Well, I made a promise to myself that I would post my experiences once I start LPN school so any potential student would know exactly "what it is like". Before I give you the run down of day 1 of my program, let me give you a little background on me and my program.
First, I'm 31, married, and the mother to four children ages 12, 8, 4, and 1. I'm taking a part time LPN program that alternates between 2-3 days a week for 22 months.
Well, I had class today from 8 to 2:30. The first hour or so we just went over the school handbook. We talked about absences, that you had to maintain an 80% to pass the course, uniforms, clinical experiences, etc. After that, we hit the books.
We are using the Foundations of Nursing book by Christensen. We covered chapter 1 today in class. Our teacher elaborated on the stuff she thought was really important about the history of nursing and just skimmed the stuff that wasn't that important. We started to work on chapter two (Legal Aspects in Nursing) and we watched a short video about patient rights. That took us until shortly after our lunch break.
From 1 to 2:30 we worked on medical terminology and important abbreviations we needed to know for nursing. At the end of class, we were told we would have a quiz just about every day. The quizes can be (on average), from 1 to 5 questions. So, I really have to study tonight.
Well, I have class both Tuesday and Wednesday as well this week. If I get a chance, I'll give all of you aspiring LPN students a run down as to what we did.
I hope this helps someone out there considering going to an LPN program. I know I always wanted to know "exactly what they did all day during an LPN program"!
Well, we are coming to a close on level 1. Although I'm only part time, we have only 8 lecture days and 4 clinical days left. I can't tell you how great that sounds.
School is really starting to get to all of us. I'm not sure if we (everyone in my class) are just tired of school or tired of each other already. Going to class has become unbearable for most of us. Too much drama and way to many politics. I thought I did high school already? For those of you who are or were in a nursing program, you know exactly what I am eluding to. We have a three week break after level 1 and I can't wait. I, like many of my classmates, are considering not coming back. I'm too old for all this extra stress. As if a husband, kids, and a house to run isn't enough?!
We are covering the cardiac system right now. Although it seems hard, it's actually rather interesting. We only have to learn the respiratory system yet and then it's off to the final exam. And not a minute to soon, I might add!
go marci. i am going to graduate in aug. my theory classes end in july. i can not wait!!! it has been a long journey. i wish you the best. it will be fun and trying!! just remember this is an ends to a means and you can do it!! take it all in and ask every question you think does not count. i found the best thing for me when i am studying is writing my notes over and making flash cards!! i take my flash cards everywhere. while i am waiting on the kids i study. i am married with 7 kids and i work. the excitement of learning new things will never go away!! best wishes. can't wait to see how you progress!! if you ever have a question this is a great site for answers everyone is so nice!!
I was so sad to see the end of this thread lol (I just found it the other day) I'm inspired by what you've been doing Marci!
It saddens me that there's so much pettyness going on. I'm a great student and have always really excelled on tests and schoolwork, but failed out of high school almost because I couldn't deal with the drama. I am praying that it is not like that at my school, or that I have somehow developed better coping mechanisms than I had when I was younger. The people factor is what I worry about w/ Nursing School and nursing in general. I want to help and make a difference, but my people skills have never been the greatest, and are at best rusty these days after years of being a stay at home mom and not getting out of the house and whatnot.
i was so sad to see the end of this thread lol (i just found it the other day) i'm inspired by what you've been doing marci!
it saddens me that there's so much pettyness going on. i'm a great student and have always really excelled on tests and schoolwork, but failed out of high school almost because i couldn't deal with the drama. i am praying that it is not like that at my school, or that i have somehow developed better coping mechanisms than i had when i was younger. the people factor is what i worry about w/ nursing school and nursing in general. i want to help and make a difference, but my people skills have never been the greatest, and are at best rusty these days after years of being a stay at home mom and not getting out of the house and whatnot.
hi. believe it or not, if you had "people skills" before you were in charge of a household, it will come back. find yourself a good study buddy. ignore the morons. find out who your best mentors are with teachers/instructors. every day smile. greet everyone with a smile, even those you don't care for. ask questions. hold your head high! you have already done and succeeded at the toughest job. remeber this is your time. this is for you, for now. you are doing it for them, but for now it will be you not your family in the classroom! i am an "older" student~ trust me it can be done! if you take part in a religion...start reading a daily devotional everday before you start any school work or go to class. they usually only take 5-10 min to read. it has helped me.
if you can be a good mom and significant other or reliable friend you have people skills!! best wishes. keep us up to date on your progress!!
I was so sad to see the end of this thread lol (I just found it the other day) I'm inspired by what you've been doing Marci!
It saddens me that there's so much pettyness going on. I'm a great student and have always really excelled on tests and schoolwork, but failed out of high school almost because I couldn't deal with the drama. I am praying that it is not like that at my school, or that I have somehow developed better coping mechanisms than I had when I was younger. The people factor is what I worry about w/ Nursing School and nursing in general. I want to help and make a difference, but my people skills have never been the greatest, and are at best rusty these days after years of being a stay at home mom and not getting out of the house and whatnot.
Don't worry, it will only be the end of level 1 for me. I will give you all periodic updates of level 2 (med-surg):) Thanks for keeping up with my posts!
Marci you are so inspiring I love your thread , PLEASE keep us posted I am starting my LVN pre req this summer and your are totally keeping me motivated....and also I am pregnant and due in 4 weeks with my first !!!!! So I start school a week after I deliver :w00t:
Marci you are so inspiring I love your thread , PLEASE keep us posted I am starting my LVN pre req this summer and your are totally keeping me motivated....and also I am pregnant and due in 4 weeks with my first !!!!! So I start school a week after I deliver :w00t:
It won't be easy, but you can do it. I have four kids ages 12, 8, 5, and 2. Just when you think you can't handle going to school any more, you will for your child. You will be amazed how much your little one becomes your inspiration.
Keep us posted as to your progress as well. It seems like everyone enjoy's reading about our journey's to become nurses.
It won't be easy, but you can do it. I have four kids ages 12, 8, 5, and 2. Just when you think you can't handle going to school any more, you will for your child. You will be amazed how much your little one becomes your inspiration.
Keep us posted as to your progress as well. It seems like everyone enjoy's reading about our journey's to become nurses.
--Marci
Marci, I just want to thank you for this thread - a great idea, and I really appreciate your first hand account of your schooling. I just started school on April 28, full time, and I can relate to the spouse/kids/house load in addition to the schoolwork....and, not to mention that this is a major career change for me, at the ripe old age of ?? As far as "high school drama," perhaps it's too early in our schooling, or perhaps I'm just lucky, but we pretty much all seem to get along quite well - everyone is at least tolerated...LOL.
HI THERE, I TOO LIKE THE REST SAY DON'T GIVE UP. YOU HAVE MADE IT THIS FAR YOU CAN CONTINUE DOWN THE ROAD.
I TOO INSPIRE TO BE AN LPN/RN AND I AM LOOKING FORWARD IN SEARCHING FOR THE BEST SCHOOL FOR ME HERE IN FLORIDA.
CONTINUE TO RAISE YOUR HEAD HIGH AND SAY A PRAYER OR TWO A DAY. AS LONG AS WE ACKNOWLEDGE THE KING OF ALL KINGS AND THE LORD OF LORDS, HE WILL HELP US MAKE IT THREW THE DAY!
HI THERE, I TOO LIKE THE REST SAY DON'T GIVE UP. YOU HAVE MADE IT THIS FAR YOU CAN CONTINUE DOWN THE ROAD.
I TOO INSPIRE TO BE AN LPN/RN AND I AM LOOKING FORWARD IN SEARCHING FOR THE BEST SCHOOL FOR ME HERE IN FLORIDA.
CONTINUE TO RAISE YOUR HEAD HIGH AND SAY A PRAYER OR TWO A DAY. AS LONG AS WE ACKNOWLEDGE THE KING OF ALL KINGS AND THE LORD OF LORDS, HE WILL HELP US MAKE IT THREW THE DAY!
BLESSINGS TO YOU AND YOUR ENDEAVORS.
If you haven't done so already, go to http://www.discovernursing.com You can do a program search for Florida for all levels of nursing.
Thank's for your words of encouragement. I feel that nursing is my true calling in life, next to being a mother. Neither, would a give up without a fight:)
I had a great day at clinical today. I did all of my glucoscans first thing in the morning. I only had two residents that required insulin coverage. I drew them up correctly both times, so I was happy with that. I also gave my first insulin injection into a patients abdomen. Up until now, they have always been in the arm.
I gave tube feedings again today. I gave eye drops, ear drops, respiratory inhaler meds, and narcotic patches. And, of course, I gave oral meds.
I also got to give a Compazine suppository to a very nauseated patient. Not the best job out there, but it was another learning experience.
I REALLY like to work the med cart. There are just so many learning opportunities when passing meds. Every time is a new experience with something.
Well, I have a pharmacology test tomorrow. We only have 3 major tests left before the final (Yeah). I'm still trying to hold my 96% average going into the final. Please keep your fingers crossed that I can do it.
Until next time.......
Your exhausted nursing student,
Marci, SPN (Wow, I love writing those letters. Makes me feel important:) )
hi. believe it or not, if you had "people skills" before you were in charge of a household, it will come back. find yourself a good study buddy. ignore the morons. find out who your best mentors are with teachers/instructors. every day smile. greet everyone with a smile, even those you don't care for. ask questions. hold your head high! you have already done and succeeded at the toughest job. remeber this is your time. this is for you, for now. you are doing it for them, but for now it will be you not your family in the classroom! i am an "older" student~ trust me it can be done! if you take part in a religion...start reading a daily devotional everday before you start any school work or go to class. they usually only take 5-10 min to read. it has helped me.
L&D_2b
506 Posts
Well, we are coming to a close on level 1. Although I'm only part time, we have only 8 lecture days and 4 clinical days left. I can't tell you how great that sounds.
School is really starting to get to all of us. I'm not sure if we (everyone in my class) are just tired of school or tired of each other already. Going to class has become unbearable for most of us. Too much drama and way to many politics. I thought I did high school already? For those of you who are or were in a nursing program, you know exactly what I am eluding to. We have a three week break after level 1 and I can't wait. I, like many of my classmates, are considering not coming back. I'm too old for all this extra stress. As if a husband, kids, and a house to run isn't enough?!
We are covering the cardiac system right now. Although it seems hard, it's actually rather interesting. We only have to learn the respiratory system yet and then it's off to the final exam. And not a minute to soon, I might add!
Until next time......
--Marci