Nervous!

Christine2009 · Jan 7, 2011

Hello everyone!
I'm new to the site, and after much looking around I must say It's pretty darn Fantastic! My reason however for posting is that I just found out that i've been accepted into an L.P.N program this last week and although VERY excited I must say im scared to death! I keep hearing horror stories about how hard it's going to be ... I'm prepared for that! I knew going in that it wouldn't be easy peasy! But I just can't help but feel like I should hide under a desk and shake for awhile! Does anyone have any tips or advice or nerve busters for me that worked for them when they were a nursing spring chicken?

First off congrats on your acceptance to the LVN program!:yeah:Secondly, your fears are justified...when I first started nursing school I felt the same way. Yes, the program is intense, time consuming, and exhausting, but I suggest that you take a deep breathe and know that it is going to be okay.:heartbeat

When you first start, you are going to feel so overwhelmed with all the information that is thrown at you at one time. If you are able, I would start reading your textbooks ahead of time so that you get a jump start on all the reading and studying. This way when you get to class, you are ahead of the game and not sitting there with a big question mark over your head. :confused:

Form a study group ASAP! This is vital to understanding all the info and also allows you to learn the material and really get a grasp of it. I was told that if you are able to teach the material to someone else, you have mastered the subject. Stay out of the drama that goes on in class, do not get behind in the reading and most importantly ask questions when you need clarification on something!

Enjoy and embrace this journey you are about to embark on and look forward to hearing how things are going for you. :nurse:

echo56 · Jan 7, 2011

My LPN program started last August. Before the start date I had tons of folks telling me that it was worse than an RN program. Is it? Not sure, but it is very intense, time consuming and requires dedication.

Our program is 52 weeks, M-TH. We have 5 full weeks off for breaks during the year, so it comes out to be 47 full weeks of actual class. When I see some LPN schools that are 18months etc, I'm actually glad I don't have to go that long. (and yes the NCLEX-PN pass rate is very high)

1st off, plan to spend at least 3 hrs per night on homework/research. 2nd realize your "real life" is gonna be put on hold. Even if school work is easy for you, the amount of material will be unreal. is it hard? No. Is it detailed? Yes. Focus will be the key word for you over the next year. Make sure your family understands that you have a full time job and it will take all your extra time.

And jobs... if possible I wouldn't work. I realize that's not always an option, but if you do work, try to be in a medical field so you can absorb terminology, and see procedures done. Clinicals will be here faster than you know it, and seeing/assisting will help.

If you haven't taken A&P, now is a good time to get a study guide and start learning the systems. If you have taken it review it. Know the locations and names (will make things much easier) And if you buy anything "early" get a good stethoscope, not one of the cheapy $15 versions.

Take your scope and start listening (to anyone who will allow) bowel sounds, respiratory sounds. You won't know the terms, but you'll get used to hearing what is normal, so when you hear an abnormal sound you'll "know".

And most of all, be patient with your self. You can do this! You will succeed and the time will pass before you realize it.

chriscrow · Jan 7, 2011

Robin congrats on being accepted to the LPN program!!! I am with you but I haven't even been accepted yet. I am just starting the process and have to take the TEAS entrance exam next month and won't find out if I am accepted or not until April.. but I will tell you that even though I am unsure if I will be actually attending the LPN program I am scared with the thought of it.. I am feeling exactly wha tyou are feeling.. so you are not alone.. I bet we all feel this way when making such a huge decision! I love the advice you received in this thread and I am glad I read it.. and wanted to thank you for posting that you are nervous!! Good luck, when do you start?