karraj123

I work at the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, and let me tell you this... Be prepared to see the human spirit and the will to live like you've never seen before. Prepare yourself for laughter, heartache, frustration, tears, and the incredible honor of walking and working side by side with an individual who is literally fighting for their life every second of every day. Nothing is more rewarding or heartbreaking (at times) than Oncology. GOD Bless you and the best of luck to you :) Karra

Several of my good friends and co-workers are currently in the LPN to RN Program at Seattle Central. They love the program, say it's very organized and thorough, and are having amazing clinical rotations!! As for the pre-reqs, I'm not sure. I attend North Seattle and I'm currently in their LPN to RN program. Our policy is two attempts at a course in the past 5 years, that's it. They are very strict when it comes to their policy. Good luck :)

congrats and thanks for the AWESOME info!! I'm taking my exam on May 4th, studying hard, and looking forward to using some of your material :)

Wow, thank you! and you are welcome :)

My heart goes out to you!! I just graduated from my LPN program and start an RN transition program in the Fall. I hit my wall during my second quarter, summer quarter. 17 credits in 7 weeks plus my first quarter in a hospital clinical setting with a clinical instructor from HELL!!!! Clinical was every Monday and Tuesday from 2pm until 11pm with a 30 minute commute each way. I would finally get to bed around 1am after trying to unwind only to be up by 6am to study prior to clinical or attend class from 7am to 5pm the rest of the week. A minimum of 3 exams each week and this was the first quarter of both med/surg and Pharm. So I understand, believe me :) You will get through this!! I am an admitted overachiever :) I enjoy getting great grades, study probably way too much, and expect a lot of myself because I know I'm capable of doing well. My cousin who is a surgeon told me during second quarter, after I called her bawling...She said "this is a marathon and you are going at a sprinter's pace!" So true!! I felt so burnt out after devoting 18-20 hours a day to school in some way. I MADE myself relax, watch a movie, go to dinner with friends and I really tried to enjoy it and not feel guilty, like I should be studying :) Continue to put your head down, focus, and keep your eyes on the prize my friend! Best of luck to you, you will do GREAT!!! :)

First of all, a big CONGRATULATIONS to you!!! I know how hard the journey of simply being accepting to a nursing program can be, so you should be proud of yourself for this accomplishment alone :) I graduated from my LPN program at the end of March and begin an LPN to RN Ladder Program in the Fall. Here are some words of wisdom I can pass along: Take a deep breath and relax! You CAN do this :) Take your studies seriously! Everyone studies differently but I found a solid study group to be the key. Focus, work hard, participate in class, ask questions (most likely someone in the class is wondering the same thing so there are NO stupid questions), take notes, do the readings, and work hard to learn not memorize the material! This education will help shape your career so simply memorizing won't help you in the long run. Like you, I had no clinical experience prior to starting the program. I'm very much a hands on learner so clinical was so helpful. While I was nervous a lot of the time :) I learned so much and the experience is so valuable! Take time for yourself! You must. Get plenty of sleep, exercise when you can. At times you may be very frustrated, cry, or even want to quit. It DOES get better, I promise :) So don't give up!! Remember why you want to be a nurse...this thought will help you make it through the tough days! Good luck, enjoy the journey because while it is hard work, it is also so worthwhile! Best of luck!! :)

Thank you! Good luck with your last final :) Isn't that nice to say "last final" LOL!

I know how overwhelming and exhausting nursing school can be! I just finished my last LPN final last week and graduate next Friday, and believe me, there were many times I truley believed this day wouldn't come :) First, take a deep breath and relax! You CAN and WILL do this :) I remember hating the beginning of nursing school. I knew I wasn't going to drop out but simply hated it. I received a pep talk from my cousin who is an Orthopedic Surgeon, and she told me..."This is a marathon. Not a sprint." You need to give it your best and then let it go. You must take time for yourself and believe me, I know this can be hard!! I always feel like there is never enough time! But you must do things for yourself so you don't get burnt out and so overwhelmed that you throw in the towel. It will get better!!! Just take it one minute (literally) at a time. You can only do your best and that is all anyone can ask for :) I'm rooting for you!! Keep your head down, your mind focused, and push on through...there is a light at the end of the tunnel!! Good luck :)

Just wanted to share my excitement :) I'm done with my LPN program and graduate on the 19th! I can't believe a whole year has gone by. While you are in it, at times, it seems like it's never going to end! :) But now that I'm done, I wonder where the past year went? Then I remember....studying, clinical, exams, repeat!! I'm starting the LPN to RN Ladder program in the Fall and eventually want to become a Nurse Practitioner! For anyone just starting out or struggling in their current program, YOU CAN DO IT!! I cried myself to sleep many nights simply from frustration and exhaustion! Believe me, I understand! But the hard work will pay off, I promise! I busted my hump to maintain a 3.8 cumulative GPA and yes it was hard, but not impossible! I love all the support received from members on this site and I look forward to reading all of your accomplishments along the way!!

Hey all :) Getting ready to start back in clinical on Monday and I can't wait!! Started 3rd quarter on Tuesday and while I love school, I'm finding lecture really boring and exhausting :) I know it is necessary, but I'm sure you all can agree that the real learning takes place in the hospital with real patients! Thoughts??

As a nursing student, I'm pretty sure crying is part of the job :) I cry a lot...usually it's caused by a combo of total stress and complete exhaustion!!! It comes with the territory and I've realized that I cry also because I CARE!! I want to do well and be a great nurse, it's something I'm very passionate about...and I think that passion comes out in the form of tears :) Keep your head up and carry some tissues :) and you'll be just fine!

I'm a 3rd quarter LPN student and here are a few tips that I hope will help :) Start a study group as soon as you can...Not only is it extremely helpful to study and bounce questions/answers off of eachother, but the emotional support you can get from these friends is a life saver!! My motto is "keep your eyes on the prize!!" You simply have to put your head down and push through :) You MUST take time out for yourself :) Believe me, as a Type A personality, this can be hard to do!! But taking time for yourself, even if it's 30 minutes to watch your favorite TV show or to read a magazine, this time is necessary to stay sane!! Most importantly, have fun! Work your butt off, study like crazy, take it all in...and remember, there is a light at the end of the tunnel :) Good luck!!