How to prepare for LVN Program!

LuckyCharmLVN · Sep 30, 2014

Yes, trying to enjoy the little time I have left to kick back. Make sure I do lots of activities before fully committing to school in 30 days is a good idea. It is important to take time for myself. Thanks for that tip @SWM2009

Natasha A., CNA, LVN · Oct 1, 2014

What are the common test style formats? (multiple choice, fill-in-the-blank,short answer.etc?) Are the test/exams mostly relied on lecture notes, textbook notes or both? Are the assigned textbook readings necessary daily or weekly to keep up with the class?

Jen_Loves_Nursing · Oct 1, 2014

I am preparing also and am mother of three work 32 hours a week and am now attemping LVN school... you can do it. if you have no children, you REALLY can do it!!

happybunny · Oct 7, 2014

Hey guys! I finished my LVN program last November and was valedictorian of my class! :cat:My suggestions, definitely put your 100% focus on the program! I was lucky enough to not have to work while I was in the program. I don't have kids either, I know these priorities make it really hard to maintain high grades! Be prepared to READ...nonstop, like 4 chapters a night. Also, what helped me was after every chapter you read, take notes and rewrite what you just read in YOUR OWN words. If you can restate it or teach it to someone else in your own words that means you learned it. I passed NCLEX the first time because I made sure if I didn't understand something right away I asked questions. I'm now getting ready to start my LVN to RN bridge program...and all the craziness is about to begin again! :wacky:

happybunny · Oct 7, 2014

Hi tash92337! The messaging portion of this website won't let me write you back till I have 15 post. Since I'm new to this site I have to write you back on here!

The dosage calculations are actually really easy, the wording of them may throw you off because they like to make sure that you're paying attention to detail. Here's an example of one:

Order: Amoxicillin 0.25g p.o. every 8 hrs

Available: Amoxicillin 125mg tablets

How many tablets will the nurse give per dose?

See first the "order" has to be converted to milligrams like what's "available", so the order is really for 250mg...easy you give 2 tablets.

That's really all the type of dosage calculations are. Not bad right? As for the A&P, that was brand new to me when I started. I had never taken a course in anatomy or physiology, but I just read, studied hard, and it paid off; it became my favorite subject after. You learn about the different organ systems in detail and how they're all interrelated: The circulatory, digestive, endocrine, integumentary, respiratory, lymphatic, etc...

Trust me I use to be the biggest procrastinator as well, I just forced myself to study(read) every night, otherwise I'd start falling behind and if I did fall a bit behind I'd catch up my reading on the weekends. Be prepared to have NO social life lol.

The test we took, were all from the book and multiple choice which made things easier. We did have to write a few papers, but they weren't too long and that was towards the end of the program.

I'd say the main thing just stay positive and focused on the end result; it'll all be worth it! You'll make some really good friends in the program going through this whole fast-paced, crazy learning experience together, at least I know I did! Best of luck to you!

LuckyCharmLVN · Oct 7, 2014

Thanks so much for explaining what dosage calcs will be like! I was intimidated at first, but im quite familiar with conversions and have been studying med terms. How is Pharmacology going to be, what does it consist of? I'll probably need a tutor for that I worked my behind off to pass the Hesi exam to get in.

LuckyCharmLVN · Oct 7, 2014

Congrats on finishing school and moving on to obtain your RN! thats so awesome. Thats my next step and im already thinking of the future after LVN school! Do I want a BSN or ASN? Not sure, but I'll take a bit at a time. Are you in California happybunny?

happybunny · Oct 7, 2014

Hi luckycharmSVN! Thank you and yes, I am in CA. That's good you're already thinking of after LVN school. I was too when I was in it! haha..gotta keep progressing ya know?!

Pharmacology was every nursing students nightmare in my class! lol There's just so many too learn, but one teacher taught us an easier way is to group them. Like you'll definitely have to know all the blood pressure medications and diabetes meds. Also, always look at the ending of the meds, this tell you a lot. For example the blood pressure meds, all ending in "pril" are ACE inhibitors , Calcium Channel blockers end in "pine", beta blockers end in "olol". A lot of anxiety meds end in "pam" and anything ending in "caine" is usually a numbing agent like lidocaine. Once you memorize these and a few others you can usually figure out how to answer most pharm questions on the test!

LuckyCharmLVN · Oct 7, 2014

Your so informative happybunny, I love it. Thanks so much for your help. I feel less stressed and at ease talking it out with someone who has been thru what im about to go thru lol you would make a great mentor. If I need any direction on anything, may I p.m you? Or email? Im in CA too.

LuckyCharmLVN · Oct 7, 2014

Im so juiced to start my Nursing program!!!

happybunny · Oct 21, 2014

luckycharmsvn thank you! Of course you can! I love to help :) nurseCbear@ gmail.com

LuckyCharmLVN · Oct 21, 2014

Thanks, I'll contact you and we'll be in touch! Just knowing someone who can relate to my journey is cool. Starting my program Nov 3rd, just counting down the days :) I'll also keep everyone posted on this thread how things are going for me.