LPN to RN school tips

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · May 11, 2016

I worked two 16-hour double shifts (6:00am to 10:00pm) every Saturday and Sunday as an LVN at a nursing home while attending the LPN-to-RN bridge program.

I attended didactic (lecture) on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1:00pm to 5:00pm and my clinical rotation shift took place on Wednesdays. Also, I crossed state lines weekly: I lived in one state and attended school 225 miles away in another state.

Psalm 23 · May 11, 2016

thank you for your reply. how did you do it? I just started the class on Monday and I feel a little overwhelmed with the assignments I need to do.

Natasha A., CNA, LVN · May 31, 2016

Hi Joan LPN, how are your care plans and cinicals? Are you using apps?

Psalm 23 · May 31, 2016

we haven't done care plans yet. clinicals will start in a few wks

LPNtoRNin2016OH, LPN · Jun 3, 2016

I start my bridge program in July, I am lucky that I only work PRN since my husband is able to support us. I have three kids under 8 so I can't imagine working full time and going to school full time. I did work full time while doing my pre-reqs part time and I literally had no time to do anything else. I think if your able to do most of your shifts on the weekends that would be helpful since you could study during the week. Or cut down to part time if you could. I was surprised to see during my orientation last month that they were recommending you do not work at all considering we are all LPNs and most of us have house/families/bills.

Psalm 23 · Jun 4, 2016

Thanks for the advice. I took my first exam this week. it was tough but I passed! I have learned to manage my time and organize. I work 3 hr hour shifts. when it's close to the exam, I use my PTO to get some extra studying done. practicing NCLEX questions alot. it's help improve your critical thinking.

Natasha A., CNA, LVN · Jun 4, 2016

Congratulations for passing your first exam. How many chapters are assigned a week and what are some successful tips to help with the reading workload? Does your professor give your PP ahead of time to prepare before class?

What books are you using to do NCLEX questions?

Psalm 23 · Jun 4, 2016

Thank you!. My first exam had about 17 chapters. I tried to read all the chapter but I didn't have time so each chapter I would preview it and look and the back of the chapter and read the key points. it's not about memorization it about understanding the concepts and applying it as a nurse. I would also look at the key words and box in each chapter. Then I would practice doing nclex questions that were related to the topic. the more you practice the more you will think like a nurse. in my program we use evolve adaptive quizzes that correlated to the book. so if I did well on a particular chapter I would go on to anothern subject that I don't understand or is my weakness. Also my program is mostly online and we go to lab once a week .I would pay attention to anytgoing she said that we need to know. That really helped me a lot to decrease the amount of reading I need to do.

Hope this helps

Natasha A., CNA, LVN · Jun 10, 2016

Thank you Joan LPN!! How is it going so far and any challenges you overcame? Tell us your experience. :) Also, what tips have you learned to manage time and stay organize?

Natasha A., CNA, LVN · Jul 13, 2016

Hi Joan!! How is it going? Is the app helpful and have you started on care plans yet? Hope you are doing fine. Hang in there :)

Psalm 23 · Jul 15, 2016

I'm doing ok. I had my first OB/peds exam today. It was a bit challenging. just hoping that I pass..