How was LPN school for you?

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Hey everyone,

Hopefully I'll be starting a LPN program this Spring, and I was wondering if anyone could give me an idea of how school was for you. I have all the pre-req's done that you would need for an RN program (ex: anatomy & phys, pharm., microbiology, english 101, 102, and a whole bunch more. I also completed a clinical rotation at a LTC facility). I'm just wondering if the program will be a bit easier for me since I have a general idea of things. Also, do LPN's administer med's on a regualr basis like RN's or is only when they really need to you?

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!

Absolutely, take to heart "Learn by doing". You can read and re-read a set of instructions on how to perform a procedure, but actually getting your hands dirty I have found is the best learning aid. My LPN class was a little bit different because I was trained by the army, but what was drilled into me was the concept of peer aid. Ask for help if you need it, and NEVER hesitate to help someone else if they ask for it or look like they are struggling. We were all really close and this comradarie was a huge benefit.

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Specializes in Occupational, rehab.

I loved my LPN course. I went to a great school that put you into every situation they could. It was a lot of studying and a lot of work things were fast pace. I complained about failing test but I did graduate with honors . Yes we give tons of meds. honestly in most facilities they expect the LPN to do the same as the RN

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i just graduated this august, the best advice i can for LPN school is to treat others the way you want to be treated, it sounds easy, but we had a little drama. other advice make friends, cause they may have connections such as good study groups or sharing notes, don't try to do it all alone, you need a good support group.

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Well, I'm only finished with week two, so take this with a grain of salt, but it's much harder than I expected. I'm sort of freaking out about the 80% or higher rule for exams because it doesn't leave much room for error, kwim?

I have my degree in psychology and have all my sciences so I guess I expected the academics to be fairly easy, but it's very fast paced so if things keep going at this rate, I think it's going to be pretty tough. I'm finding myself studying a ton and still not doing as well as I would like. I got a 94.4 on my last exam, but it was just barely an A and I only missed three questions. I'm used to exams with a lot more questions, so a much bigger margin for error. So far, I've had two exams, I have three for this coming week (not including quizzes and other homework) and between three and four each week for the next two months until we start clinicals.

I don't have any prior medical experience so that may be a bit of why I'm struggling: everything is a new concept for me! With most of the rest of my class they are CNA's and aides so they're familiar with some of the basics of pt care and medial procedures and I am not.

So, we'll see how things wind up! I have no doubt I'll make it through, it's just going to be a tough year I think. I am also a single, working mom so I think that has a bit to do with it as well. School with a small child is just a whole new ballgame for me.

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The school I went to is considered one of the best in NC......The study is based on getting you RN later....It was very hard, gained 30 pounds and got acne like i was 13 again......It was the most streeful situation that I have ever been through.....all I could say is study your butt off.....I'm glad its over and even though I'm not looking forward to the RN program I will get that done also....Its worth it at the end....Good Luck:D you'll do great

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okay. So I recently graduated high school and I completed half of the LPN program there. So I have about 3 months left (I graduate in Dec 18). The pasing rate for all tests and clinicals is 77%. Not bad, but the tests are getting much harder and harder. LPN school is soo stressful. I am soo busy studying for this thing or that. I basically have no social life. LPN is much harder than I expected. I have a test every week and I have to complete workbook pages for every test and they are due the day of the test. Plus, I have to complete a clinical packet and memeorize meds. I did so far, Fundementals of nursing, Mental Health, Peds, OB, and Nutrition. I have Med-surg, Pharm, Legal and Ethical Issues as a Nurse, and Comprehensive left. We started out with one pt and now we have to manage three in clinicals. For clinicals I have to be there at 6:30 AM or 0630. Lots of sleepless nights have passed and not to mentioned the dreaded ATI I have to pass otherwise if one doesn't pass the ATI they are out of the program. So yes, it is definitley a lot of stress but I know it will be worth it in the end. I wish you all the best in LPN school and study very hard. :twocents::redbeathe:):nurse:

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oh yeah, I agree with FOXRIDING, make new friends and form study groups if you can. What helps after a long day of nursing school is to know you have a strong support group. You guys will form a strong bond not only as friends, but "nursing buddies" as well. You cannot go through this alone. Also, stay away from thoes who hinder your learning and study with people who are at your learning level. It is they who will push you to succeed.

Also, remember to relax as well. Nursing is hard work and stressful at tmes, but don't forget to relax as much as you can. Pretty soon, you'll find yourself making nursing jokes.. LOL! :nurse::):wink2::redbeathe

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Specializes in Brain Injury Rehabilitation.

this was a duplicate post, I deleted it.

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Specializes in Brain Injury Rehabilitation.

oh it was LONG. 11 months almost split between two rooms in a very old elementary school house (the next class got the new building). Mon thru Thurs from 0700-1600, starting with 34 and ending with a graduating class of 15. We had wonderful instructors and I learned so much. I am already moving forward in school finishing up pre-reqs to get into an ADN program. I didn't think I would be ready so soon to get back to school, but I sure was :) Good luck to you!

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Specializes in Geriatrics.

the hardest for me was maternity and a bit of pediatrics; which only lasted for a couple of weeks. other than that everything else was okay. I mean you have to be reminded its school, they don't call it school for nothing. If you don't sweat at some point during the process, than the school did not go through you, it means you went through the school. good luck

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Specializes in pediatric vent,adult quad vent,ltc.

It Was A Nightmare I Went To Illinois Central College. My Instructors Were Control Devils.first Thing I Learned Never Ask A Question,and Was Told The Instructor Is Always Right Even When She Was Wrong.most Of My Class Felt We Passed Not Because Of Our Instructors But,in Spite Of Them. I Was Going To Bridge To Rn But After My 1st Semester Of The Program Decided It Was Not Worth My Sanity.good Luck Nursing Is The Best Career In The World If You Can Survive The Program

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