Feels like I will never finish

LoopsRN2 · Oct 10, 2011

Hi all, I need some support here. I currently work as an LPN in Home care for VNA 4 days a week. I also have 2 kids that are in sports and they have their own homework! Husband is supportive but has a busy job and isn't always here. I have all the tests behind me except all the LS, (taking LS1 Wednesday) I started this journey almost 2 years ago! I feel like it's going to take another year to completely finish!! Has anyone else taken 2-3 years to finish this program?? I hope I am not the only one.
On another noted LS1 seems like a TON of material, I have been focusing on cancer tx and care/resp treatments and chest tubes and cardiac disease/shock/meds Hoping that is enough. Did OK on the practice exams (both in the high 60's low 70's) every time I score more than 60 on a practice test I have passed with at least a B. I also still have sociology and 2 other exams (humanities) Hoping to see a light at the end soon!!!:)
Thanks!!
Christine:nurse:

ME! I started in August of 2009 and I am taking my CPNE in 3 weeks. My Mom became quite ill in 2009/2010 and I lost about 6 months of study time. There were times where I felt it was never going to be real, that I would forever be an AN student.

PomPomRN · Oct 10, 2011

You will definitely complete it, just don't be so hard on yourself. I actually started with my general eds way back in Aug 2008, so I have already been over 3 years. It will happen, things just get in the way, and at least you have the flexibility to be able to take time off whenever necessary and then pick right back up.

During the time since I started in 2008, we grieved the loss of my father-in-law, my husband had to have surgery for diabetic retinopathy (which caused him to lose sight in his right eye). I work three 12 hour night shifts a week, and I have two young boys who need help with their homework and mom's taxi service to drive them to football practice and games six nights a week. My daughter is 23 yr. and getting married in a couple weeks, and I have a 21 month old grandson. Thank God my husband is very supportive and chips in whenever he can, and he also works long hours at work. So when you put all these things together it makes for a hectic life, but it is all worth it and I wouldn't have it any other way. You see, we will get there and the prize will be that much sweeter, because we have been so determined and worked so hard to achieve our goals.

Good Luck to you and everyone else studying and testing!!

BeachCathyRN · Oct 10, 2011

Me too - I started in the fall of 2007 and life happens - my son died suddenly of Cardiomyopathy in 2009 so I took almost a year off then. My husband and I took full time care of my Mother-in-Law until she passed away last year from Alzheimer's. Then in December we sold everything we owned and moved from Indiana to Florida and through all this worked full time. We also have a wonderful daughter who lives in Chicago and 4 year old Grandson-he is my son's little boy that we spend alot of time with and spoil rotten!

If I had been in a brick and mortar school I would have been out long ago. Excelsior is my only way of completing this - I have LS 3 left then on to FCCA and CPNE and many times over the last 4 years I thought I would never finish but we will-I promise!! :redpinkhe

dblpn · Oct 11, 2011

Hi all, I need some support here. I currently work as an LPN in Home care for VNA 4 days a week. I also have 2 kids that are in sports and they have their own homework! Husband is supportive but has a busy job and isn't always here. I have all the tests behind me except all the LS, (taking LS1 Wednesday) I started this journey almost 2 years ago! I feel like it's going to take another year to completely finish!! Has anyone else taken 2-3 years to finish this program?? I hope I am not the only one.
On another noted LS1 seems like a TON of material, I have been focusing on cancer tx and care/resp treatments and chest tubes and cardiac disease/shock/meds Hoping that is enough. Did OK on the practice exams (both in the high 60's low 70's) every time I score more than 60 on a practice test I have passed with at least a B. I also still have sociology and 2 other exams (humanities) Hoping to see a light at the end soon!!!:)
Thanks!!
Christine:nurse:

I know exactly how you feel. it seems like ive been in school for years. my journey too become a nurse started in the late 80's. got married had my family and just never had the time for school. i finally went back started for my rn that didnt work out and honestly i wanted to give up completly. i really felt like a failure. so i went the lpn route graduated in 2010 and now enrolled into excelsior. no matter how long it takes and i know it gets frustrating, just keep the faith and you'll do fine. :)

Editorial Team / Moderator · Oct 11, 2011

You know that old phrase, "A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step..." :) You will make it! That is the great thing about EC for those of us already working, or who have crazy-busy lives -- we can fit it in where we're able. There are a lot of people who take a few years to finish this.

OSUFan1 · Oct 11, 2011

You are not alone...I took my first exam Health and Safety back in March of this year, recently had to cancel my second exam Transitions and only got the 50%refund (better than losing it all) alot of things happen in my life that kept me from studying like i should..but things are finally starting to settle down and I am gonna reschedule to take that exam..One good thing about it is with this program we do have that option to put our study habits on pause..a regular nursing program I would have had to drop out...Good luck

BostonNurse2876 · Oct 12, 2011

Thanks for all the kind words!! I passed LS2 today with a B!! So excited and it wasn't nearly as bad as I thought it may be. On to LS2 in November then LS3 first of the new year! Only have 2 "non nursing" courses after that then onto the BIG ONE!! The CPNE is honestly the ONLY test I am fearing. Hoping I don't let my jitters get the best of me. :eek:

Christine