How Did You Make It Through Lpn School???

pagandeva2000, LPN · May 28, 2007

Graduating from ANY nursing program takes commitment and sacrifice. This is your first semester after many years of being away from school. It is natural to be overwhelmed and feeling pulled in several directions. I think time management is the key, here. Get a calender where you can write (in PENCIL; I suggest because things change) what assignments are due and what to study and do your best to stick to it. If you see that you have 9 days before a certain test, then, you may break down what you will study and when, always leaving space where you can go back to the more difficult portions that challenged you. Start by studying the hardest, but try not to stay there...you must move on to other key points. Also, I purchased Saunders Comprehensive Guide to NCLEX-PN. Personally, I found that book to be a bit overwhelming for studying for the boards, but was great for school, because it summarized the material in a short page or two and has pyramids next to MAIN points that both, NCLEX and school may be trying to get across to you. Best of luck!

gt4everpn, BSN, RN · May 28, 2007

ah, the many stressors of nrsg school. have i been there! through pn school which was 2 yrs for me, i lost hair, it got shorter, i was under so much stress i didn't even know it. all i did was study, study, study, especially for nclex. tests were pilled high, plus i was had to worry with other non- nrsg classes just to graduate, even went to school on saturdays. listen, nrsg school is no piece of cake, nothing is. stress, worry, and anxiety are all part of the game. when you realize this and prepare for it, you will actually be able to manage nrsg school better. knowing things will be difficult actually helps you get thru things. of course nothing is possible without prayer and faith that the lord will see you through it, he saw me through it! be confident and be prepared, success had nothing to do with smarts or brains, only faith and bravery! good luck!

DanisTeeta · May 30, 2007

Hnag in there!!! We've all been through it. I am finished in 10 weeks--(woooo-hooooo) and so far there have been 2 trips to the ER for chest pain, Mono and EXTREEEEEEEEEEEEEME exhaustion!!!! But, U CAN DO IT!!! When that first day of the class the instructor tells you, put your life on hold for a year---they mean it!!!!

I don't see friends or family. Only see my husband b/c we live in the same house . You can keep up with your friends via email and the true friends will stick around. It is so worth it though, I cannot tell you how fast this year has gone by.

Keep your chin up. Just plan on hybernating for a month after you pass your boards to catch up on sleep! :monkeydance:

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · May 30, 2007

I completed the LVN program nearly 2 years ago, and I didn't think it was extremely hard or academically challenging at all. The only hard part was the large volume of work and assigned reading that you must complete in a very short time frame. The level of difficulty is not overwhelming because it's not difficult, but the amount of work is a whole lot to deal with.

I made it through by learning to manage my time, and to prioritize.

luv4nursing · May 30, 2007

I completed the LVN program nearly 2 years ago, and I didn't think it was extremely hard or academically challenging at all. The only hard part was the large volume of work and assigned reading that you must complete in a very short time frame. The level of difficulty is not overwhelming because it's not difficult, but the amount of work is a whole lot to deal with.
I made it through by learning to manage my time, and to prioritize.

Ditto. Also you have to realize there is no way you are going to learn and remember EVERYTHING. Do what you have to do to get through the program and pass boards. You learn more (and it sticks) once you are out there working. I worked while I was in the LPN program full time and it was no joke. I procrastinate big time, so Im a natural crammer. We had tests nearly every class day anyway, so it seemed like u had to cram regardless. I would go home after a long day at school, tuck in early, then wake up at 3 or 4 am and study through the night. That was my routine for test days. I cant study when Im tired, Im worthless and wont retain it....so after I got some sleep I could get some good quality studying done and ace the test. Worked for me, I graduated top of the class. If you are going to make it through with your sanity, you will need to learn to study what is important for the test and skim the rest. Good luck to u!