coadestone

It was difficult because I worked fulltime and went to school 4 nights a week til 10:00pm;I started reading some of the txt books 1 year prior to starting the class and that saved me (I was on a 1 year wait list) I hadn't been to school in 20 years, math was definitely a challenge and my advice would be to brush up on it if you haven't had it in a while. That being said, it was the best thing I ever did. I challenged myself and graduated with a B. Its totally do-able if your heart is in it. I quit my job as an executive secretary after 23 years and now work in a mult-speciality medical clinic and its the best thing I ever did. I love what I do.

I cheated, had to go back and look and decided to post it again - from 2006. I'm still an executive secretary (26 years at the same place) but I am also an LPN now and work PRN in a pediatricians office after hours clinic and I love it! Best thing I ever did was stumble upon ALLNURSES; the posts can bring you laughter and sorrow but always comfort in knowing someone else out there has felt the same way you do, and if you want something bad enough, you can get through anything. (I'm new to this site; and new to nursing - after 20 years as an executive secretary I'm finally trying something that I've always wanted to do. Been reading alot of threads, good, bad and downright scary things about nursing. But this thread, really touched me. It's not discouraging -this person has given 20 plus years to a career and is smart enough to know when to move on; and I'm sure has some great stories to tell. Anyway, thank you for the thread and you would make a great writer!) Good luck to you.

I'm old as dirt - 44! Good luck to you and definitely utilize this website for knowledge and inspiration. It sounds old school - but misery does love company. Good luck to you!

I did it, I graduated from LPN school; it was a long 14 months but sooooo worth it when I lit that candle at the graduation ceremony. Lots of help from this forum, lots of people who had been through it and always a place to come to for encouragement. Thanks again ALLNURSES!

I'm currently in the Erwin evening program. I have 18 days left to graduate! All I can tell you is its been a wonderful, brutal experience. You have to study, you don't have much of a life and you take what you get for clinincals. In the evening program, when you get to where we are you are in clinicals 4 nights a week. I'm not gonna lie, its grueling, physically, especially if you have to work full time. But it is all worth it and totally do-able if you are willing to put in the effort. And I will say this, everywhere we go for clincials the staff is happy to have "Erwin students" there is definitely a difference with some of the other programs and I think our reputation far surpasses the rest. Good luck in whatever you decide!:)

I work fulltime as a legal secretary; I have 20 days left to go before I graduate and I carried a "B" average; Lots of help from hubby. Housework non-existant, social life - not much; But it can be done, plan you homework around your weekends, it worked for me it can work for you!

I am right there with you. I have 20 days left of clincials, however, we still only have 2 patients but we are responsible for meds and procedures. I am loving all the skills we are finally learning, but I am soooo tired. I just want it to be done. I review procedures on Youtube all the time. You'd be surprised what you will find; and I am trying to memorize all the lab values. Hope this helps and congrats to you; you are almost done! Keep your eye on the light at the end of the tunnel!!

Just wanted to check back with you to see if you started the LPN to RN bridge program at Allied - and if you have, how is it?

I am a current Erwin LPN student; Due to graduate in July and I will tell you its a wonderful program. It's tough, especially if you have to work full-time, but I've learned so much and I am glad I chose Erwin. Good luck to you in whatever program you choose.

I am going to a Tech school, the cost was a little over $3,000 and I was on the waiting list for a year; I don't regret my decision for a minute. I will be graduating in 74 days and my how the time has flown by, and the best part is, I paid as I went so no loans to pay back. That said, do what is best for you and your situation. Just thought I'd give my 2 cents!:) Time really does fly by.

Hi there, I'm from Brandon but I don't have an answer to your question.I just wanted to ask you about the LPN to RN bridge program. I was hoping to go there after I graduate in July - Do you know how often they offer the class? Would you mind telling me how much it is? I've checked out their website and like most private schools, they want you to call. I love the fact its associated with Brandon Hospital. You must be so excited, good luck to you!

July 29th!!!:)

I am just one month into my LPN program. It is definitely a lot to take in. I've been out of school for many years, and I'm proud to say I have an "A" average (I never had that in High School). Its amazing that if you want something bad enough, you learn how to study, and be a good student. It's way early, but I am so thankful that I've gotten this far and I absolutely couldn't do it without the support of my family. Looking forward to the next month!:wink2:

You might want to "google" it; I've never personally been there, but I've seen some pretty bad things said about them on the web. Good luck to you!

I'm so excited; I start tonight!!!!!:heartbeat

There are private schools in the Tampa Bay area that offer evening classes, such as Keiser & Concorde, however, they are alot more expensive than Erwin. If you are able to get grant money then they might be worth checking in to. Good luck to you!

Daytonite, You are the bomb!

I start an LPN evening program in May! And like so many others on this thread will be working full-time. Its going to be a fast & furious ride!:wink2:

I watch them as well. I freaked out a little at the one that shows students inserting an NG tube up each others' nose. I had no idea we would have to do that to each other! It's a great learning tool and gives you an insight into what's to come. Love Youtube!!!:heartbeat

I am very excited, and extremely nervous; I'll be working and going to school. But I figure its now or never, I've wanted to do this for a long time. Good luck to you, if I had started 10 years ago, I would take the path your taking. I didn't know HCC had an evening/weekend program, that's really great for people that have to work. I have had no science classes, but I did take a phlebotomy class and got my CNA license so I hope some of that will help me in the class. Let's keep each other posted on our progress!

The tabe test was not bad at all except for the math; I did horribly but I had been out of school for a long time and forgotten everything. They have people there to help you if you don't pass the level needed, so it took me a couple of weeks and I passed. On line it shows the next class is August 2010 - because they have already advised the students that applied last year as to who got in the May class this year. I hope this makes sense, the bottom line is Erwin will never run out of students for this LPN program; I have heard its a really good program. Are you going straight into the RN program when you finish up your pre-reqs? And yes it is nice to talk to someone from Tampa, I don't think there are that many of us on this board. I'm sure we'll see each other on here from time to time. Good luck to you:)

I'm starting in the May evening program. I was on the list for over a year, but that's because the evening program only has 1 class every 14 months. I would have gotten in sooner if I opted for the day program. When I register I'll check with them about the NET, I have been trying to get a headstart on med terms and A&P. I think from everything I've read on the boards here, its going to be a fast and furious class.:) Have you taken the Erwin program ?

Hi Everyone, I'm due to start the LPN program at Erwin in Tampa. Does anyone know if you have to take the NET test as part of the class?:)

Wow, this thread is starting to make me re-think starting the LPN program next month. I thought we still had a "nursing shortage"??? Maybe I should think about medical assistant, does anyone know if that field is in demand?

I always try to remember to do this one: Inhale faith, Exhale fear.