Anyone else find nursing school not as tough?

nekozuki, LPN · Jan 2, 2013

Lol, those of us who thought it was easy usually don't say anything! We're used to getting dagger eyes and have learned to keep quiet! I dropped out of school after tenth grade and worked full time ever since, so I never really explored my own academic potential. I have ADD, and what was a source of constant distraction and struggle in high school ended up being a huge gift in nursing school. It’s like I finally found a field of study that matched the frenetic pace of my mind, and now that I’m older, I have the right discipline and attitude to put the pieces together.

I finished my 11 month LPN program while working two jobs and watching more TV than anyone else in my program. The first two months, I didn't even take notes or open my book. I just sat there in class and watched the teacher while everyone else used powerpoints, highlighters and scribbled away (my teacher actually admitted I was a little scary at first, just staring at her all class while everyone else had their head down). I didn't study for core or fundamentals, and I finished my exams throughout the program in 15-20 minutes, which really freaked out my classmates (since we get 1 to 1 1/2 hours for our exams, and some people took the entire time). I LOVED med-surg, because although I don't have a medical background, I have a deep interest in illness/disease and have been wikipedia-ing every condition under the sun for years. The teacher would talk about a condition, and I'd be able to discuss it at length. Most of my classmates were really cool about it (my nickname was the human encyclopedia), but one girl really complained and griped about it to the point where I just started saying “yeah, I studied” or “Man, I hope I passed!” I spend the second half of the year sitting in the back of the class and doodling to look busy (my powerpoints were always filled with pictures of Godzilla destroying Tokyo or teenage mutant ninja turtles, etc). The only studying I ever did was to make flashcards. I went through them once, and occasionally twice if the answer had multiple components. That’s it.

I was really sad to graduate, but I enrolled in the local community college the day after graduation. Nursing school gave me confidence and helped me discover I have an exceptional memory. Lol, and it also showed me that just because my mind works differently doesn’t mean I need to vocalize it.

I never go around saying nursing school was easy, because our class only graduated 8 students, and I know my experience isn’t helpful to most others.

Iâ™¥Scrubs, LPN · Jan 3, 2013

It hasn't been as hard for me as I thought. I still see my parents and friends pretty regularly, and I also work part time. We are just about half way through a 10 month program. I had a 98% cumulative average at 10 weeks in and I still have maintained that just about, it may be a 97% or 96% now, but it's still up there. But I have a pretty great memory and I learn fast. The other people in my class know this, and they ask me to help them study. When new grades or posted everyone just assumes which grade I get, because they know I get good grades. I am also the person to answer questions in class that the teacher asks or I am the one asking questions if I don't understand something. I am just waiting for next semester, hopefully I can keep my "edge"!

Kikikins · Jan 8, 2013

You are not alone! I am in month 5 of 10 and my average is a 96 without much effort or sacrifice on the home front. I am thinking about picking up a job to get my foot in the door at a local hospital that hires LPNs. I am already looking at the next step because I would like to roll right into it rather than 'take a break' as many of my classmates are already discussing. Most of the time I make extra work for myself and discuss it with the instructor privately, that way I am learning without derailing the lesson. I help flagging students wherever I can I as I find teaching others helps me learn -- anyone else experience this? Glad there's more of us out there!

Nursebetty2007 · Jan 9, 2013

Most Lpn scho are 11 months your school is 18 which probably makes it a littler easier because you spend more time learning instead of craning , for instance I'm currently in pediatrics Monday we have lecture on pedi cardi and respiratory and then Tuesday there is a unit exam lol which makes it hard because even though I read ahead I don't understand fully until my teacher explains it. Not saying your school isn't as hard but the longer the program the less craning you probably have to do and that's what makes it exhausting

pookyp, LPN · Jan 9, 2013

Most Lpn scho are 11 months your school is 18 which probably makes it a littler easier because you spend more time learning instead of craning for instance I'm currently in pediatrics Monday we have lecture on pedi cardi and respiratory and then Tuesday there is a unit exam lol which makes it hard because even though I read ahead I don't understand fully until my teacher explains it. Not saying your school isn't as hard but the longer the program the less craning you probably have to do and that's what makes it exhausting[/quote']
Yeah. I'm in a 12 month program, and we went over 2 chapters Monday and 2 chapters Tuesday. We have a test in them tomorrow and Friday. Today we had a math test. Next week we have 3 more tests and the Final. So much, so fast!!

Kimynurse · Jan 9, 2013

I graduated from a 13 month LPN program in 2009, I think if you asked me then I would of said it was really tough. Now I can say I learned so much, and I'm so happy I became a LPN, I start a RN program this month, and will be working while in school as a LPN.

I guess it's kinda of like giving birth once it's over , you forget how hard it was.