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I've made it through the first week. I posted previosly about day 1 and 2. So far we have checked off on handwashing, isolation techniques (mask, gloves, gown, face equipment). Today we checked off on vital signs. I was so nervous, but passed the first try, some other classmated will have to redo parts that were not passed. LPN school is A LOT of reading and studying, I am finding the majority of my time is spent reading the mandatory chapters that will be discussed in lecture, but finding time to review the material and study it is the biggest problem I have so far. Our first test in a&p and nursing foundations is next thursday and friday, respectively. I need to study!
I'm only a few weeks in & I can tell you plans are hard to stick to. I am fortunate enough to have a supportive spouse that gets it. There isn't going to much time for anything outside of school.
I haven't been to bed before midnight any night. I get home from school at 2:30pm & spend 30 minutes eating dinner/helping with dishes & then another 30 minutes reading stories before my kids go to bed. Thankfully I get some time with them in the morning by getting up at 5am. I'm averaging 8-9 hours a night working on notes, homework, & studying. I do the same 8-9 hours on the weekends too. We have great teachers but, there are only so many hours in a day to cover everything. So they hit all the big stuff & we must read/learn the rest on our own time.
We had 5 tests within a week of starting & are going to be averaging 6-7 tests a week all the way through the end of the semster. I am loving the challenge & find all of the new things we are learning very interesting!
Well, I have a back up sitter in case someone gets sick (which my kids rarely get sick because they never leave the house, thank God), my husband works third shift so no matter what someone will be home, and I don't work... My kids are toddlers and one is potty trained. As long as they are safe, clean, and fed I can do what I want (baby gate ;D! lol). If something doesn't get cleaned, it won't be the end of the world... My husband doesn't mind bathing the girls and cleaning up after dinner while I'm in school and he has volunteered to help with chores on his days off. I think that as long as we both work together, I'll be alright ... I'm just trying to stay positive and I posted in hopes that I'd get some advice or encouragement but I'm not gonna lie, that wasn't the most encouraging feedback... lol. It is helpful, because now I'm going to make 2 back up plans and sit down with my husband and make a chore chart lol.
We'll see what happens!!!
Aww I'm sorry alexg, I didn't mean to discourage you!! I was just sharing my experience. Our program is 16 months long so they cram a ton in very quickly. I'm not sure if all programs are like that or not? Just sharing my experience so far. I'm in no way complaining....it's actually very self motivating!! You can do it :)
I'm starting my 4th week and I'm getting a rythm. I've become the master of scheduling, planning, and timing. I know what I have to do on a daily basis (how much material I have to cover, one hot meal to cook, laundry to do, any necessary cleaning), and I'm also working a bit - and plan for it.
baked chicken, casseroles and the crockpot are my best friends right now. on the weekends, I make a couple of casseroles, a pot or two of soup, so that during the week, they'll be ready to heat up or bake.
Aww I'm sorry alexg, I didn't mean to discourage you!! I was just sharing my experience. Our program is 16 months long so they cram a ton in very quickly. I'm not sure if all programs are like that or not? Just sharing my experience so far. I'm in no way complaining....it's actually very self motivating!! You can do it :)
Oh don't worry about it! I really appreciate your honest opinion because I need to know how to prepare correctly... I didn't take it as complaining at all. I took it as the unadulterated truth! lol Thank you so much for sharing! My program is 18 months in length straight through and I have class Monday through Thursday for 5-6 hours. It's considered part time and I heard it's much more relaxed than the full-time program and that's why I chose it. I still want to prepare for the worst!
I'm starting my 4th week and I'm getting a rythm. I've become the master of scheduling, planning, and timing. I know what I have to do on a daily basis (how much material I have to cover, one hot meal to cook, laundry to do, any necessary cleaning), and I'm also working a bit - and plan for it.
baked chicken, casseroles and the crockpot are my best friends right now. on the weekends, I make a couple of casseroles, a pot or two of soup, so that during the week, they'll be ready to heat up or bake.
It's good to hear you've gotten into a pretty good routine! Your idea to cook ahead for the week is one I might have to try, too . Please share any other tips you may have for time management! I'm not the most disorganized person, but I might have become a little more disciplined if I plan to survive nursing school! Being a homemaker, I have a lot of flexibility with my schedule so I need to get the hang of creating and sticking to a schedule that is much more rigid.
Good luck and congratulations everyone!!
I've made it through the first week. I posted previosly about day 1 and 2. So far we have checked off on handwashing, isolation techniques (mask, gloves, gown, face equipment). Today we checked off on vital signs. I was so nervous, but passed the first try, some other classmated will have to redo parts that were not passed. LPN school is A LOT of reading and studying, I am finding the majority of my time is spent reading the mandatory chapters that will be discussed in lecture, but finding time to review the material and study it is the biggest problem I have so far. Our first test in a&p and nursing foundations is next thursday and friday, respectively. I need to study!
First month of LPN school has been completed. I've had a test in A&P, Funds, and Nutrition so far. I scored two B's and an A. I was shooting for an A on each, but maybe next time. From here on out there are at least one test each week to come. Its a lot of studying and learning, but is, for the most part, interesting. Also, checked off last week on head to toe assessments and now getting through bed making, oral care, shaving, and bed baths. next week: injections, I think. So far so good.
atether
4 Posts
Oh the best laid plans. On the screen of course it seems like a good plan however from my experience with school and a child and all the other things that are involved there is never going to be enough time. Hopefully your spouse is going to be very understanding and is willing to step up to take over alot of your responsibilities.
Always try to stay ahead because if one thing goes wrong like a sick child you will be in a world of hurt.
Good luck!