Going to school for LPN? Help please!

lizscott nurse · Apr 22, 2005

Hi everyone. I am a 21 year old who just finished up a medical transcription program last month. I enjoy it somewhat and am able to work at home, but I'm realizing maybe I don't want to work at home! Nursing has always been on my mind. However, I tried to take a CNA course a couple of years back and dropped out. I had missed a couple of days and gotten behind. Also, I was VERY nervous about doing things in front of other students, and I mean extremely nervous. Is there any way to get over this?? Whenever I think about what I want to do in my life, nursing pops in my head. Sometimes I feel like it is what I am supposed to do. I worked as a patient aide at a LTC and enjoyed the patient contact and effect I had on them immensely. One thing I was considering is taking an LPN course, thinking that it might not be quite as stressful as going right to the RN. I've changed a lot since I took that CNA course, but am still anxious sometimes around other people. Any advice would be GREATLY appreciated!

Hi! I think most people, if they're honest about it, get some degree of anxiety

doing skills in front of their peers. That's natural. If you keep thinking of nursing perhaps you should take the next step and sign up for a couple courses. I think starting with the LPN classes is a great idea. You can always transition into RN afterwards. As far as stress goes, I believe all

nursing programs are stressful, but you can get through them. You have to

stay focused, take it a day at a time and keep organized. It is true if you

miss a few days it can be hell trying to catch up, but usually your Nursing

instructors and other class mates will help you out. If you like working as an

aide, you should do okay. Good luck.

iNtRiCuTz · Apr 22, 2005

...a 21 year old ....missed a couple of days and gotten behind... VERY nervous about doing things in front of other students, and I mean extremely nervous. Is there any way to get over this?? ....nursing pops in my head... Any advice would be GREATLY appreciated!

Hey wassup. My name is Mark and i'm 21 as well. Right now i'm currently attending a LPN course. I've already completed the CNA portion and wow that was a learning experience. One thing i've learned is take one day at a time. If you're ever afraid or just overwhelmed take a deep breath and think how much nursing will help you and others as well. Write down tasks if you're behind and take it step by step. I agree with lizscott your classmates should help you out if you ask. I mean they're in there for the same reasons too. Everyone has been where you've been, shooot i'm still in that position but just in the LPN portion. I still get nervous in front of people when doing presentations so what I do is try to make it fun. Just like your job. If you don't like your job you're goin to hate it. If you make things fun you'll learn to love it. Good luck. Hope this helps.

-mark

sarahsmile · Apr 22, 2005

Hi Sarah, I read your post and feel the same way. I have been working in the medical field for 5 years now and working in the front office I'm just not fulfilled doing what I do. Even though my doctor pays me very well, I dont want to look back and wish I would have been a nurse. I as well love the one on one patient care. So after many sleepless nights I decided just to do it. I will be starting school right after I get married in February 2006. My advice to you is to really look deep inside and if thats what makes you happy then go for it. Give it 110% and remember everything happens for a reason. Best wishes and keep us informed.