I was just researching LPN programs in my area and came across this program from a private for profit school. (I'm leaning toward private programs since the traditional schools are just very competitive to get into)
What I found interesting about the program is that there are only 4 nursing classes (assuming pharamacology is a nursing class and not a pre-requ). The other 2 schools I checked out recently had 8 and 10 nursing class. Why do you think the program is set up this way? Is there less content or did they combine classes? Do you recommend a program with only 4 nursing classes?
For reference, here is the program:
Pharmacology: PHARM 102
Term 2: Introduction to Client Centered Care LPN 101
Term 3:Care of the Client with Self-Care Deficits I LPN 102
Term 4: Care of the Client with Self-Care Deficits II LPN 103
Completion Time Day Program:Four Terms at 15 weeks each (1440 Clock Hours, 60 weeks) Evening Program : Four Terms at 15 weeks each (1440 Clock Hours, 60 weeks)
LPN 101 focuses on all aspects of Fundamentals of Nursing and introductory Geriatric concepts applicable to all clinical areas in practical nursing. LPN 102 addresses all aspects of Medical-Surgical Nursing and LPN 103 focuses on Childbearing/Childrearing, Mental Health Nursing, Community Health Nursing, Emergency Nursing and Leadership concepts. Theoretical concepts learned in the classroom are applied thru hands-on supervised practice in the nursing skills laboratory and clinical areas. The school affiliates with hospitals, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, out-patient clinics, doctor's offices, residential centers, home care, and other community agencies to provide real-life experiences preparatory to graduation.
I plan on visiting the school this week and wil get more info.. Any thoughts? Thank you!
There are definitely pros and cons to doing that way (at least in my opinion). Don't be afraid based on what others have posted, just remember that a lot of times people come here to vent their frustrations, so you get a lot of the negative but not an equal amount of the positive. I had a few LPNs in my program, and while they definitely did better than me in clinical due to their experience, they often really struggled in the theory portion of our classes. So I'm not sure how much their previous experience really helped with regard to making their RN "easier."
But I was serious when I said that I think you'll be fine whichever way you go. The students who get themselves into trouble (and then post on allnurses and scare everyone else) are the ones who don't take the time to research their options, don't have a good support system or finances in place, or don't ask for help until it's almost too late. Based on this discussion, I would say that you do not fall into that category of student.
I want to do everythign in baby steps rather than all at once. Plus I think an RN program wil be much easier if I already have experience working as an LPn and I would therefore be less likely to drop out (which I am fearful of after reading many posts here on the topic).
Don't let the posts scare you. This is one of the few spots where nursing students can vent -- because most of the time our families/friends do not understand what we go through.
With the way the job market is right now, I would really consider taking the path toward RN licensure. It seems that you've done your homework, and have good support (especially with a mother who is a nurse). I don't know where you live, but in my area (New England), jobs for LPN's are almost non-existant. In fact, a local hospital just laid off 40-something LPN's. Obviously the choice is yours on which way you want to become a nurse, but it seems to me that going straight toward RN would be more beneficial to you.
but waking up at a quarter to 6 everyday is not fun. Is this common for nursing schools?
I wish I could wake up at a "quarter to 6"!
That would be a luxury. For clinicals, when we do the day shift, we have to be on the floor, promptly at 0700 to receive report. For those of us who have a drive, that means some early wake-ups!
The director of our school believes in having us get used to the 24/7/365 "real world of nursing" - that is, doing morning, evening, and Saturday clinicals.
Doing mornings was especially brutal this past winter, when I had to be up at 0450 whilst DH and our little dog were snug in the bed, cuddled up w/o me!
Our current M/S rotation is:
On Thursdays, we do PMs - on the floor at 1500 and off at 2130, with a turn-around to be back on the floor the next day at 0700 (to 1530), ditto for Saturdays.
On a couple of occassions, during NF I, we had two or three clinicals doing PMs where we got out between 2230-2300 with a 0700 report back. Lemme tell you, 4-5 hrs of sleep is tough.
I'm plugging along and only have 5 more months left! Just about anything is doable for a short time.
Thanks for the encouragement Rhody. I actually come from a medical family. I have 6 doctors and 3 RNs in my family, inckuding my mother and an aunt who is an instructor at a nursing school. If you think that NS is a lot of work, just wait until you hear some of the stories I heard about med school!
If you think that NS is a lot of work, just wait until you hear some of the stories I heard about med school!
No kidding! I know some people who've gone through Medical school (and I've seen the residents at the hospital), and it is ridiculous. I happen to think that evening clinicals followed by morning clinicals is also ridiculous. Then again, I am a big fan of sleep in general...
RNTutor, BSN, RN
303 Posts
There are definitely pros and cons to doing that way (at least in my opinion). Don't be afraid based on what others have posted, just remember that a lot of times people come here to vent their frustrations, so you get a lot of the negative but not an equal amount of the positive. I had a few LPNs in my program, and while they definitely did better than me in clinical due to their experience, they often really struggled in the theory portion of our classes. So I'm not sure how much their previous experience really helped with regard to making their RN "easier."
But I was serious when I said that I think you'll be fine whichever way you go. The students who get themselves into trouble (and then post on allnurses and scare everyone else) are the ones who don't take the time to research their options, don't have a good support system or finances in place, or don't ask for help until it's almost too late. Based on this discussion, I would say that you do not fall into that category of student.