I am Scared of RN school (Currently an LPN)

MichaelSSSS · Jul 28, 2004

many students are concerned about prerec's. i guess it's the titles like anatomy and physiology or chemistry - they just sound complicated. but, you can do it if you'll commit to studying. most of anatomy is memorization and chemistry is both that and basic math - no big deal just time consuming. the key is staying on top of things and not getting behind.

the students i see failing are those who still think their social life - like hanging out in bars and water skiing every day - are more important than studying. they come to class unprepared and then sit there complaining about how if they were to put in the study time needed their life would suffer and somehow it's the professor's fault that they aren't making positive academic progress. i say, put in the study time now and play once you have your degree. anyway, it's normal to worry but just do it - you'll be glad you did.

danu3 · Jul 28, 2004

This question is slightly off topic for this thread, sorry.

I am not very good at memorizing things. Any tips beside flash cards in terms of how to memorize things? Especially in a class like P&A.

-Dan

need2be · Jul 28, 2004

Hi, Anatomy is alot of memorization(Sp?) but physiology you need to understand the material, you can not memorize it. Alot of physiology exams are essay questions mixed with multiple choice. Anat. you need to know where everything is but phy. you need to know how it works and what can go wrong and how things go wrong and the function if different systems of the body.

This question is slightly off topic for this thread, sorry.
I am not very good at memorizing things. Any tips beside flash cards in terms of how to memorize things? Especially in a class like P&A.
-Dan

nursemike, ASN, RN · Jul 28, 2004

Hi there! Ho does one gain confidence? I have worked as an Lpn for 2 years, and a part of me wants to go on and get my Rn to open the door for other opportunities. I love being an Lpn but I am scared of the RN title and the responsibility it will entail. I keep putting off going back to school. For one its not the actual nursing courses that scare me since I have an idea what they are like. Its the pre reqs like chem and micro. I just am sooo scared that I won't get past these classes. Any encouragement would be MUCH appreciated!

There are a number of LPN's in my ADN class. For clinicals, they put one of the LPN's in each of the clinical groups. This is not a coincidence. You will be a god among nursing students! Well, a hero and mentor, at least, and very possibly a legend. You will be admired and respected, and if you tell us LPN school was 2x harder, we will believe you.

You are already a nurse, and therefore capable of anything.

danu3 · Jul 28, 2004

Hi, Anatomy is alot of memorization(Sp?) but physiology you need to understand the material, you can not memorize it. Alot of physiology exams are essay questions mixed with multiple choice. Anat. you need to know where everything is but phy. you need to know how it works and what can go wrong and how things go wrong and the function if different systems of the body.

Thanks, that really helps.

-Dan

mariedoreen · Jul 28, 2004

This question is slightly off topic for this thread, sorry.
I am not very good at memorizing things. Any tips beside flash cards in terms of how to memorize things? Especially in a class like P&A.
-Dan

As far as A&P goes, I spent a lot of time photocopying things during that year. I would make a lot of copies of the body system du jour with all the labels whited out. Then, I would see how much of it I could label from memory. Then I would use the book to help me fill in everything I didn't know. Then I would grab a blank paper and start again. You'll be amazed at just how quickly you get things down this way. Re the physiology portion of things: Another poster said you have to understand, you can't really memorize. I basically agree with this but I did find something to help me out with this. We would have essays on every exam where we had to indicate how a particular system worked and throw in all the specific details the instructor required. So I would go through that system in my book and write my essay including everything I thought would be relevant (or that he had tipped us off in lecture was relevant). Then... I would practice speaking that essay into a tape recorder as much from memory as possible, and then play it back while I read my essay. I'm not saying I was trying to get it down word for word, but I was trying to make sure I got it concept for concept. As I played it back and read my essay, I took note of which concepts I left out or didn't get quite right. You do that a few times and you'll be amazed at how much you remember about how that system works... It's pretty much all about finding what works for you tho, so good luck!

KacyLynnRN · Jul 29, 2004

Oh my gosh girl GO FOR IT!!! I got through all the pre-reqs and now am in the 'big year' of an LPN to RN program. Have never regretted it. I figure I have responsiblity now, and I can handle whatever additional responsibilities that come my way. And as for the pre-reqs? They are difficult, but you can definitely make it through them. Just study, study, study, and if you are having a lot of touble with one subject try to get a tutor or go to any help sessions your school may have available for that class. I would NOT reccomend trying to take a lot of classes and working full-time at the same time. Not a good idea and you will be setting yourself up for failure. If you have to work full-time, my advice is to take one class per semester. If you can work part-time, then you can take more. Now that I am in the actual program, I am so glad I went down to 20 hours a week at work. It would have been a disaster if I would have tried to do what I'm doing now and worked full-time. I think that all the time and trouble of going back is definitely worth it. Good luck!

:) Kacy

danu3 · Jul 29, 2004

Thanks MarieDoreen. The ideas you shared are great and it gives me something to try.

-Dan

meownsmile, BSN, RN · Jul 29, 2004

It took me 8 years of LPN to decide to finish the RN. I got my ADN at 42 and wont ever be sorry. It was scarey at first. Get some of the less technical classes out of the way to learn how to study again then go for the biggies. A&P will be fairly easy, and i say fairly because we all have more to learn even after we have made it through the class but you already have a head start. So you can focus on the more detailed information. Chem and Micro is tough to get used to, but you can do it, just dont be afraid to ask for help if you need it and ask before it gets to far gone.

Go for it.. youll do fine.

1BlessedRN · Jul 29, 2004

this question is slightly off topic for this thread, sorry.
i am not very good at memorizing things. any tips beside flash cards in terms of how to memorize things? especially in a class like p&a.
-dan

try color coding your questions and answers, statistics show this is the big thing that seems to trigger memory, it helped me big time especially if you're a visual learner. :rolleyes:

nicolesrn2B · Jul 29, 2004

I'm just starting with my nursing classes this August but have finished all my "prereqs" - as another post said above...as long as you don't let your social life come first - you will be fine - don't be intimidated by the course names - it's basically all memorization. Note cards and re-reading chapters several times (sounds crazy but you wouldn't believe what you retain when you think you aren't!) was my strategy and I maintained a high GPA throughout those classes...well, that and lots of coffee, chocolate, etc, etc. Best of luck to you!!