Just how hard is the LPN program??

Nursing Students LPN/LVN Students

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After completing my prerequisites, I've been accepted into the LPN program at a local state college. The program is rumored to be tough, but I'm not too worried about academics because I'm a recent college grad w/ a 4.0. I'm mostly concerned about how demanding the program is. The director warned me that the course requires 60 hours a week between classes, homework, and clinical's. Does this sound right? I have a two year old whose very demanding and her father works two jobs so he's not around much to help with her and the house. I also do in-home parties for ladies on the weekends to make ends meet. Can it be done? Is it possible to complete nursing school and manage a busy life? Please share your experiences and let me know what to expect! Thanks.

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Specializes in ENT, NH LTAC, WOUND CARE.

I went through a private school. There is plenty of reading, plenty I say plenty. But show me anything woth having without scarifice and I'll show you a lie. upon completion it is well worth the scarafice. You will make a difference in some many peoples lives and the pay is very rewarding also.

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You need support and back up childcare. My classmates worked and went to school, they were tired.

Unless you have backup plans for every emergency thought it, it will be difficult.

Clinicals are not just in the day time. There are evenings, weekends and nights involved depending on you programme.

Good luck

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Specializes in LTC, Psych, Hospice.

If you REALLY want to be a nurse, you can do it! I was a single mom with 4 children (16, 14, 11, 8), worked part-time in a group home with hours I could change each semester, and still managed to maintain a 3.5 GPA. Of course, I had NO social life, but it has all been worth it. Now that EVERYONE HAS FINALLY left home, I'm fixing to go back to school to get my RN. Good luck to you!

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Like the OP say, if you really want to be a Nurse you can do it. In my current class we have males and females with families and 2 jobs and still getting through the program. Your determination is what guides you. Don't let the instructor scare you, you would be admired for your determination and passion and that to me is what its all about.

Good Luck!

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

My program was not academically challenging, but included an excessive amount of reading, testing, quizzing, and so forth. In other words, the sheer quantity of the work was many times tougher than the actual quality of the work.

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I just graduated school with a classmate that has 2 toddlers, a full-time job and she's a single parent...this morning she found out she passed her NCLEX, so it can be done. Just stay focused and study hard.

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Specializes in Community Health, Med-Surg, Home Health.

It can be very involved, and I think 60 hours a week is a fair estimate of time. If it is a full time program, and you are including travel time, study, class and clinical, you can see just how involved it can be. But, people do it every day, and if your mind is on it, you can do it, also. Good luck!!

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Specializes in orthopedics and telemetry.

The Program Has A Lot Of Reading Material I Just Started July 2 We Have Taken 20 Test So Far I've Been Doing Really Good And It's Hard But I Want It So Bad I Am A Single Mother Of 1 And I Work Full Time So Think Positive And Always Keep Your Head Up

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Specializes in Geriatrics/Family Practice.

It's difficult but by far not impossible. I had a husband, a 6 y/o and a 8 y/o and did it. I studied at night after dinner, baths and giving love to my boys. I stayed up late almost every night but I tried very hard not to sacrifice my family for school. I maintained 3.85GPA throughout. It's alot of memorizing and just getting critical thinking. Once you get to clinicals, it's alot of research, but that to can be done the night before clinicals. There was one girl in my class who worked 40 hours a week 3rd shift and came to school in the morning. She never missed a day of school and passed. She was her only income, so she didn't have much choice. Another girl worked 30 hours a week, by going to work right after school and working until 6 or 7pm every night. I only worked appx. 8 hours a week because of trying to be mom, wife and student. I was spread thin but when graduation came I was estatic. Because of what I went through in the LPN program, I have no desire to get my RN right now. It's difficult playing numerous roles for too extended amount of time. Good Luck and you'll do wonderful. You will learn how to organize your time and sometimes scream, but that's okay.

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I teach in an evening LPN program. I work full time in another position, I feel I am on equal footing with the students since most of them work full time and most supported families. Many of my students already had a college degree and felt the program was demanding. A part time program seems to work better for students who have other demands.

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I teach in an evening LPN program. I work full time in another position, I feel I am on equal footing with the students since most of them work full time and most supported families. Many of my students already had a college degree and felt the program was demanding. A part time program seems to work better for students who have other demands.

Since you teach a p/t LPN program, would you mind me asking how the workload is in your program? I'm going to start a part time program here in PA in January. I'm worried I might not be able to keep up the pace since I have four children all under 12 years of age at home. I know I can't do a full time program with all the demands of my family.

On average, how many tests do you give in a week? How much time do you think your students should spend on homework/reading/studying for tests, etc each week?

Thanks so much,

Marci

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