How was your life like after graduating from nursing school?

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I still can't believe I graduated. It's just an LPN (for now) and I'm definitely going to continue but those 2 years were so long, draining, and it's nice to know i'm 3 quarters away from an RN. (And another 3 quarters after that to get my BSN :) I feel like it's been long overdue, considering how long it's taken me and have applied/been rejected so many times, volunteering and working as a CNA for long hours but it worked out alright. I'm 25 and feel like a "new person" with a "new life" after going through boot camp aka nursing school. Before school, I felt so frustrated in life. I wanted a foundation so badly and just wanted to be in school so I could have a career. Time was passing by so fast and I felt like I was placed in a circle I definitely did not belong in (full of early twenty/21 y.o's taking random college classes/partying, not responsible or serious about life). I wanted to take control of it so I could go to school, get my career, be in a meaningful relationship that will hopefully lead to marriage (in a few years). Throughout school, I've grown more. I've become much more protective of myself, self respect and love grew. I realized there's no time to waste or energy to waste being around certain people and in school, you naturally gravitate towards people like you and tolerate less of those you don't have much in common with. (you now how school was... so many things to do, so little time).

I admit, I had a hunch I was outgrowing apart from friends as I started the program but it became much more clear while I was in school. I still love my friends but you just know what you want to be a part of and what you don't want to be a part of; the kind of person you want to be vs. the person you don't want to settle into. Now that I'm done, some of these friends are excited I'm back and want to hang out... I still do but it's different now. The more you grow and do things for yourself, you realize your capabilities, comfort zones, and the confidence to reach far. Nothing arrogant or egotistical. One friend has a family that's almost cultish - one event you go, you're expected to go to every and that's not me. One friend has lost herself bc she's ALWAYS with her long term boyfriend, whom she's still figuring out if he's "the one" and one friend who I don't have many values/manners I can identify with. Anyhoo, I'm definitely feeling different, like a different aura yet at the same time I can't believe it. I don't know what's going to happen but I'm trying to keep my mind and heart open with good things that can come my way... thoughts and advice?

I feel like i'm in a daze right now... haha not sure if that's normal. I'm definitely going to keep moving up with my degree, so school is not over but I just feel so different!

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You are not "just" and LPN. Be proud of it!! You worked hard for that title and it's one to be proud of! I am going to finish my bachelors in nursing and it's never too late to continue to learn. I too am 25 and it feels great to have a great career to be proud of! Congrats and keep going!!:w00t:

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

What was my life like after graduating from nursing school?

A little more money. A lot more stress.

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Congratulations on your wonderful accomplishment! I understand what you are saying about feeling different now. Everyone that has gone through nursing school has gone through the same thing...a lot of sacrifice of time, money, social life. I think you feel differently because you have worked very hard, perservered when things got tough and matured. It's a good thing :) And when you are pressed for time and energy, you choose friends and activities wisely.

I followed the path you are now on. I am proud to say I graduated as an LPN, worked my way and became an RN, and am now in the process of getting my BSN.

What is life like after nursing school? Well..first is studying for boards, then searching for that first job. It may not be your first choice. And life as a nurse in the working world is a lot different then school.

I wish you much luck and success in your first year of working as a new nurse. If I could only offer a piece of advice, it would be to be humble and learn as much as you can. Hang in there...it's tough the first year.

Best of luck!! Congratulations again! Take some time to celebrate your hard work. You deserve it!!

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Specializes in ICU.

wow, i feel like i could have written this post ... minus the nursing grad part though. at 25 you're changing big time. you grow apart from old friends ... that's life ... but new people will come along. congrats on graduating! it's sounds like you're in a very exciting phase in your life.

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Specializes in ICU.

After graduating nursing school, I could actually "read for pleasure," watch a movie, etc., and enjoy it without feeling like "I really need to be studying."

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Congratulations on your wonderful accomplishment! I understand what you are saying about feeling different now. Everyone that has gone through nursing school has gone through the same thing...a lot of sacrifice of time, money, social life. I think you feel differently because you have worked very hard, perservered when things got tough and matured. It's a good thing :) And when you are pressed for time and energy, you choose friends and activities wisely.

I followed the path you are now on. I am proud to say I graduated as an LPN, worked my way and became an RN, and am now in the process of getting my BSN.

What is life like after nursing school? Well..first is studying for boards, then searching for that first job. It may not be your first choice. And life as a nurse in the working world is a lot different then school.

I wish you much luck and success in your first year of working as a new nurse. If I could only offer a piece of advice, it would be to be humble and learn as much as you can. Hang in there...it's tough the first year.

Best of luck!! Congratulations again! Take some time to celebrate your hard work. You deserve it!!

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Thank you! That's so sweet of you! I would love to follow the path you did - from LPN to RN to BSN. That would be an amazing set of goals to achieve and congrats to you for that. It's great seeing other nurses who started off as LPNs as well. To be honest, some of us have been feeling the "heat" for being a "secondary, second class nurse" for being an LPN but it's people like you who are so encouraging and inspiring that allow people like me to keep going.

I was looking through old pictures and it's hard to imagine (and honestly scary) to imagine life before nursing school. For me, in early 2010, it all started with a silly breakup. I'm usually one who's got a good sense of who I am but suddenly, I was lost... and then I knew in my heart, i HAD to get into nursing school that year. I couldn't "accept" anymore rejections. It was fate because even my classmates in pre-req classes knew better things were coming my way. They were the ones that told me the break up happened for a reason. When I got myself together, I was so LUCKY and got in last minute and in a month, I was starting nursing school. Fast forward to now and it's unbelievable... almost like destiny. Again, no arrogance intended but it feels like I'm on another level now... I can't believe. Thanks for sharing your story. It's refreshing to know it's not just me ;)

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Thank you and congrats to you too! Getting your BSN is amazing! I'll raise my glass to you, fellow 25y/o :)

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Specializes in Adult/Ped Emergency and Trauma.
You are not "just" and LPN. Be proud of it!! You worked hard for that title and it's one to be proud of! I am going to finish my bachelors in nursing and it's never too late to continue to learn. I too am 25 and it feels great to have a great career to be proud of! Congrats and keep going!!:w00t:

Congratulations! You are a "Nurse!" You are accomplished. You are educated. You are tried. You have made a "rite-of-passage!" You are "just" a success!

Congratulations Again, and whatever you do, Enjoy!"

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Oh wow. You really broke it down for me. It is a rite of passage...Wow.

Thanks so much :)

"OMG I can't believe I'm a nurse!!!!!" ...as a I shriek like a teenage girl at a justin bieber concert ^_^

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At times we felt "second-class" in our LPN class too. But, we shouldn't ever, ever feel that way. You know what...when I started applying for RN positions, I got a lot of..."Please apply after you complete your BSN...Best wishes in your job search!" And I am sure when I complete my BSN, I will probably hear to please apply after I complete my MSN...lol.

So...enjoy yourself. Be proud, LPN. You are not arrogant. You should be proud. And this is a great forum for information and support.

And thank you for the congrats!! Have a great day, LPN!!!!!!!! :):)

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Congratulations! You are not just an LPN!! I work with wonderful LPNs who have my upmost respect,more then many RNs!

My life after nursings school..lol I planned to go back to school..to travel..buy a house and what happened?? I met some1 and got preg. I love my kids and wouldnt trade it for the world!!

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