going back into nursing school after a year off

NurseLoveJoy88, ASN, RN · Mar 22, 2011

I graduated as a LPN from my CC ( which is the first year of RN) in 2009. I just started my second year this year. It is a little hard to get back in the groove but once you start again a lot of things will come back. It wasn't as hard as I thought. Good luck and keep us posted.

BeenThereDoneThat74, MSN, RN · Mar 22, 2011

What you need to do is touch base with some of your faculty, and make sure they are aware that you are on board with doing whatever you have to to make sure you are up to snuff:

1-Go to the skills lab, and review all your skills that you learned in fundamentals. Talk to whomever is responsabile for remediating (instructor, tech, senior student mentors, etc). While you did not mention that you failed (so may not need remediation), but you do need to review. Don't just read the books and watch videos... roll up your sleeves.

2-Speak to your professor (as soon as you know who it is) and make a positive first impression. The last thing they want is to hear from someone else what your situation is (I have had experience with this, students who just try to blend in, after failing or taking a leave). I personally would welcome our honesty, and it would open a dialogue as to what extra attention you may need.

3-Try to network with some of your new classmates, if that is possible. Start with your clinical classmates first. hings may have changed since you took fundamentals, and maybe they can help bring you up to speed.

4-You could also inquire about auditing a few fundamental classes (if this is possible).

5-Go over NCLEX type questions over the summer. Just to remind you of what it's like to think like a nurse again

Whatever you do, make sure you are open to any extra help you may need. Take advantage of whatever the school offers.