Just how much effort does one need to put in to become lpn?

[ashblue8884]

Hello,

I just wanted to ask you all - just how much effort does one need to put in to beocome a lpn?

I mean would it be possible to go to school full time and do some part time job at the same time, or

is the school workload so heavy that one shouldn't really try to both (school + work) at once?

I would love to become lpn, but I cannot afford not to work at all during the process of studying and besides

I am afraid that I might eventually give up on studies if the workload and stress are too much for me to handle.

I have given up on school in the past at a four year college in my senior year because of stress that I was getting from school and other life matters in general and I don't want to make the same mistake again..

Would you guys please kindly share your experiences?

Thank you!!

-desparate

[ladynurse1]

If you must work I would look into a part time evening program or work as few hours as possible. I just starting school and in these past four days I have done more work than a full semester at the previous 4 year college that I attended. It's not necessary hard so far. It's just a lot of work and studying. I quit my job and I'm still having problems fitting everything in.

[mume2mykidz]

well I did not work because I was affraid of the workload and really most people in my class worked.. but I have a family and these were younger people who worked..the effort is finding a job after graduation...4 months and still no job....

[asabater]

i agree. there are some programs that have a part time lvn program for people with cases as yourself. instead of 1 year, it would be 15 months if i'm not mistaken. i believe the classes at American Career College has part time days Fri-Mon so you can work any other day that you don't need to anticipate studying. The program is hard (of course) it takes a lot of discipline on yourself and you may feel a little overwhelmed with clinicals and such, but nursing is a whole lot of fun and it is a rewarding one to boot! good luck! :)

[Lexxie, LPN]

I worked the equivilant of full time hours (between 2 jobs) while in my LPN program only because I didn't have a choice; I was a single mom at the time. For Level I - I did 18 month evening classes - there was easily at least 4 hours of homework every night. Just make sure you allow yourself time to do the reading etc.. It doesn't take long to fall behind d/t the fast-paced nature of the program.

[systoly]

It is certainly possible. Working part time would be much better than having to work full time. What makes all the difference in the world is having dependents such as children or a family member you care for. Also, your grades will probably

suffer some, but as long as you pass it's no big deal.

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

Some people in my LVN program were able to work a part-time night shift job while coming to school during the day. Most others had to avoid work entirely.

It all depends on your academic abilities, knack for learning things quickly, and time management skills. Contrary to popular belief, we all don't come to school on the first day of class with the same level of academic preparation. Therefore, some people will have an easier time studying than others. The people who can study and manage their time superbly are the ones who can maintain employment without seeing their grades suffer.

[Jules A, MSN]

It does depend on the individual but most of my classmates worked and were successful. I did a min of 30 hours a week through LPN and RN school without a problem. It seemed to me that the work wasn't difficult but there was just a lot of it so it was important not to fall behind. One of the things I loved about the LPN program was that it was only a year so I knew I could grit my teeth and get through it. :) Good luck!

[pagandeva2000, LPN]

I find that you do have to make an sincere effort. Many have worked and have been successful, but you have to know your aptitude and time management is a MUST!

[Tim92]

Well, I'm in HS and I will be a junior next year and during out Junior and Senior year we can take a LPN course and when we graduate HS we also become an LPN if we take and pass the class. I toured the campus today I will attend and it seems fun. I met people who in currently in the program and they said the loved it, the said the reading and studying was the hardest part though. Good luck and if you choose to do it, I hope you enjoy it!

:]

[chevyv, BSN, RN]

Yes, most students work as well, but it is harder. I went part time to school and that worked out very well for me. I would definately recommend that route if possible. It was not an easy program and you will have to put in a pretty good amount of study time and some flexibility with clinical, but it is doable I've heard. Good luck!

[rigidchop]

i don't want to scare you, but i had alot of homework. so much so, that it was advised by the school that we not work. most of the students in my class didn't either. there were a few that worked, and their grades suffered. of course it depends on how easily you retain information, you may be able to get away from studying as much. i only worked weekends and it was the tightest time my wallet had ever seen. of course gas was alot cheaper then too.