LPN School - Opinions please!

[cjm0802]

I am looking for help from fellow LPN students/ LPN's for some "real" insight into what LPN school is really like vs. what the admissions counselors are telling me, here is my situation [this is a bit long i'm sorry]:

I am almost 22 years old and 7 mos pregnant; I am due at the end of May -- should I be accepted into the program [still pending based on T.E.A.S] I would be starting school around the end of summer, 8/25 I believe. Right now I am not working due to being laid off, and if I am accepted I would be willing to live off of my savings for the duration of the program [15 mos]. My program is M-F 8-2:30 which seem to be fine seeing my boyfriend works nights [3-12:30].

My two main concerns: Am I setting myself up for failure going into this with a newborn baby? What is the course load/ study load really like [how many hours per day studying, etc]?

The admission counselors have told me to plan on studying about 2-3 hours per night and to give yourself about 4 hours on the weekend. Also, during clinical to add an hour onto each night of studying. This seems doable, but obviously a challenge for a new mom.

Thank you so much for any input!

[LPN709]

I just graduated last year so I would like to give you a real insight. And of course, this is assuming that your program is similar to mine!! I'm not sure what your schools policy on being pregnant is, but in my school, anyone who was pregnant had to have a note from their ob/gyn saying they were cleared to attend school. So I would highly suggest looking into that. As for after you deliver, obviously, having a newborn baby will be very very difficult, but it is doable. It completely depends on your determination to finish the program and how much of a support system you have. If something happens, you will need several backup plans for someone to watch your baby. As for what your counselor said about the amount of hours that are needed to set aside for studying...I politely disagree :) think more like 6-8 hours every night studying. In my program, every test grade and total average of every subject had to be an 81 or above. 2-3 hours of studying will more than likely not get you to passing. A&P is the big kicker, where most of the people who fail out, tend to fail out in A&P. Med-Surg is the next kicker after that, later in the program. And when you start clinicals, you will have clinical paperwork on top of all the studying you have to do, so its even worse then. Don't get me wrong, it does get easier when your about 3/4 of the way through your program, but don't let anyone fool you: nursing school will be one of the hardest things you'll ever do. And a newborn will only make it even more difficult. You will live, eat, and breathe nursing school for a year. You will wake up thinking about it and go to sleep thinking about it. In fact, it will probably hinder your sleep because you can't stop thinking about it! There were very very long nights...It is doable, but I want you to understand the load you are taking on. If you are having any doubts about whether you will be able to do it with a baby, there is no shame in waiting to apply again. Good luck!

[rscs92]

I 100% agree with everything LPN504 has said. I'm currently 5 weeks away from graduation and what she (LPN504) is saying is true. It's definitely more than 2-3 hours a night and you WILL live/eat/sleep/breath nursing school while you are in it. I'm not trying to discourage you but you wanted the truth, it's not easy but it is most definitely doable. It's just how bad do you want it? There are some students who like to party on the weekends and etc. that are very content to just getting by in nursing school. For me just getting by isn't enough. We go to school Mon - Thurs but I have a book in my face 7 days a week. I have friends I haven't seen in a year because of school. But I know in the end it will all be worth it. If you want it bad enough do it!

[Okie36]

I just graduated from lpn program. 8-2:30 doesn't count in commute and clinical time...During clinicals we were there at 7:45 and would post conference right at 2:30... It's doable, but make sure u have a plan B for the baby if hubby has to be at work at 3 and you are not quite home at 3... I have 3 children ages 15,14, and 9... Challenges for me included getting them off to school, picked up from school, and shuttled to various after school activities...my program was accelerated. We would test about every 2 days.. Adding study time with clinical paperwork and care plan, you are looking at additional time. I planned menus weekly and did lots of crock pot meals. I took school books and studied at football and band practices. I went to school early and read before everyone got there and I stayed up late and read while folding laundry...it is doable! It depends on how bad u want it and how supportive your family is...in my case I have a wonderful husband and In laws that helped out with kids and meals. My house wasn't deep cleaned nearly as often and Saturdays were my days off....I did not look at anything school related....Honestly, most of the people that I witnessed failing out of the program failed due to attendance and clinical mistakes.

Best of luck on your journey!

[Okie36]

Oh yes, and I graduated with a 4.0 so, if I can do it anybody can! :)

[Susu14]

Nursing school requires intense focus, lots of energy, physically and mentally. I finished school last February after 18 months. I used to have just 3-4 hours of sleep every night because I had tests, assignments, group project every week. Lots of books to read, lots of thing to memorize. I have 2 kids 8 and 5 but honestly, I feel like I totally ignored them for my husband and my mom. Without my family support, I can't make it through the end. I think you will need more support beside your boyfriend because taking care for a newborn is not easy, he/she needs more time and attention than a big kid (immunization schedule, get sick easily...) You need to plan carefully and have strong motivation in order to make it through nursing school. Best luck to you.