A little overwhelmed before LPN program starts (Gaston College)

Been there,done that, ASN, RN · Aug 15, 2016

Congratulations on your acceptance to the program! Breathe and focus, breathe and focus.

You won't absorb knowledge as well if you are stressed.. leave the money worries at home.

Imagine where you will be a year from now. :up:

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Aug 15, 2016

Hello Everyone,
I am not sure if Im the only one that is feeling overwhelmed with the lpn program starting in a week and having to pay bills and school things due every time you turn around not including paying tuition out of pocket. Me trying to stay positive is hard....its going to suck going in to school stressed out already...but who said life was a box of milk chocolates lol

Congratulations...and take it one day at a time. Good luck to you. :)

inspiredbyhealth · Aug 16, 2016

Hey,

I start my LPN program in two weeks and I completely feel you....Don't get me wrong it's a wonderful and accomplished feeling to even have a seat and opportunity, but its really all the tall about its intensity....I just think of it as everyone having their experience based on their circumstances and though you cannot control the pace or workload responsibilities of the program you can prep even in a week. My plan is to use my planner DAILY, I check it in the morning when I wake up , some point during the day, and at night before I go to bed. I've started doing some home yoga, added vitamin's into my day, and plan out my meals for which I will eat at night and my lunch that I will carry with me. I feel like I can my self time and a few headaches....also don't forget to treat yourself to a few moments daily where you just sit in silence and clear your mind, even if it's an extra five minutes in the shower of stillness, that helps me alot when ever I feel overwhelmed.

Good luck!

AriesRNSoon · Aug 16, 2016

I :unsure: too am feeling it!!!! I was just telling my family I feel like I'm taking 2 steps back! Everything for this program has been $100 a pop!! I am in the exact situation and then we got another email about another book....smh....! It's ok, we will lean on each other and get this done. It's only a year!

Tayyy45 · Aug 16, 2016

That's so funny you posted this. I feel the same way! I keep thinking "how am I going to make it through this year??" I had planned on only working the weekends, but my bills are saying otherwise. I have a fiance' and my mother to help, but my entire family is in Louisiana. (Which adds insult to injury because it's flooding so bad there, so we've been trying to help them from the distance too.) I also have a 5 and 2 year old. .. I'm trying to remain inspired and keep motivating myself. I pray more than anything. I just want it all to work out. :nailbiting:

Tayyy45 · Aug 16, 2016

Yes, the email about the other book has me like :woot: :unsure: my pockets!!

Lola_84 · Aug 17, 2016

@Been there,done that @TheCommuter, BSN, RN

@inspiredbyhealth...... Thank you all...Yes i will take all the advice given to me.I always try and think of where I will be a year from now.I will keep saying my prayers and just taking it one day at a time.

Lola_84 · Aug 17, 2016

@AriesRNSoon, CNA @Tavia_B, CNA

Yes Ladies the struggle is real.I mean like I tell people. Don't get me wrong I am very happy to finally be starting my journey towards my career...but at the same time this is becoming a little much.I mean me working part time to go to school at night is not helping AT ALL...I just hope I get some breathing room..because right now I have none...and the TUITION CRAP PISSED ME OFF......So you pay the initial start up and then get billed again for it...so anyone who started the payment plan late...like me....basically have to pay Gaston college 600 just in the month of august alone...smh.....Im sorry but they should have more financial resources for students paying out of pocket especially when your telling me I cant use financial aid that I actually have left...

Here.I.Stand, BSN, RN · Aug 20, 2016

Each time you work a shift, think of it as reducing what you'd later be paying back with interest. :up: And you're hardly alone -- lots of people work during nursing school.

I highly second inspiredbyhealth's suggestion about the planner. Even in 2016 I use a paper calendar/planner, because there's something satisfying about physically crossing things off my list. Regardless if you use electronic or paper though, it's good to have all of your due dates, clinical dates etc. on one schedule. It's hard to keep track of the dates on multiple syllabi, and there will be times when you have multiple tests/projects/clincals in short succession. This way you can see everything that needs to be done and budget your time accordingly.

Keep your head down, don't fall behind on work, and the year will be over before you know it.

PNM2600 · Aug 21, 2016

I am feeling the stress in a huge way. I got my syllabus today. One for Theory, and one for Clinical. My "Schedule" said Theory was Tue & Thurs 8-230. Clinicals were M&W 630-4pm. I would be out at 2:30 every day to study until 5-6pm, and then cook dinner and do my personal responsibilities. I don't have to take Anatomy so I would have Fri, Sat and Sunday to Study. THAT seemed completely manageable. BUT......now when I opened my Syllabus, the two days a week I thought I was getting out at 2:30 are followed by LAB from 3-6pm (wasn't on the schedule!) ARE THEY KIDDING ME? I am by no means a dummy, but I need time to digest what I learned that day and put some good time into studying the material. I also need to stop for a bit and unwind each day so I CAN remember what I am Studying. No I won't be home M-Thurs until 6 or 7pm. THEN I will need to bright and alert to study for 2-3hrs??? I know the coursework is hard, and I willing to put some time in to learn it, but at that pace it's not realistic. It's no wonder schools don't retain their nursing students. It would be better to put out knowledgeable, confident Nurses than have 50% or more of them quit or fail out. There's a reason this is happening, now that I spent a bunch of money on fees etc.. I am seeing why. This is going to be a costly undertaking if it's too much and I end up quitting......