How to prepare for LVN Program!

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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

I'm also in CA and would love to stay in touch with you happybunny!

I'm currently in the prevn class and have three more classes and an panel interview before finding out if I made it to the 2015 LVN program :-)

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Specializes in Corrections, LTAC.
I'm also in CA and would love to stay in touch with you happybunny!

I'm currently in the prevn class and have three more classes and an panel interview before finding out if I made it to the 2015 LVN program :-)

How exciting! Good luck and congrats on what you've already accomplished.

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How exciting! Good luck and congrats on what you've already accomplished.

Thank you LuckycharmsVN :-)

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Specializes in Corrections, LTAC.

Update, since I promised everyone I'd make one :) I thought long and hard about my work schedule interfering with my school schedule. Last night, I hand wrote a note for my Supervisor and was very specific with her on what to expect from my schedule for the next 12 months. I spoke to her in private and explained the letter. I stated I only could work Wednesdays&Fridays 5pm-10pm & weekends Sat&Sun 6:30am-2:30pm. She was fine with it overall, which was interesting! I figured I will still have time for tutoring, if necessary, studying, homework...and have a little wiggle room for myself. I have faith it'll work out, and I'll be able to still work and make a bit of $ while in school. I appreciate my job for understanding how important this LVN program is to me. Orientation is next Friday! :)

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Sorry for the late reply ! (See what nursing school does) lol

I highly recommend having a study group...get together with people who have the same "studying groove" as you do....you will come across half ass people &they will do nothing but hold you back...

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LuckycharmSVN

Hey!! How's it going?

Happybunny

Hey!! Can you share your experience as a new grad lvn in this job market? Is it easy/difficult finding a job in CA? Also, what school are you applying to for the LVN-RN bridge in CA?

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I worked full time while in school and still managed to get A's and B's, but there is a certain amount of dedication needed to balance both. I don't regret it at all I just look back and wonder how I did it. If you want it bad enough you will be surprised how strong you are!!

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Vanessak83

You were very determined to meet your goals. Can you please share your organized study plan with the full time hours ? I'm always looking for ways to help with time management. Thank you!!!

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Specializes in Emergency and Critical Care.

study tips: learn how to pick out key terms and words, then you can get through all of the reading, this techniques also helps you when taking exams because you will want to pick out the important parts of the questions. Read your assignments before you go to class so you can take questions with you of items you may not understand, this saves you time. Do practice tests at end of chapters, it will let you know your strengths and weaknesses. Do not be afraid to ask questions for clarification. Active participation improves learning.

Pharmacology: learn your categories and the suffixes of medications this will help you remember meds. There is no way to learn every med you will give, but if you know the categories and the reasons they are given, the side affects, compatibilities of the general group you can place the med into the right group by its name.

Writing: know APA format

Concept maps: help to improve critical thinking and reasoning

study groups: set up your own and you can also use social media for this, just be very careful about patient privacy

Peer teaching helps you learn better because you have to know it to teach it.

Practice, practice, practice questions

Be able to answer the objectives in your own words, it reinforces that you know the material.

Try to eat right, stay hydrated and get as much sleep as possible.

If having difficulty use a tutor or meet with your instructors as needed. That is what they are there for.

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