LVN to RN program, need help guys.

[MimismomRN]

Hi Guys, I just finished my bridge class LVN to RN with an A. I know at 50 years old that's pretty good. But I am scared I will not be able to pass 3rd and 4th semesters. I just lack confidence in myself and my abilities. I take my tests at the disabled students office because I need more time on tests (processing disorder in my brain, they say). I get especially nervous at clinicals, am afraid to start IVs, do procedures, etc. I have worked as an LVN in telemetry/med/surg for 2 l/2 years, but I still feel scared. I don't know what's wrong with me. I have panic attacks and can't sleep the night before clinicals. I have to get my RN and need to keep going (only 10 more monts), but I can't seem to get control of my anxiety. Anybody else have this problem. Thanks for listening and for any advice you can give. I feel like I study three times longer than anyone else just to pass these stinking tests. Maybe it's menopause causing the anxiety, I don't know.

[NurseGreenEyes RN]

hey mimismomlvn

please, please, please dont be discouraged! keep going and keep doing it!

anything is possible at any age! the important thing is having that will and that feeling that you want to do it! if you want it soooo badly go out and get it!

you have to be positive! im an lvn too and honestly it was a huge challenge for me to do this. i've been an lvn for 9 years doing l&d and medical surgical. yes, the med surg experience does help but you must, must get rid of those nasty habits we have come used to.... you know...."the short cuts" get rid of them, dont even think of them while you are in in clinicals.

regarding anxiety during test taking.....i was the same way!!! i had huge anxiety levels that my mind would go blank and as much as i studied i couldn't remember.

what i did was i had to go see my doctor and put me on paxil. i was always emotional and extremely nervous and anxious. and it has helped me tremendously! also another thing i would do is i would take half of a xanax of 0.25mg right before the test, final or even before clinicals. i had to esp with clinicals because i had the tuffest, meanest, strict clinical instructor. and it has helped me a lot.

about studying, what has helped me is reading the chapter 3 or 4 times. i used to record my lectures. i go home and write all my recording word by word and review it. but reading the chapter over and over has really helped me a lot. also asking questions is very important in class or making an appt with your instructor.

i really hope these tips can help you! i wish you best of luck in your studies.

please please please dont give up!

you have to be positive! you can do it! anything is possible is you believe in god!!!

if i did it, you can do it too and it doesn't matter what age you are at!

i'm studying for my boards which i take on tuesday the 22nd.

let me know if you have any other concerns, maybe i can help you!

take care!

nursegreeneyes