Newbie hoping to become an LPN

luv4nursing · Nov 28, 2006

hello and welcome! :welcome: I just wanted to say that I had no nursing experience (I was never a CNA, HHA, etc) before LPN school and I still managed to graduate at the top of my class. Dont worry, they will teach you everything! If you are going to apply to the technical school they will probably have u take the TABE (its like a test that shows u are past high school level math and reading)....and the NET (Nursing Entrance Exam)....I think it depends on what area u are in and the school, but if u have to take the NET, there is a study guide called "The NET study guide" that I highly recommend. The first time I took the NET, I passed it but barely. When I applied to the program I actually attended, they required u take the NET at their school, so I got the study guide that time. When I took it that time, I scored in the 99th percentile, so I definitely say get the guide if u can. Good luck to you, and I promise u can do anything you set your mind to. If nursing is your dream, dont let anything stand in your way.

ConMom06 · Dec 8, 2006

Hey Maddiesmommy

I am new here too, I am 28, I work full time and have a 2 year old. And I totally understand where your coming from. I have recently thought about going back to school to become an LPN and I am terrified! I too have the extremely shy gene and am really worried that it will affect me going back to school. I got my CNA lic. when I was a Jr. in high school, I worked in a nursing home for over a year and then quit when I was offered a full time job elsewhere after graduation. Now I have to start all over again.

pink2blue1 · Dec 12, 2006

Hi! Since this post you have probably already called some schools! But I just wanted to tell you a bit about my story!

I knew I always wanted to be a nurse, so I became a CNA about 4 years ago to make sure. My goal was RN, but the wait lists here in Ca are LONG and i had all these pre-reqs I needed to finish up. So as fate would have it, I got pregnant with my son and got put on bedrest, which meant I had to drop one of the last pre-reqs I needed. After he was born I decided that I would look into the LVN program here in my town. I applied and got accepted and I started when he was 16 months old. I also have 3 children. My son (Now almost 3) and 2 daughters now 7 and 9. It was very tough, but my determination got me through. My program was full time M-F, 8-4:30. We had clinical 3 days a week.

I just graduated in September and passed boards on November 30th!

Good luck with your plans! You can do it!

maddiesmommy · Dec 12, 2006

pink2blue1,

Thank you for sharing your story. It's very inspirational.

I have called a technical school near me and went for the orientation. Right now, I am going to have to put my dream on hold, for about 3.5 yrs, until my youngest is in Kindergarten, because the LPN program only is full-time, M-F 8-3:45pm. Until then, I'm going to start buying as many books to educate myself as much as possible. :)

RN BSN 2009 · Dec 12, 2006

Welcome to the forum! :balloons:

PN143 · Dec 12, 2006

maddiesmommy,

I just started LPN school in August. The program that I am enrolled in is 4 semesters long (16 months) and I just completed the first one. I am 32, have been a stay at home mom for 9 yrs prior to enrolling in LPN school. I am learning a lot of new things. I had taken prequisites for nursing school in college, but no experience in the nursing field as far as working in the field before starting LPN school. You will be taught what you need to know and it is very fast paced. I too am very shy, but you will come out of that some too. I was just so surprised at how fast you learn things in this program. It is not easy. But, you can do it.

dmarie (GA) · Dec 12, 2006

maddiesmommy, the first step is getting your pre-nursing core classes out of the way. (English, Math, Anatomy, etc.) Most technical schools will allow you to do the majority of these classes online, which works with your schedule! You can also do them at your own pace and take them on any day or night you choose.

After you complete your core classes, most schools require you to take an entrance exam. (NET or NLN) Your score from the entrance exam, combined with your GPA from your core classes, determines if you enter the LPN program. Most programs are competitive, so do your best with the core classes and entrance exam to ensure your acceptance.

Once in the LPN program, your schedule is pre-set, meaning you're required to be at school during the week during certain times, and you're required to complete clinicals. I'm in the LPN program now, and my schedule is M-W 8am-3pm, with clinicals on Thurs. 7am-2pm. Next quarter, my hours change a little because of more clinical time. M-T 8am-Noon and clinicals on W-Th. 6:30am-7:00pm. Don't forget to schedule study time!

By the time you make it into the program, your kids will be a little older, and where there's a will, there's a way! LOTS of women complete the LPN program with families and work demands, it's all a matter of being creative with your family schedule.

Some schools offer part-time LPN programs as well! Granted, it takes a little longer, but that might be a good option for you too!

Good Luck, and don't worry about your shyness. Follow your dream!!!

ConMom06 · Dec 13, 2006

Does anyone have any information on LPN courses in MA? The only ones I can seem to find are LPN to RN.

NurseInTheWorks · Dec 13, 2006

Try this link:

Massachusetts Practical Nursing (LPN/LVN) programs from All Nursing Schools

Good Luck!

sharona97, BSN, RN · Aug 28, 2007

I have completed more of the core subjects needed for the LPN to RN Bridge. Micro is the last biggest one. I'm anxious about being disabled and having the ability to finish. I'm patient and all to wait on those waiting lists, but after hearing some of the horror stories on RN classes and the exams, I've lost some confidence. Our LVN exam in Houston,TX was 2 days long and I did just fine. I have 28years of experience. Does anyone think this is to my advantage or am I guessing right the RN program is super tough? Any thoughs?