LPN starting RN school spring '09

[BabyNurse_PJN]

I am excited and anxious about starting LPN to RN school Jan 2009. I graduated with my LPN Oct 2006 and don't have any work experience due to getting married, having a baby, moving-family obligations. We decided with my husband working fulltime I could take advantage of going to school fulltime to complete my RN. My concern is that I will be going into RN school and it's been since Oct 2006 that I was in nursing school for my LPN. What do I have to expect for my RN classes? I'm concerned that since I don't have the work experience and it's been just a few years since I was in school I may have difficulties. Are they going to throw subjects at me as if I already REMEMBER everything from LPN school? Help please.. somebody ease my mind? Also, I'll mention that the school I will be going to offers a bridge from LPN to RN which is what I am doing-but this is not the same school I went to for my LPN.

[BaRNs]

I have had many LPN friends do this over the years and MOST of them say how hard it was to take time off and jump right back in. My tips would be to find out which med-surg, mother-baby, and other primary texts they will be assigning and buy them NOW. Refresh everything you learned during your LPN especially since you haven't been working. You will have forgotten much of your education in 3 years without daily practice. Anyone would. Heck I can't remember how to divide fractions sometimes...brainspasms I guess, but you lose it after a while is my point. They will not be giving you special considerations as those types of programs are very fast paced. You need to get on it before it's too late or you will regret wasting these next 4 months. Mark my words. They will jump right in with things like Interventions for Patients with Cardiac Complications and expect you to know everything about the A&P and basic health alterations of the cardiac system already, so that's why I recommend getting your assigned texts early. You should also go back through your old text books and refresh. If you highlighted yours like a Christmas tree like I did it should be no problem to do a 3-4 week self-refresher course.

************When you study try to focus on the Nursing process ADPIE!! Assessment, diagnosis, planning, intervention, evaluation, and study each unit in those 5 chunks...most nursing texts are layed out like this anyway.************

I don't joke when I say they will jump in like you've been doing it all your life. They have very little time and a LOT of lesson plan to fit in that small period. You will be very busy. Kudos to your hubby for being man enough to help you do this while he works.

Men rock! :)

Best wishes to you. No matter how hard school is. Your first 6 months on the job will be harder! haha. But it is SO worth it. The most rewarding job you can have!

[gilf7243]

I was an LPN for 12 years before going back for my RN through the LPN to RN program. I did not attend this school for my LPN either. They didn't even have an LPN program back then. Anyway, the classes you take will go through all of the body systems. It should all be a review for you since you just went through LPN school. Some of it might be more indepth then your LPN school. Clinicals might be more of a struggle for you. It was for me. I had always worked in a nursing home as an LPN. When I did my clinicals we only did 3 semesters. I had never had IV experience as an LPN. I had practiced in the lab but wasn't very skilled. It all worked out well in the end. I have been an RN now for 2 years and work on ICU step down. Good luck with school, I'm sure you'll do great.