I am Scared of RN school (Currently an LPN)

husker-nurse, LPN, LVN · Jul 30, 2004

Once I got my LPN, I was soooo ready to take it and run!! I was encouraged by my kids, of all people, who are grown, who told me, "You basically aced your LPN classes and graduated with honors. You have to at least TRY IT!" I did, and graduated with honors again. They were correct. The responsiblity isn't that much more, and $$$ were worth the extra study, at least for me. The best of everything to you! AND, you will gain self-confidence when you don't have to get everything signed off by an RN.

CayRN · Jul 30, 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!

I was a bit scared of the whole thing too. I had been an LPN for 8 years when I went back to school to get my RN. I am so glad I did. The responsibilities didn't change all that much for me. Remember you are responsible for what you do within your scope even as an LPN, so you might as well be in a position to earn better money for what you are already doing anyway.

If you want something badly enough you will be surprised at how well you will do. Just don't overload yourself by taking on too many classes at once. I took one or two tough (science) classes then filled my schedule with easier classes to balance out like, writing, sociology etc.

You will do well. If I can encourage you in any way let me know. I'll be glad to help.

CayRN :)

nursemike, ASN, RN · Jul 31, 2004

In response to your original question, "How does one gain confidence?" I would say in large part by taking on challenges and succeeding at them. The more things you do that scare you, the more willing you become to try things that scare you. Even failures can help, if you learn that failing is not the end of the world, although I don't necessarily recommend jumping into the deep end completely unprepared (not at all what you are contemplating here, though).

The other thing I've learned is that there's nothing like competence to build confidence. If you are good at what you do and learn a little beforehand about what you want to do, you'll find your confidence developing naturally, and you'll build on it daily.

I don't know what LPN school was like--similar, I suspect--but my experience in nursing school has been that a lot of the things that scared me weren't as bad as I expected, but some of the things I felt cocky about were harder than I imagined. I think many of my classmates would concur, though we each had our own unique preconceptions (and then there are those for whom it all appears to come easily.)

One long-time LPN in my class will only make a buck or so more an hour when she graduates, but says it will be worth it not to have an RN cover her.

Gromit · Jul 31, 2004

Get in gear and get on it! You will get the confidence when you actually begin. You had the same fears and concerns when you went for your LPN, I'm sure. At least NOW you have a better understanding (even if you don't think you do) of these subjects, including the pre-reqs. Some of it will become familiar when you see it. And like someone else said, if you don't let a social life (what social life??!?) get in the way, you will do fine. Most, if not all, of these pre-req classes are geared toward new college students, they aren't overbearing or all that hard. The ONLY ones I saw bust the classes like Microbiology, or A/P2, or algebra were those that partied and tried to gossip in class (or not show up to class). Sit in the front (stats show that those in the front tend to have higher grade point avgs) get to class, pay attention in lectures and labs, and you will do fine, no sweat!

I went back to school in my mid '30s and didn't find it all that hard -well, not academically, anyway. You have the advantage of having had LPN experience, you really do have an advantage, and are old enough to know you have a purpose other than partying. Don't worry, get to it. You will be happier you did, when you add RN to your list of accomplishments (grin).