How do I prepare? I got accepted!

[PrettyNerd, CNA, LPN, LVN]

Hello everyone! I posted this question about a week ago in another category and didn't get any answers so I'm re posting it here, hopefully someone can reply.

Last Monday, I received my acceptance letter for the LVN program I applied to at the CC :) I feel so nervous, I think I am more nervous than excited, because I really want to succeed in this program and do well.

I guess I want to ask those who have been in the LVN program for advice on how to prepare before I start school and what should I expect from the program.

-What are some necessary supplies I need for the program? I know I need a planner, flashcards, highlighters....anything else?

-Are there any books I should buy to start preparing for school, like to review material or to get a head start?

-Studying tips?

-Time management tips?

-How do I keep organized?

-How does the one year LVN program differ from that of a 2 year ADN program? Like do we learn the same material just condensed into one year?

-How is your school schedule? How many times a week do you have lecture/clinicals?

-Are you/did you enjoy your program?

I just want to be prepared before school starts and want to know what I will be expecting. Anyone care to share their experiences? I am nervous like I said, but I want to feel more excited about it too lol Last time I took A&P was 3 years ago and I fear I might have forgotten everything and feel incompetent when I'm sitting in class and see everyone else understand the material

Also, anyone else getting accepted? Share your thoughts/feelings here.

[RN403, BSN, RN]

I did not complete and LVN program, however, I am sure you could utilize these tips anyway

-You will need planner, flashcards, highlighters - every nursing students best friend!, bandage scissors, a pen light, and an open and eager mind.

-Don't worry about books right now. You will have plenty to learn, do, and read in school. Take this time to relax and enjoy your time away from school. Trust me, you will be wishing you did when school is here.

-Study when you can...I studied everywhere (literally). In the car, in between classes, at the gym. That worked for me. Find what works for you. I also had set study times. I would study a few hours prior to class and at night after class. I also had designated times where I did not study and allowed myself to have some fun and hang with friends. Don't forget to balance work with play. You need that down time as much as you need to study.

-LVN and ADN programs are different as they are prepping you for two different roles.

-We had clinical two times a week with lecture 3 days a week.

You could always brush up on your A & P if you are worried about it, however, you will truly learn what you need to know in nursing school. After going to clinical a few times and being around the other nurses you will start to pick up on the important things.

You will be okay. There are many other threads that you might find of assistance. I found this site very helpful during nursing school as did and do many other students.

Lastly....Good luck! you can do it!

[Candyred]

Enjoy ur time now bc when u get into the program....your life is no longer your own. So go ahead n hang with friends and family, clean up ur home and get ur family in order. Once u are in school u have to devote so much of ur time to studying. When u start class go ahead and be sociable because ur going to see and spend more time with ur classmates than ur family. You need people to lean on while ur in school. U have to make sure u really want this bc it is a big sacarfice but it's worth it.

[cinlou, BSN, MSN, RN]

Some of the things I see that most LPN/LVN students have difficult with, organizing your time, dimensional analysis, APA format for writing your papers, critical thinking, flipping of the classroom ( student reads ahead of class and comes prepared with questions). The LPN program is faster paced than the ADN program. The LPN role is more skills focused so you will see and do many skills ahead of your RN counterparts. Make sure if you have to work, that you set your schedule accordingly. Do not work the night shift before school. Eat healthy, make sure your family understands they must help around the house, you can not do it all. Build yourself a good study group, and set up a good study area for yourself. Don't be afraid to ask for help if you need it and use your tutoring services. The instructors are not able to teach you everything you need to know in such a short period of time. It is a two way street, you must keep up with assignments, don't get behind, and do not miss time if at all possible. Good Luck I am very excited for you