How was LPN school for you?

Jules A, MSN · Aug 14, 2008

Hi,

In many facilities LPNs are used as med nurses so they do a lot of med administration. There were very few things I couldn't do as a LPN that I now do as a RN.

My LPN class wasn't a good fit for me, due to the politics and an atmosphere I felt had different standards for different students. In any event much to my relief my actual education was excellent and I was fully prepared to bridge to my RN and graduate among the top of the class. It sounds like you are all set and will do just fine in school. Hang in there, it will go by really quickly.

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Aug 14, 2008

I didn't enjoy my LVN program due to the politics, favoritism being bestowed upon other students, double standards, and blatant immaturity of some of my classmates. School wasn't academically difficult for me. However, school was socially difficult for me, because I have never particularly enjoyed the company of gossipy females. Many of my nursing instructors were gossips, too.

I administer medications more frequently than the RNs that work alongside me. In nursing homes, an RN is only required to be in the building for 8 hours per day. Therefore, LPNs/LVNs are used as charge nurses and bedside nurses in nursing homes, and are typically the only licensed nurses in the building for 16 hours per day. I give oral meds, injections, and IV meds to 30 patients daily.

Selene006, BSN, LPN · Aug 14, 2008

I graduated from LPN school in June of this year. I didn't quite know what to expect when I started the program because I didn't have any experience doing patient care. I was a licensed pharm tech and had never cleaned anyone's bottom except my own! But I came to appreciate the strengths and knowledge of my instructors and received two surprises on graduation day: a certificate for demonstrating exceptional clinical skills, and an honor's certificate.

Although most of my friends failed out of the program during the first semester, I used those sad situations to force me to work harder.

Good luck to you! :wink2:

Fiona59 · Aug 14, 2008

It was the longest four semesters of my life.

Like others, I didn't find the work difficult. It was the interpersonal dynamics that got me down. I was one of the oldest in my intake and the ones fresh out of high school were some of the nastiest women I have ever met.

If you wind up with similar classmates just remind yourself that you are there for knowledge and any new friends you make along the way are bonus points.

pagandeva2000, LPN · Aug 14, 2008

Hi,
In many facilities LPNs are used as med nurses so they do a lot of med administration. There were very few things I couldn't do as a LPN that I now do as a RN.
My LPN class wasn't a good fit for me, due to the politics and an atmosphere I felt had different standards for different students. In any event much to my relief my actual education was excellent and I was fully prepared to bridge to my RN and graduate among the top of the class. It sounds like you are all set and will do just fine in school. Hang in there, it will go by really quickly.

You were amongest the top grads in your RN program? And you didn't tell me?? Shame on you (smile). I am happy to hear this; you and Commuter are two of my favorite posters! Congrats (again)!!!

pagandeva2000, LPN · Aug 14, 2008

The same as most...hated school, was glad it was over, but it needed to happen for me to do what I like.

natrgrrl · Aug 15, 2008

The same as most...hated school, was glad it was over, but it needed to happen for me to do what I like.

This is a really common thought among a lot of nurses I talk with. You have to go through school to be a nurse. Plain and simple. Get as much out of it as you can, be prepared to teach yourself, and do what it takes to make it through.

I hope you have fun in school, but just remember that you are there for an education, not entertainment or friends.

Jules A, MSN · Aug 15, 2008

You were amongest the top grads in your RN program? And you didn't tell me?? Shame on you (smile). I am happy to hear this; you and Commuter are two of my favorite posters! Congrats (again)!!!

Thank you! Its not a real feather in my cap because just by dumb luck I happen to test really good. Or as one of my former classmates tuned friend used to say: I guess really good, lol. In fact out of the 6 LPNs 3 of us were in the top 10%. LPNs rock!

You and Commuter are two of my all time favs also. :)

pagandeva2000, LPN · Aug 16, 2008

Thank you! Its not a real feather in my cap because just by dumb luck I happen to test really good. Or as one of my former classmates tuned friend used to say: I guess really good, lol. In fact out of the 6 LPNs 3 of us were in the top 10%. LPNs rock!
You and Commuter are two of my all time favs also. :)

:bow: :icon_hug: To you and Commuter!!

MzMouse · Aug 16, 2008

It was tough at the time. My biggest challenge was balancing the rest of my life with school.

I think any medical knowledge can only help any nursing student.

Kylea · Aug 17, 2008

The best advice I can offer is to read the material often, be prepared to be self-motivated, and don't hesitate to ask questions. The more you learn the better you will do. And during clinicals, if you see a nurse going off down the hall with tons of equipment, ask if you can assist, or at least watch! If they ask for volunteers for a skill, volunteer! I didn't do that, and I felt very unprepared when I started working. Your education is up to you.

I am starting an RN program soon, and I can't wait for clinicals, so I can get in there and do some hands on learning! Good luck with school!