Lets Compare classes!

Hi all, I just started my LPN course on July 1st and its a self directed learning class, which is basically where they give us a contract every month that says what modules/skills to finish and master and how much seat time we have to have. I really like it for the most part, because I can choose which modules to do at what time. I am doing my skills modules first because they have labs and skills tests( along with regular tests.) The only thing I think I don't like is that if I practice a skill and am not doing it properly, I wont know until its time to test on it. The advisors said that if the skill is done incorrectly they will just tell us we arent ready and we can re-schedule it, so at least we can re-try our skills. Do any of your schools use instructors or teachers or are all LPN programs like mine?

I have NEVER heard of that kind of program before for any course in my life!!!! Seriously! I always thought it was either in class, or online. I personally think your teachers are pretty lazy (no offense!). How can a person possibly teach themselves to be a nurse??? If that was the case, all anyone would have to do is just buy the books and go take the Nclex. Its exactly like you said, how do you know if you're doing anything wrong or misunderstanding a concept without a teacher there to consult with? You have to wait until you fail the test to know you were wrong??? Thats so weird, and from reading this entire forum end to end(only the student LPN one) I have never heard of anyone else doing that kind of a program. But then again I may be wrong. Much success to you and I hope you do well!!

Good Luck!

Hmmmm, interesting - can't say as I've heard of nursing school as you've described. Mine's your standard schooling - several different classes with a few different instructors (theory and skills) and clinicals (which start next month...can't wait for clinicals, I enjoy "hands on" experience...)

Good luck with your schooling :)

Hi all, I just started my LPN course on July 1st and its a self directed learning class, which is basically where they give us a contract every month that says what modules/skills to finish and master and how much seat time we have to have. I really like it for the most part, because I can choose which modules to do at what time. I am doing my skills modules first because they have labs and skills tests( along with regular tests.) The only thing I think I don't like is that if I practice a skill and am not doing it properly, I wont know until its time to test on it. The advisors said that if the skill is done incorrectly they will just tell us we arent ready and we can re-schedule it, so at least we can re-try our skills. Do any of your schools use instructors or teachers or are all LPN programs like mine?

I have to admit also that I find that concept bizzare. You really need to have feedback and while I'm all for self study it doesn't seem appropriate in Nursing school where it is vital that you get everything right.

Pertaining to the skills part: the advisers do "demos" for skills. But the skills they are demonstrating this week arent the skills that I have to do. Its not a big problem this month(so far), but when I get into the more complicated stuff I will def. want to see it done before I attempt it. I am a VERY visual person, so I am a little worried about things like * creating a sterile field*,. And also for some reason I am like a bull in a china store so it should be funny opening the packages etc., with precision........

My brother is in the military, and has to do some of his classes online because he's always moving around. This sounds EXACTLY like online school. What in the WORLD? That's really scary.

never heard of such a thing

Hmmm....I will take my chances with classroom lectures with live instructors and clinicals with live nurses/instructors and whoever else might help... No way....Sounds scary....

I will be glad to compare classes with you once mine starts.

The wait is nerve wracking, I am so ready for it to begin. We have orientation Tuesday but classes don't begin until the 25th.

Its really not as bad as I first thought. Its true that we don't have lectures, but we still do have labs and clinicals with our advisors (all nurses and teachers). And we can ask for clarification if we don't understand something. They don't always want to "give us the answers" but thats a good thing. We do labs on everything (supervised by our advisor), our advisor takes us to clinicals, that part is EXACTLY the same as everywhere else. I am actually beginning to like this structure, I am learning excellent time management skills, for example. We do not have the option of blaming anything on teachers, which is also good. We are given everything to learn the material with and believe me, if we do not learn it, it will show on a test. We have the same strict rules as everywhere else. 77% is the lowest passing grade and if you test below that the second time you are dismissed.The program has its highs and lows like everything else. I think it might just be the kick in the butt that I needed to get in gear and take responsibility for my own actions/learning process.