Photogenic memory required for LVN?

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Howdy all, first post here. I'm going to be taking one or two pre-req nursing courses at a local community college (A&P or Basic Pharmacology) this summer to see if I'm cut out for it. I have two friends that are LVNs who enjoy the job and another friend who dropped out of the program. The friend that dropped out said that it is impossible to pass any nursing courses unless you have a photogenic memory. I'm currently a senior English major at a four year university so I never have to remember anything visually. My photogenic memory is quite poor. Do ya'all agree that a photogenic memory is required to becoming a nurse?

Thank you in advance :coollook:

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Specializes in psych, addictions, hospice, education.

I'm sure you mean "photographic memory." Anyway, no, you don't need that. The courses are intended to help you learn how things work in the body and how medications work. It does take awhile before that kicks in though. I don't know how long your courses are, but those two are two of the toughest in nursing school. If you don't have about 15 weeks for them, I wouldn't take both at once, or it will be quite difficult.

Write things down often. It helps you remember if you write them. Also, I'd recommend a book called "The Anatomy Coloring Book." It truly does help!

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Well, I can't say anything about clinicals because I'm not there yet. But for my pre-req's I'm standing on a cumulative 4.0 gpa... and I have ADHD. Definitely not photographic... I forget everything! But, for a course I am currently taking, I have made over 500 flash cards and have studied every single one, front and back, until I have it memorized like it's my phone number. And this is only the middle of the term; I'll have many, many more flash cards by the time this term is finished. I do not think you need a photogenic memory. You just need a strong will and deep passion to become a nurse. That is more powerful and effective than a photographic memory.

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Ha! Photographic is definately not required! I went back to nursing school for a second career in my 40's - my memory is not anything like it was in my twenties but I made it. Yes I had to study more than other students but it is do-able.

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I hope not cause I dont have a photographic memory either. I dont start my LPN courses until this fall, I have a hard time remembering things so I know that the only way I'll make it through the program is by taking a little time every day and studying. I like using flash cards also, and rewriting my notes has always helped. Its gonna take work but it will be so worth it in the end.

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Specializes in Cardiac, ER.

I'm a theory person. I hated Anatomy because it did require memorization, but I did pass it. Nursing school requires that you "LEARN" the material,..not just memorize a bunch of facts. I went to RN school not LVN school, but I can't see how you can be a good nurse without learning and understanding the material.

Nursing isn't for everyone, therefore many drop out early. Don't let that discourage you. If you have a passion to be a nurse you will learn!

Best of Luck to you!!

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Haha oops totally meant photographic. I'll blame the mixup on lack of sleep due to finals. Thanks for the replies. I'm gonna take a whack at one of the classes and see how it goes.

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Yes, the patients seem to expect it at my job. Each geriatric patient has over 20 pills each at a time. They expect that you have memorized exactly what pills they are on each time you give them pills. I don't have a good memory so I have to run back to recheck their MAR's on the med cart all the time.:crying2:

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Specializes in psych, addictions, hospice, education.

I would love to have a photogenic memory...then I could take a picture of it, and everything good would be there to look at in a scrapbook! :D

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Specializes in LTC, home health, addiction, hospice.

I agree with the others, you don't need a photographic memory, just some more time to study and some creative ideas to help you remember. A&P is alot of labeling parts and having to remember what goes where. And yes the Anatomy coloring book is GREAT!!

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