New LPN students to start soon !! Come share your experiences :)

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I am starting in September I figured it would be nice to start a thread where all of us new students could come and and share our experiences/help eachother out as we are on our way to be nurses :)

Specializes in home health nur.home, hospital.

Congrats to all new LPN students I start Aug. 20th. This will be my second time, the first time I got booted out right after our first book I failed by 1 point. I was so crushed. Being a nurse is the only thing I have ever wanted to be. I tried so hard! Everyone told me that I studied too much, I dont understand that but oh well. If any one has any pointers or self help advise Id really appreciate it. I have bought just about every incredibly easy book I can find to try to rationalize all of the concepts of nursing. Oh yea Im attending through a vocational school, not a college so yes this is an excelled program.

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Hi:

I'm 53 and I start my LPN program on July 23rd. In high school, I was a member of the Future Nurses' Club..in 1971!!! In Senior year (1974) I fell in love and got married the following year, with all intentions of going to nursing school. But then I had a baby in '76 and another in '77. I needed to got to work full-time, so I became a CNA. I took care of my Grandma at the nursing home along with all those other wonderful people.

Memorial Day weekend 1981, I was working at the nursing home. It was very old and made of wood. I smelled smoke and told the nurse in charge that we should call the fire dept. She said she couldn't because our facility had some violations that we had not fixed and she would get in trouble. The smell grew stronger and I called the firemen. Sure enough, there was an electrical fire in the wall. We evacuated everyone and the fire was put out. The facility was fined because it had not fixed the problems from before and I was fired. At 24, that was such a deep hurt and I was bitter. I still went to the facility everyday to take care of my Grandma until she died. I left CNA work....because I was so disillusioned by the whole situation. So, I went to school at night and became a paralegal and got into the medical malpractice field. I certainly learned from those cases what not to do and did gain some satisfaction from pursuing legitimate cases of negligence. But the dream of being a nurse never died and I still was a nurse at heart. I volunteered at a few nursing homes over the years and had my Mom live with me until she died in 2004.

In March 2008, I went to a nursing home to have a resident sign some legal papers. When I walked in the door, I stopped. I still can't explain what happened, but it was as if someone poured a warm bucket of water over me...

I turned to my co-worker and said "This is where I belong". I went home that day and started looking for CNA classes in my area. I found them at the technical school. I talked to my husband that night--he is a maintenance supervisor in a LTC facility. I poured out my heart and told him that I really, really wanted to be a nurse and we had to figure out a way that I could do this. We came up with a plan which inlcuded moving to a small apartment with lower rent and utilities....budgeting everything from groceries to cat food...cutting out spending on the grandchildren for a while, etc. The next day, he came home and said the Activities Director where he worked was looking for a full-time assistant. I went to meet her the next day and it was a perfect fit. I quit my legal job and started working at the LTC. I went to school 4 nights a week for my CNA and got my license in June, 2008. I've been working the floor since then and I love it (although it's ALOT harder physically at 53 than it was at 23!!)

I began preparing to take the prerequisite exams for my LPN classes that were to start in January, 2009. Meanwhile, my daughter became pregnant with her first baby! She was only going to be able to be home with her for the first two months until January. I knew it would make it easier for her and the baby if I could postpone my LPN class and babysit for at least a few months, so I did. I put the class off until July (even though I was so anxious to start!!).

Well, the prerequisite tests were done and the interview process over. There were 79 applicants but only 24 would be chosen. That waiting period to find out if I got in was NOT magnificent....it was torture! But when the letter came saying I was accepted....well, I just sat and cried and cried...and looked up to heaven --to my Mom and my sister---and thanked them for pushing me along....and giving me the encouragement to pursue the dream.

Class starts July 23rd....Some people think I'm crazy..giving up a very well-paying job--and a "cushy" office to go to school to be a nurse...especially at MY AGE. Well, the body may be 53 years old... but the heart is still a Freshman in high school....in the Nurse's Office with Mrs. Vogel and the Future Nurses' Club. But now I have years of life skills to bring with me that I couldn't learn in school.. yes, the wait was magnificent....but I am READY to begin...

Please pray for this "old lady".....I can use all the help I can get!!!!

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Specializes in CNA, MA.

that is a nice story! I wish you luck you will do great! :)

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Hi:

I'm 53 and I start my LPN program on July 23rd. In high school, I was a member of the Future Nurses' Club..in 1971!!! In Senior year (1974) I fell in love and got married the following year, with all intentions of going to nursing school. But then I had a baby in '76 and another in '77. I needed to got to work full-time, so I became a CNA. I took care of my Grandma at the nursing home along with all those other wonderful people.

Memorial Day weekend 1981, I was working at the nursing home. It was very old and made of wood. I smelled smoke and told the nurse in charge that we should call the fire dept. She said she couldn't because our facility had some violations that we had not fixed and she would get in trouble. The smell grew stronger and I called the firemen. Sure enough, there was an electrical fire in the wall. We evacuated everyone and the fire was put out. The facility was fined because it had not fixed the problems from before and I was fired. At 24, that was such a deep hurt and I was bitter. I still went to the facility everyday to take care of my Grandma until she died. I left CNA work....because I was so disillusioned by the whole situation. So, I went to school at night and became a paralegal and got into the medical malpractice field. I certainly learned from those cases what not to do and did gain some satisfaction from pursuing legitimate cases of negligence. But the dream of being a nurse never died and I still was a nurse at heart. I volunteered at a few nursing homes over the years and had my Mom live with me until she died in 2004.

In March 2008, I went to a nursing home to have a resident sign some legal papers. When I walked in the door, I stopped. I still can't explain what happened, but it was as if someone poured a warm bucket of water over me...

I turned to my co-worker and said "This is where I belong". I went home that day and started looking for CNA classes in my area. I found them at the technical school. I talked to my husband that night--he is a maintenance supervisor in a LTC facility. I poured out my heart and told him that I really, really wanted to be a nurse and we had to figure out a way that I could do this. We came up with a plan which inlcuded moving to a small apartment with lower rent and utilities....budgeting everything from groceries to cat food...cutting out spending on the grandchildren for a while, etc. The next day, he came home and said the Activities Director where he worked was looking for a full-time assistant. I went to meet her the next day and it was a perfect fit. I quit my legal job and started working at the LTC. I went to school 4 nights a week for my CNA and got my license in June, 2008. I've been working the floor since then and I love it (although it's ALOT harder physically at 53 than it was at 23!!)

I began preparing to take the prerequisite exams for my LPN classes that were to start in January, 2009. Meanwhile, my daughter became pregnant with her first baby! She was only going to be able to be home with her for the first two months until January. I knew it would make it easier for her and the baby if I could postpone my LPN class and babysit for at least a few months, so I did. I put the class off until July (even though I was so anxious to start!!).

Well, the prerequisite tests were done and the interview process over. There were 79 applicants but only 24 would be chosen. That waiting period to find out if I got in was NOT magnificent....it was torture! But when the letter came saying I was accepted....well, I just sat and cried and cried...and looked up to heaven --to my Mom and my sister---and thanked them for pushing me along....and giving me the encouragement to pursue the dream.

Class starts July 23rd....Some people think I'm crazy..giving up a very well-paying job--and a "cushy" office to go to school to be a nurse...especially at MY AGE. Well, the body may be 53 years old... but the heart is still a Freshman in high school....in the Nurse's Office with Mrs. Vogel and the Future Nurses' Club. But now I have years of life skills to bring with me that I couldn't learn in school.. yes, the wait was magnificent....but I am READY to begin...

Please pray for this "old lady".....I can use all the help I can get!!!!

EXCELLENT!!!!

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i just wanted to say :ancong!: i am currently an lpn student and i graduate on august 13th...i can't wait. it's been a littlt tough here and there, but i wouldn't change anything. i love every minute of clinical and all of the experiences i have endevored. so, the best of luck to everyone you have made a great decision to become nurses!!! :yeah:

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Hi:

I'm 53 and I start my LPN program on July 23rd. In high school, I was a member of the Future Nurses' Club..in 1971!!! In Senior year (1974) I fell in love and got married the following year, with all intentions of going to nursing school. But then I had a baby in '76 and another in '77. I needed to got to work full-time, so I became a CNA. I took care of my Grandma at the nursing home along with all those other wonderful people.

Memorial Day weekend 1981, I was working at the nursing home. It was very old and made of wood. I smelled smoke and told the nurse in charge that we should call the fire dept. She said she couldn't because our facility had some violations that we had not fixed and she would get in trouble. The smell grew stronger and I called the firemen. Sure enough, there was an electrical fire in the wall. We evacuated everyone and the fire was put out. The facility was fined because it had not fixed the problems from before and I was fired. At 24, that was such a deep hurt and I was bitter. I still went to the facility everyday to take care of my Grandma until she died. I left CNA work....because I was so disillusioned by the whole situation. So, I went to school at night and became a paralegal and got into the medical malpractice field. I certainly learned from those cases what not to do and did gain some satisfaction from pursuing legitimate cases of negligence. But the dream of being a nurse never died and I still was a nurse at heart. I volunteered at a few nursing homes over the years and had my Mom live with me until she died in 2004.

In March 2008, I went to a nursing home to have a resident sign some legal papers. When I walked in the door, I stopped. I still can't explain what happened, but it was as if someone poured a warm bucket of water over me...

I turned to my co-worker and said "This is where I belong". I went home that day and started looking for CNA classes in my area. I found them at the technical school. I talked to my husband that night--he is a maintenance supervisor in a LTC facility. I poured out my heart and told him that I really, really wanted to be a nurse and we had to figure out a way that I could do this. We came up with a plan which inlcuded moving to a small apartment with lower rent and utilities....budgeting everything from groceries to cat food...cutting out spending on the grandchildren for a while, etc. The next day, he came home and said the Activities Director where he worked was looking for a full-time assistant. I went to meet her the next day and it was a perfect fit. I quit my legal job and started working at the LTC. I went to school 4 nights a week for my CNA and got my license in June, 2008. I've been working the floor since then and I love it (although it's ALOT harder physically at 53 than it was at 23!!)

I began preparing to take the prerequisite exams for my LPN classes that were to start in January, 2009. Meanwhile, my daughter became pregnant with her first baby! She was only going to be able to be home with her for the first two months until January. I knew it would make it easier for her and the baby if I could postpone my LPN class and babysit for at least a few months, so I did. I put the class off until July (even though I was so anxious to start!!).

Well, the prerequisite tests were done and the interview process over. There were 79 applicants but only 24 would be chosen. That waiting period to find out if I got in was NOT magnificent....it was torture! But when the letter came saying I was accepted....well, I just sat and cried and cried...and looked up to heaven --to my Mom and my sister---and thanked them for pushing me along....and giving me the encouragement to pursue the dream.

Class starts July 23rd....Some people think I'm crazy..giving up a very well-paying job--and a "cushy" office to go to school to be a nurse...especially at MY AGE. Well, the body may be 53 years old... but the heart is still a Freshman in high school....in the Nurse's Office with Mrs. Vogel and the Future Nurses' Club. But now I have years of life skills to bring with me that I couldn't learn in school.. yes, the wait was magnificent....but I am READY to begin...

Please pray for this "old lady".....I can use all the help I can get!!!!

brought tears to my eyes....and inspiration to my heart! Bless your heart! :)

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I was to start on June 1, and posted in this thread that I would, but I had to put it off for childcare reasons...I now start August 25th (my son's 11th bday - but he understands - even though I am a big b-day type of mom...it is bitter sweet for me). I know from the experiences of everyone else how challenging it can be, but I am very very very excited :) I just passed my NET last Thursday. Best of luck to every one :)

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I wish you the best of luck. My story is similar to yours, and after fifteen years of waiting I'm finally starting school this fall! The reality of "it's finally happening" is incredible. Good luck again, though I'm sure with your dedication and desire to be a nurse you will be just fine.

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Specializes in geriatrics.

I have always dreamed of being a nurse. After a very bad 10 year marriage, my husband abandoned me and my two kids. He left us with $100, quit his job (he was making $97,000 a year) and disappeared. I was 34, a housewife with no college degree.

I met the love of my life one year ago. He is my support and my inspiration. He has always believed in me and encouraged me to follow my dreams. I passed the HESI exam with a 94% (88% in math, which I stink at).

Now I am trying to learn everything I can before school starts. Normal lab values, symptoms of disease. I'm so excited. I'm almost 36 now, and I'm finally following my dreams.

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Bingesu,

Your story brought tears to my eyes. I am so happy for you, and I know you will be one of the kinds of nurses we really need. I am also older than most of the other students I graduated with (41) and it is definitely harder than in your 20s, but your experience with life, and your love, will make you the best nurse of all. GOOD LUCK AND GOD BLESS.

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Specializes in geriatrics.

Thank you. I get a little weepy when I think about it, too.

My husband only wanted a stay at home wife, and to that end he degraded me and did his best tomake me feel stupid. And of course I blame myself for allowing it. I think he believed that by yanking all support from me, he would make me "come to my senses" and take him back.

I struggled and had some scary, scary times. But right after he left I enrolled in community college, found a babysitter (my kids had NEVER been away from me, and my 9 year old is a Type 1 diabetic) and started a new life. My children are so happy now, glad to be away from him and proud of their mommy.

I really feel like I was made for this. I was a CNA in my early 20's, and even though it was a hard, backbreaking job it was also thoroughly rewarding. I've gathered a lot of knowledge on my own through the years, and of course taking care of my daughter has made me a self-made expert on diabetes.

Thank you for creating this forum. I'm sure I'm not the only one out there with a story. I'd love to know more about what the rest of you have been through.

Julie B., future LVN

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Thank you. I get a little weepy when I think about it, too.

My husband only wanted a stay at home wife, and to that end he degraded me and did his best tomake me feel stupid. And of course I blame myself for allowing it. I think he believed that by yanking all support from me, he would make me "come to my senses" and take him back.

I struggled and had some scary, scary times. But right after he left I enrolled in community college, found a babysitter (my kids had NEVER been away from me, and my 9 year old is a Type 1 diabetic) and started a new life. My children are so happy now, glad to be away from him and proud of their mommy.

I really feel like I was made for this. I was a CNA in my early 20's, and even though it was a hard, backbreaking job it was also thoroughly rewarding. I've gathered a lot of knowledge on my own through the years, and of course taking care of my daughter has made me a self-made expert on diabetes.

Thank you for creating this forum. I'm sure I'm not the only one out there with a story. I'd love to know more about what the rest of you have been through.

Julie B., future LVN

Hi Julie,

Our stories are so similar. I too ended up alone with 2 children (at 32). My dream of being a nurse has been something within me for a long time, but I learned real quick in that marriage that the only way to create a peaceful home for our boys was to 'submit' to their father. Which meant I gave up a lot of myself in order to make a happy home for everyone else.

After I finally wised up and left him, (almost at the life of our son and myself) I too endured some pretty heavy times trying to get back up on my feet financially. I was a single mom of 2, who had not worked since 1991, (it was now 2001) I ended up enrolling in school and working in the Real Estate appraisal biz for a few years. Because of childcare issues/finances, I was never able to make nursing school work. Fast forward a few years and I soon found the love of my life, remarried and together we have 2 more precious babies.

Here I am some 20 years later, 4 children, a happy marriage and finally pursuing my dream of becoming a nurse :) I start school Aug 25th. I just turned 42....and yes, I am scared out of my mind. I am starting a journey much later in life, but so very excited and looking forward to the future. Sometimes it takes while for some of us, but I am so ready now.

From most of the posts I read on here, I love hearing people say they have 'dreamed' of becoming a nurse. I believe nursing is a calling. It's in your blood and your heart beats to 'become' a nurse. We are a special breed of people. I cannot wait to be an 'official nurse' and join the ranks of one of the most noble of all callings :)

Blessings to all!

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