aaaahhhhh! should i leave now?

Published

one week ago i started attending a private vocational lvn (lpn) school in san francisco...

things have not been what i'd hoped.

first of all (aahh i need to vent):

1. my prereqs instructor is burmese, has a totally incomprehensible accent and thinks

that teaching is making/projecting a powerpoint presentation and reading it out loud

2. i think i failed my first a&p test (tho we get to retake them each once)...the instructor,

for reasons best known to himself, takes several days to check our tests (good lord,

13 students' multiple choice tests of 30 questions? could be done in 30 minutes or less)

3. on my second test (multiple choice) i was reprimanded for crossing off the obviously

wrong answers on the test paper to help me focus (he said 'it looks messy')

4. at least 1/3 of the class (the filipina mafia) attempts to/does cheat on every test and

has seemed to get away with it so far

second of all...

5. today i called sallie mae and my first loan application was denied

should i get out before things get worse?

Specializes in Various.

If I could withdraw from the program you are in with zero or minimal financial repurcussions, I would. LPN school is difficult enough without having all of those additional stressors. However, if you do withdraw, promise yourself you will look into other LPN/RN programs immediately, and then follow through. Do not allow one setback deter you from your eventual goal.

Good luck and God Bless.

Specializes in Author/Business Coach.

BerryHappy, I understand how it would be easier for you at this time to do the LPN program. I did the same thing. Good luck.

hey everyone,

thanks for all the input.

looks like i'm going to stick it out....

wish me luck!

Your opinion counts but not when you put it out there like that! You have to be careful what you say not everyone has the time and money to do and RN program from start to finish so you have to understand that and as far as pay and respect goes I think that what you said is Bulls**** it all depends on where you live.Sweetie I am from NYC and up here LPNs are doing it big missy, My mom fresh out of LPN school got a job in a hospital $30.00 an hour to start then went on to work for the visiting nurse of new york for even more and now she is makin wayyyyyyyyyyyy more than that teaching nurses aides, all of the hospitals out here have LPN openings all day every day and in long term care facilities there are LPN charge nurses and you would be so surprised at how most of the lpns are way better nurses than the RNs to tell u the honest truth, when it comes to respect as long as u hold your head and be the best nurse you can be you will be respected.As far as more pay of course who doesn't want more pay as an RN but that is for people who can afford and also find the time to go back. So don't make general statements like that, that is just your experience, so please try not to discourage others I think that was a cruel statement I know you did not mean to be nasty but it did not sound right!

aaaaaaammmmmmmmeeeeeeeennnnnnnnnn:D

Specializes in Hospice / Ambulatory Clinic.

Ugh cheaters. In the late nineties when I was studying computer science I blew the whistle on several students taking crib sheets into an ETHICS exam ( one of the topics was whistle blowing go figure) and was alienated by most of the class and these were people that would be in all of my other classes until graduation. I couldn't hack the constant pressure and our whole year were under extreme scrutiny after that as we were all labelled as being cheaters.

aeolus

If you don't feel right about the school go somewhere else. It will stress you throughout the whole program. No matter what don't give up on your dream.

Specializes in Author/Business Coach.
Your opinion counts but not when you put it out there like that! You have to be careful what you say not everyone has the time and money to do and RN program from start to finish so you have to understand that and as far as pay and respect goes I think that what you said is Bulls**** it all depends on where you live.Sweetie I am from NYC and up here LPNs are doing it big missy, My mom fresh out of LPN school got a job in a hospital $30.00 an hour to start then went on to work for the visiting nurse of new york for even more and now she is makin wayyyyyyyyyyyy more than that teaching nurses aides, all of the hospitals out here have LPN openings all day every day and in long term care facilities there are LPN charge nurses and you would be so surprised at how most of the lpns are way better nurses than the RNs to tell u the honest truth, when it comes to respect as long as u hold your head and be the best nurse you can be you will be respected.As far as more pay of course who doesn't want more pay as an RN but that is for people who can afford and also find the time to go back. So don't make general statements like that, that is just your experience, so please try not to discourage others I think that was a cruel statement I know you did not mean to be nasty but it did not sound right!

Alright I was gonna let it go, but it is not right to jump on my comment and not others. (see dconnors above).

1.) I WAS a LPN. I have notice throughout my nursing career (as a LPN and RN) that LPN's get offended by anyone who suggests going for a higher degree (ie...RN). If your offended, look within your self and find out why. I don't see why you are offended by my comment when you let others go unnoticed.

2.) Yes, $30 an/hr is good, but the cost of living in NYC is crazy high compared to lower cost of living states so that doesn't say much.

3.) I never said LPN's weren't good nurses. I hear over and over again that some LPN's are better than RN's...SO WHAT. Some aides are better than LPN's! Some RN's are better than other RN's!

4.) I gave the OP a good option instead of telling her to just quit. Since when is getting a higher education (regardless of what it is) wrong???

5.) You're right about one thing though NycCutie, I am intitled to an opinon, but you shouldn't call it bull**** because it is different from yours.

Alright I was gonna let it go, but it is not right to jump on my comment and not others. (see dconnors above).

1.) I WAS a LPN. I have notice throughout my nursing career (as a LPN and RN) that LPN's get offended by anyone who suggests going for a higher degree (ie...RN). If your offended, look within your self and find out why. I don't see why you are offended by my comment when you let others go unnoticed.

2.) Yes, $30 an/hr is good, but the cost of living in NYC is crazy high compared to lower cost of living states so that doesn't say much.

3.) I never said LPN's weren't good nurses. I hear over and over again that some LPN's are better than RN's...SO WHAT. Some aides are better than LPN's! Some RN's are better than other RN's!

4.) I gave the OP a good option instead of telling her to just quit. Since when is getting a higher education (regardless of what it is) wrong???

5.) You're right about one thing though NycCutie, I am intitled to an opinon, but you shouldn't call it bull**** because it is different from yours.

Number 1 I didn't jump on your comment I am not speaking specifically to you I am speaking to anyone in any position that would down play anybody that wants to do something positive. I have no problem with higher education because i totally believe in education to the fullest but the way you put it was like lpns are nothing and go str8 for the RN, like i said before not everybody has the oppurtunity to go str8 to the RN or have the expenses to do it the RN is a very hard and rigourous program you of all people should know that and as far as your opinion I never said that was bulls****

Specializes in Hospice / Ambulatory Clinic.

I think we all need to remember that we are accountable to noone but ourselves and that we should feel free to make decisions based on our wants and needs and by what suits our situation and not anyone elses.

I made a decision very similar to the OP. Go for the LVN start now ( through private school) rather than be in limbo for an unspecified time waiting for a slot in RN school.

I also don't believe that any kind of education is a waste. Before nursing I studied computer science in the 90's law and fashion design. Am I working in any of those fields no but I wouldn't trade in the experiences I've gained for anything

Specializes in ICU,Acute Care, LTACH, Post Op /Recovery.

Hey There,

Let me begin by saying that quitting is not the answer, ONLY a last resort. Even then, I would make sure you are enrolled in a new program before doing so, or procrastination may end up your funeral. There is a big difference between "feeling" defeated and BEING defeated. You will find that during the course of this journey, many things will not be what you'd hoped for and many WILL. Nursing school is a brain damaging experience, and more often than not, you can't even lean on the ones you love the most, because try though they may, they can't possibly understand. Nursing school is a monster that can't be explained to anyone who hasn't fought it head on, bloody and beaten.

It may be in your best interest to give it a little more time. You are just beginning this experience, and combined with the stress you are feeling, it is impossible to accurately assess the next step without giving it a chance. My advice?? Get yourself situated and let the dust settle. Pick your battles, and fight them ONE at a time. It seems to me that this instructor is going to push you from your focus (we've all had one believe me) making you question both your intelligience and abilities. You know the type. Their point of view is the only one in the world, and though THEY don't even understand what they are talking about, you're the one feeling stupid. Then there are the "groupies" who can leave you feeling like the ugly girl at prom. They are not even worth your time, and focusing on their drama is only going to waste the precious emotional energy you will need to carry you through this.

As far as classes go, I would suggest purchasing a mini-tape recorder and recording your lectures, or at least with the instructors who make you feel frustrated. Then, don't hesitate to ask questions in class, without worrying what anyone else thinks, remember, this is about YOUR future.

It doesn't matter if your instructor likes it or not, that is why they are there. Chances are if you're wondering, someone else in the room is wondering the very same thing, and if you don't ask, you will be the one who suffers in the end. Put aside the instructors irritating ways (as hard as this may be) and focus on returning the answers they want to see. Don't stress out on what you feel you "didn't" learn, instead placing your attention on what you "did", keeping in mind that your true education begins after GRADUATION!

As far as your tests? Though grades are important, don't hold yourself to unreasonable expectations. You will do excellent on some tests, and not so hot on others. That is the way it is, so accept it now and save yourself the worry. Do NOT compare yourself to anyone elses test grade, remember, we don't care about what they are doing!! So you judging you

on a curve makes you your own enemy. To make my point, I went to school with a student that had a 4.0 through the course, and then failed out the LAST WEEK because of clinical incompetence. Are you getting me? So remember two things before a test:

1) The goal is to PASS.

2) YOUR TEST GRADES DO NOT DETERMINE THE KIND OF NURSE YOU

WILL BE!!

So just give yourself a break okay?

Continuing on, if you can't seem to find a balance with this instructor, it may become necessary to schedule a meeting with the instructor and director to discuss your concerns. If you feel better (I don't know how old you are) take a parent for support. Once your instructor understands how serious you are taking this, he/she may be a little more careful with how they handle you (especially if they remember mom glaring at them. lol....).

In any event the situation must be addressed. Sitting in frustrated silence while you free fall to the death of your professional future as a nurse is not an option. You are paying good money to be there, and you shouldn't be made to feel uncomfortable for expecting the educational structure to meet you half way in achieving your goal. The outcome of your efforts is equally impacted by the schools contribution, and it is their OBLIGATION to provide you the tools and open environment you need to ensure your success.

Inside the classroom, it would be a good idea to hook up with another student who may be feeling the same way as you. One whom you can rely on for support when you need it. Maybe they can offer some insight on dealing with your loan situation (there IS a way!).

We started with 27 students in my class and graduated with 7, and you owe it to yourself to be the last one standing!! You cannot allow ANYONE to draw your attention away from THIS GOAL. So put your head down and focus only on what YOU are doing. Nursing school is hard enough, so do not spend your energy getting caught up in ANYONE ELSES drama. I know you are feeling frustrated with things right now, but let this frustration be a motivator and not a jailor. Do not allow the little things to burn your energies (i.e., getting called out for marking off an incorrect answer. Who Cares?!! It's messy?? Nursing is messy for pete sake!! Don't allow someone elses focus to psych you out!! Just say "uh huh" and let it go!!) You will be the only one paying consequences if you allow your surroundings to prevail. It is all environmental. Move forward with your eyes on the target, and don't look to either side. When you can finally look around, chances are many of the things frustrating you "right now" won't be there anymore, and if they are, by then you won't even care. You will have made it through one of the most difficult and rewarding experiences in your life. You will have found a whole new level of self respect, and you will have earned it!

Best of Luck,

You ARE a WARRIOR! Now get in there are kick some @%#!

Well correct me if I am wrong. But, the Moderator should the job accurately because there are some replies that are out the subject debating on this topic here.

as an exampple:uhoh21::down::yawn::no::confused::banghead: among many,

Hey There,

Let me begin by saying that quitting is not the answer, ONLY a last resort. Even then, I would make sure you are enrolled in a new program before doing so, or procrastination may end up your funeral. There is a big difference between "feeling" defeated and BEING defeated. You will find that during the course of this journey, many things will not be what you'd hoped for and many WILL. Nursing school is a brain damaging experience, and more often than not, you can't even lean on the ones you love the most, because try though they may, they can't possibly understand. Nursing school is a monster that can't be explained to anyone who hasn't fought it head on, bloody and beaten.

It may be in your best interest to give it a little more time. You are just beginning this experience, and combined with the stress you are feeling, it is impossible to accurately assess the next step without giving it a chance. My advice?? Get yourself situated and let the dust settle. Pick your battles, and fight them ONE at a time. It seems to me that this instructor is going to push you from your focus (we've all had one believe me) making you question both your intelligience and abilities. You know the type. Their point of view is the only one in the world, and though THEY don't even understand what they are talking about, you're the one feeling stupid. Then there are the "groupies" who can leave you feeling like the ugly girl at prom. They are not even worth your time, and focusing on their drama is only going to waste the precious emotional energy you will need to carry you through this.

As far as classes go, I would suggest purchasing a mini-tape recorder and recording your lectures, or at least with the instructors who make you feel frustrated. Then, don't hesitate to ask questions in class, without worrying what anyone else thinks, remember, this is about YOUR future.

It doesn't matter if your instructor likes it or not, that is why they are there. Chances are if you're wondering, someone else in the room is wondering the very same thing, and if you don't ask, you will be the one who suffers in the end. Put aside the instructors irritating ways (as hard as this may be) and focus on returning the answers they want to see. Don't stress out on what you feel you "didn't" learn, instead placing your attention on what you "did", keeping in mind that your true education begins after GRADUATION!

As far as your tests? Though grades are important, don't hold yourself to unreasonable expectations. You will do excellent on some tests, and not so hot on others. That is the way it is, so accept it now and save yourself the worry. Do NOT compare yourself to anyone elses test grade, remember, we don't care about what they are doing!! So you judging you

on a curve makes you your own enemy. To make my point, I went to school with a student that had a 4.0 through the course, and then failed out the LAST WEEK because of clinical incompetence. Are you getting me? So remember two things before a test:

1) The goal is to PASS.

2) YOUR TEST GRADES DO NOT DETERMINE THE KIND OF NURSE YOU

WILL BE!!

So just give yourself a break okay?

Continuing on, if you can't seem to find a balance with this instructor, it may become necessary to schedule a meeting with the instructor and director to discuss your concerns. If you feel better (I don't know how old you are) take a parent for support. Once your instructor understands how serious you are taking this, he/she may be a little more careful with how they handle you (especially if they remember mom glaring at them. lol....).

In any event the situation must be addressed. Sitting in frustrated silence while you free fall to the death of your professional future as a nurse is not an option. You are paying good money to be there, and you shouldn't be made to feel uncomfortable for expecting the educational structure to meet you half way in achieving your goal. The outcome of your efforts is equally impacted by the schools contribution, and it is their OBLIGATION to provide you the tools and open environment you need to ensure your success.

Inside the classroom, it would be a good idea to hook up with another student who may be feeling the same way as you. One whom you can rely on for support when you need it. Maybe they can offer some insight on dealing with your loan situation (there IS a way!).

We started with 27 students in my class and graduated with 7, and you owe it to yourself to be the last one standing!! You cannot allow ANYONE to draw your attention away from THIS GOAL. So put your head down and focus only on what YOU are doing. Nursing school is hard enough, so do not spend your energy getting caught up in ANYONE ELSES drama. I know you are feeling frustrated with things right now, but let this frustration be a motivator and not a jailor. Do not allow the little things to burn your energies (i.e., getting called out for marking off an incorrect answer. Who Cares?!! It's messy?? Nursing is messy for pete sake!! Don't allow someone elses focus to psych you out!! Just say "uh huh" and let it go!!) You will be the only one paying consequences if you allow your surroundings to prevail. It is all environmental. Move forward with your eyes on the target, and don't look to either side. When you can finally look around, chances are many of the things frustrating you "right now" won't be there anymore, and if they are, by then you won't even care. You will have made it through one of the most difficult and rewarding experiences in your life. You will have found a whole new level of self respect, and you will have earned it!

Best of Luck,

You ARE a WARRIOR! Now get in there are kick some @%#!

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