designed to "weed-out" students. Very high-stress. Micro was difficult for me. I'm more of a physical sciences kind of gal. Micro was a different mind-set & harder for me to grasp. I understand micro much better now.
3. As I mentioned before, I received a 50% reimbursement from my (then) employer. In return, I agreed to work for them for 2 years. This was not a problem at all. When I graduated, the previous nursing shortage had ended & jobs for new grads were thin on the ground. I also took out student loans. They were worth every penny.
4. The best part of my program? Getting over my fears & having confidence in my abilities. The worst part? Dealing with the whining whiners who expected the rest of the class to help them because they'd had such hard lives. Who hadn't? Most of us were adult learners & had overcome many obstacles.

One thing for sure, Angela, is that nursing school will cause you to face any unresolved issues that you may have.

By the way, I work at Erlanger now. I've been there for 4 1/2 years. A very good employer, overall. So, which high school do you attend? Are you trying to hold down a job while completing your studies? Just interested. I have friends, nieces & nephews your age. Not to mention a 7 y/o whose education I am very involved in.

All the best to you in your future endeavors,
eltrip

I don't know anyone who's graduated from Chatt State's LPN program. Did you know that once you are accepted into a nursing program, Erlanger has a scholarship program (administered through nursing recruitment, I think)? Check with the area hospitals, the others might offer something, too.

Are you planning on furthering your education after completing your LPN? If you're able to take any college level courses through UTC or Chatt State prior to graduation, this might help you keep the pressure off of you later. English Comp, General Chemistry or College Algebra will serve you, regardless of the path you choose. Goodness, who would've thought that I'd become a nurse? I earned an English degree & planned to become a librarian! Everything you learn helps you down the road.

Feel free to PM me, if you like. I don't always get to this board...usually too busy working.

all the best,
eltrip