How to prepare for LVN Program!

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Specializes in Corrections, LTAC.

Hi! Just wondering if anyone has tips on how to prepare myself for LVN school. Class begins in a month, and I know it will require dedication and good study skills/time management. Is there a particular subject I should start studying now, like drug calculations? Or maybe start NCLEX review early? Please share with me your thoughts on whats helping/helped you through your journey through school! I'm so excited and absolutely love to learn and be prepared. Thanks in advance.

-Charmaine

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If you have a job quit. Or go halftime at least. I'm finishing up my program in November. This program was my whole life.... Prepare yourself to read endlessly & have many sleepless nights...... But the process is enjoyable, if you enjoy what youre doing

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Well first I will say this don't quit your job unless you absolutely have to because, you may find that you are able to manage work and school (like I am. Full-time) and also because there is the unfortunate fact that you may fail out of the program early on and then end up stuck without a job. Now with that being said, I would recommend watching some YouTube videos and practicing CNA skills/LPN skills because the first part of the program is fundamentals/foundations so being comfortable with that will help. Also knowing your unit conversions will help. Brush up on your A&P and practice some NCLEX style questions.

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Specializes in Corrections, LTAC.
Well first I will say this don't quit your job unless you absolutely have to because, you may find that you are able to manage work and school (like I am. Full-time) and also because there is the unfortunate fact that you may fail out of the program early on and then end up stuck without a job. Now with that being said, I would recommend watching some YouTube videos and practicing CNA skills/LPN skills because the first part of the program is fundamentals/foundations so being comfortable with that will help. Also knowing your unit conversions will help. Brush up on your A&P and practice some NCLEX style questions.

Thanks alot for your response,@LPNStudentGA. I was thinking I will go ahead and keep my job, they're willing to support me during my journey and accommodate my schedule, so I'll stay. I added a highly rated NCLEX exam review book on Amazon to my shopping cart last nite, so thanks I'll definitely study ahead! Have NEVER taken A&P actually. Heard it can be intimidating, but I am very confident I'll do well. Most worried about Pharmacology, math hasn't always been my friend. Lol Where did you graduate from and what year? How was ur first job out of LVN school? :)

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Specializes in Corrections, LTAC.

I appreciate your response. CONGRATS ON YOUR SUCCESS!!! Truly awesome, I wish u the best! At first, I contemplated not working. But I thought staying would benefit me going thru school, I could use the extra money also. One of my supervisors' is a LVN. She has vowed to help me every step of the way! My workplace is a ALF, but I still learn so much. I've worked well under pressure in many circumstances throughout my young life, so I believe I can handle 16-20 hrs on the weekends ONLY. School is M-F 7am-4:30 pm. Im preparing myself now for those long nights and anxiety attacks, by learning time management skills and coping exercises. Have any advice on how to deal???

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Prepared to be on your own. Be creative and resourceful. Be buddies to everyone. Have group studies, trust me it'll help a lot. You might think you're right, but others might think the other way or vice versa. Don't go to class without reading or scanning your books. This will be the time you can ask if you're confused or need further explanation. Instead of just listening or relying on your teacher's power point that she reads in class (hate that, i might as well stay at home and read her power point...I can read). Hope it helps

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Specializes in Corrections, LTAC.
Prepared to be on your own. Be creative and resourceful. Be buddies to everyone. Have group studies, trust me it'll help a lot. You might think you're right, but others might think the other way or vice versa. Don't go to class without reading or scanning your books. This will be the time you can ask if you're confused or need further explanation. Instead of just listening or relying on your teacher's power point that she reads in class (hate that, i might as well stay at home and read her power point...I can read). Hope it helps

Great tips! I appreciate it and will use them to my advantage. Im so excited for school to begin!!! Gonna get my nclex review book nxt week.

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Specializes in Corrections, LTAC.

What kind of work do you do? Hospital, AL, SNF? How was your journey finding employment after becoming licensed?

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I'm in my 5th week now for LPN school! It's very time consuming. Some of my classmates work weekends and they are struggling. I think it really take time management skills to do both. You can start looking through medical terminology books and Anatomy and physiology. I'm in a 16 month program Tuesday-Friday from 830-400. We have test almost everyday. We've had a microbiology class and a skin class that we have already completed. It's very fast passed but I'm loving every minute of it! Good luck to you :)

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This is what I did. I am in a 2 year diploma program.

The first semester I didn't do anything but if I had known then what I know now, I would have done all the assignments I could have done before hand as possible. This is what I did do for second semester and it was very helpful. I also made meals to put in my freezer that I could put into the crockpot, or pop into the oven or microwave.

I did not work, except on holidays, and I don't think I could have. I am 2 months away from graduation and the workload hasn't slowed down. Tomorrow I have a final and a major presentation due, in the morning.

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Specializes in Corrections, LTAC.

Good luck on your final and presentation! Wow, sounds like every LPN program is fast paced. Definitely going to take advantage of my tutoring opportunities while in school. My crockpot is my best friend, comes in handy so many ways. Im looking forward to coming up with a weekly routine of prepping meals ahead of time as you suggested, or poor husband wont eat lol I KNOW i'll be tied up in coursework for a whole year 5 days a week. I spoke with my advisor and she seems fine with the idea of working minimal hours. My assisted living facility I work with isnt that bad as far as workload goes. Also, I'll work the AM shift on Sat and Sun 6am-2:30pm. I'll still have time to study and do work over the weekends and after school through out the week :)

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Specializes in LTC.

In my opinion, you should use these last few weeks before you start school to relax and spend time with friends/family.

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