Lutheran School of Nursing

[MissDS]

After attending college on and off for years I have finally decided that I would like to go into nursing.The problem is my grades were not excellent so my options are limited I think I will have

take to my sciences over but thats fine with me. I am now finishing up my Bachelors in Health Sciences and would like to attend Lutheran School of Nursing. Can anyone tell me about this program? Is it possible to complete if you have children? I will have three little ones and don't want to set myself up for failure. I hate that I had to go through the motions to finally come to this decision, but God makes no mistakes. I think getting married and starting my family helped me to come to this realization, and for the first time I am attending school for me and not because its whats expected of me. Sorry for the long post I just really need some insight because nursing is seeming so far out of my reach. I even considered Chamberlain but they wanted me to take all my classes over because they over five years old and I didnt want to do that and the community colleges have really long waiting list.

[Levitas, BSN, RN]

In short, yes, it is possible to complete the program with children. You should check out some of the other Lutheran threads for a lot of information about the school, etc.

I just graduated from the program in November, and I'm willing to answer any specific questions you might have.

Make no mistake though, this program is anything but easy. Prepare to put yourself into it, as it is accelerated, and again, difficult.

[MissDS]

Oh thank you so much. What was your schedule like? If I take my sciences at Lutheran will I get in a little easier? Is it a good program, do you feel like you are prepared to enter the workforce? Sorry I just really want to be im making the right decision im nervous but my mother says I should everything now since im young and if I want to be a nurse I should go for it.

[Levitas, BSN, RN]

The program isn't like most schools. You don't actually get to choose what you're going to take. There are no extra classes aside of the ones needed for your degree. If you're looking to continue on for a BSN, you'll need to take some of those additional Science classes either at the school where you're going to get the BSN (recommended), or a community college, etc.

The schedule varies from class to class. Most of the time, lecture is about the same. It's rare to be in lecture past 3:00p.m. for any class, but it can happen. Clinical varies from teacher/facility. Generally, expect to be at the clinical site at 6-7a.m., and be there until 3:00p.m., at least. Other than that, each class is different in terms of what days clinical is on, lecture, etc. Some classes have it where you have a day off, which is nice. Others go every day.

Never apologize for asking questions! It is a very important decision, and you should definitely know what you're walking into. Don't worry about rushing into anything, really. I started back up when I was 26, I'm 29 now, and graduated (no regrets).

It is a good program. You'll have to bend to some teachers/classes, and go with the flow (as you'll see some indescrepencies here and there). However, as hard as the program is, it really does get you ready. We've more clinical hours than any other school in St. Louis (as far as I know), nearly 1,000 hours. Hospitals love that. From my graduating class (November, 2013), I haven't heard of anyone failing the NCLEX who took it yet, and everyone that passed, passed with 75 questions.

Before starting into any school/program, you need to sit down and ask yourself... what is it that you want in a career. If need be, try and see if you can follow a nurse for a couple of hours, and see what they do. You don't want to get half-way through the program and realize that this isn't what you wanted to do.

If you decide that nursing is what you want, I definitely recommend Lutheran, even more if you're looking for an accelerated program. Of course, I am biased since it's my alma mater. But I firmly believe that my school makes great nurses.

[MissDS]

Are graduates finding employment easily upon graduation? I have heard that since St.Louis has so many nursing schools that graduates are having a hard time finding employment which confused me because I thought there was a nursing shortage. Are the hospitals really only hiring Bsn nurses? I have most classes. I would need for BSN its just my sciences are over five years so I will need to take those over I dont feel like im too old now I did. I heard that Lutheran was a good school and it seems like the best route for me right now. I was a CNA when I graduated

ed high school years ago lol. My biggest concern is me missing out on my family's life that the only thing that makes me hesitant

[Levitas, BSN, RN]

It's very competitive, yes. However, there are jobs out there. Everyone that has taken the NCLEX thus far (that I know of) has a job already. Our sister hospital is St. Alexius, and they always hire Lutheran grads before anyone else.

Some facilities require a BSN (St. Anthony's), and others do not. Though, it always looks good on the resume if you put that you plan to continue education. So while it may not be overly difficult to find a job, it might be a while before you land into a specific position that you want, depending on the position.

The missing out on family life is subjective. Everyone has different experiences. You're not going to spend 24/7 studying, though it may feel that way at times. Remember, this is an accelerated program. 8 week semesters, which usually means a test every week (nearly). And we're learning the same material that other schools learn in 16 weeks. No matter the school, we all take the same NCLEX-RN at the end.

[MissDS]

I really appreciate your imput I think im feeling like a bad mother already Im a stay at home mom so I spend alot of time with my children. Are the instructors pretty good? My emotions are over the place but I believe this is good decision

[MissDS]

I really appreciate your imput I think im feeling like a bad mother already Im a stay at home mom so I spend alot of time with my children. Are the instructors pretty good? My emotions are over the place but I believe this is good decision

[Levitas, BSN, RN]

Heh, don't make a decision based off of emotions alone. Logically look at your situation, and what you want out of your education.

There are some really great instructors, and then there are some okay instructors. They can show you the way, but you're in charge of learning it all. Some go way above and beyond to show you the ropes.

If you get in, and you somehow end up with Joyce Tomlinson as your clinical instructor (she's awesome!), tell her Adam (Mr. I have a question) said hello! She's one of the 1st year clinical instructors, and one of my absolute favorites!

If you've anymore questions about anything, I'm generally always available :)

[MissDS]

Thank you so very much. I surely pray I get in. Oh is the entrance exam hard I think I will be exempt from the reading part but im nervous about the math.

[Levitas, BSN, RN]

Hmm, I do not remember? I think I was exempt because I took the ACT. It did take me a minute to get into the program, though, I got lucky because someone backed out.

It gets filled pretty quickly.

[MissDS]

Oh ok do you know how they evaluate transcripts I read an older post of someone saying they didnt get because of grades that were 18 years old even though they had taken all the classes over. I hope thats not the case:nailbiting: