AlyseB

It depends on the program you choose. Do a little research for programs in your area that don't require you to work for a year. I graduated PN school this past December, and I've already started a bridge program which began in June. My graduation date is set for May 15, 2015. To answer your question, NO you do not have to work for a year in order to apply for a bridge program. Do research and ask questions, I'm sure you will find a program that fits your schedule.

Sorry I'm replying late.. The interview went well. There were about 30 applicants there. However, only 4 of us were LPNs, the rest of them were applying for the ADN program. The first part required us to answer 2 questions in a narrative format. Then we had a one on one interview with 3 of the instructors. Everyone was friendly and the whole process was short ,simple and straight to the point. Good luck! Let us know how it went.

I just checked my Holmes/ Doghouse Email account and I've been picked for an interview on March 26. Be sure to check your mail there may be some new info posted.

I always had snacks for class and clinical! Granola bars, yogurt, bananas, chips etc...

Oh ok.. Well good luck ! We should be hearing something soon.

Hey! It's good to know I'm not alone. I've applied to the same program as well (Grenada Campus). I was wondering the same thing. But it doesn't seem to be many people on here from that area. What campus did u apply to?

Wow you have it all planned out! That's Awesome. Thanks, Good Luck to you as well.

I took the Rinehart Review; it was 3 days long. They give you a book and a CD with over 1000 practice questions and simulated exams to take. I studied for about 3 weeks, doing at least 200 questions a day. I actually felt prepared when I went in. I'm not the type of person that will pull an all nighter the night before a test. Either I'm ready or I'm not.

Thank you for your kind words. It really means a lot!

The school that I am looking to apply to does not require you to have experience, so I can apply this spring when the application opens. I know that you have to have a current LPN license of course. But I was basically asking was LPN-RN easier to get into rather than just going to an ADN program with (waiting lists, pre-requisites, GPA, ACT scores, TEAS)

Your day will consist of helping your nurse with 1 or 2 med passes, nebulizer treatments, skin/body audits, family members with tons of questions, and patients that just want you to give them a little attention. They tell the best stories... It's what you make of it.

Thanks!! The 1st one is a clinic that specialize in Rheumatology : hours are Mon - Sat 8am- 6pm (Sat close at noon)and the 2nd is LTC: 11pm- 7am, 7 days on 7 days off. I'm am at a crossroad because both have pros and cons.

I took the NCLEX PN on Jan 8th and my license number appeared on the MSBN today at 10 a.m.! It is practically an out of body experience. I'm on cloud 9. Going in my heart was pounding, I could feel it in my ears. My first question was a select all that apply. Yes, Really. I had a lot of priority, exhibits, SATA, and 3 pictures. After 1 hour 30 minutes and 85 questions later...the computer screen turned blue and I felt relieved. I already have 2 job offers. Time for work!

... However, I have to disagree with the part about not having a life, saying good-bye to friends and family , no fun, no date nights or shopping etc (whatever you like to do to unwind). Nursing school is what you make of it, and not everyone will handle school by barricading themselves in their room to study for hours and hours every night. My instructors always encouraged us to set aside some time to ourselves each day to do something that give us time to relax. It all depends on your course load, assignments, quizzes reading, etc. I encourage anyone that is starting their first semester to get a planner and organize. Do not procrastinate or you will fall behind. Always stay one step ahead, that way you can have time for fun. You will need it ,and you will surely have earned it. Even God took a break on the 7th day... Genesis 2:3

I was just wondering how competitive was it to get into your LPN- RN program? Did you have to have work experience? How many people did your program accept? Any information would be appreciated!

I started out as a pre-BSN Nursing Student at a University. I had the GPA (3.7), every single pre-req and even A's in the major science courses (A&P 1/11, Microbiology and Pathophysiology). I submitted my application to enter the program , and about 3 weeks later I received a letter of rejection stating that I was on the waiting list. (Ain't nobody got time for that ! lol)I was so confused and dishearten about everything. I even questioned whether or not I even wanted to be a nurse anymore. So, fast forward 3 months later, I picked myself up and started doing my research on schools in my area that were accepting applications for LPN or RN program. I found a 1 year LPN program where I could start in January and finish in December. I submitted my application, transcripts and recommendation letters and I even had to interview for the program. Now ,one year later I am graduating from the Practical Nursing Program (December 13, 2013)!! It was a journey, and I am definitely a different person now one year later. I still have hopes of returning for my RN within the next 6 months or so. AND...The answer is NO, what you are doing isn't a waste of time. BE VERY PROUD OF YOURSELF! It will not be easy, but you can do it!

Hello All! I am going into my last semester of my LPN program! It has been an exciting adventure so far. My final classes are Med Surg w/clinical, Alterations in Adult Care w/clinical, and Nursing Transition. To all graduates or upcoming graduates, how much were your expenses for the final semester? (Boards, Fingerprinting, drug testing, books, travel etc...) I am trying to come up with a budget plan that will help me glide through this last semester stress free.

You are not alone!! I am dealing with this also. I am the youngest and these women are very childish, petty and they love to gossip. And I am talking about 30 year olds that are married with children. It is ridiculous! When I am in class I feel like I am back in high school. I put my game face on, ignore and tune out as much of the drama as possible. I am here for one reason only, and that is not to be anybody's bestie. I am not the type of person who needs a large group of friends around; I am happy with the two that I have in class though. They make my day go by. Just focus on YOU.

No, they don't take off points (but you will get chewed out in front of the entire class) lol . They use the same test format for the upcoming class, and it is a really big inconvience for them to have to go back and erase your answers or have to make more copies. I think my program changes test every 2 years.

I just started my LPN program in January, so I am a first semester student. I also had to go through the waiting then the interview process then more waiting. I am in a 12 month program; I will be graduating in December13. In my opinion, it is not as hard as a lot of people make it seem. But everyone is different ,and we all learn at a different pace. As long as I pay attention in class, ask questions when I don't understand something and take good notes, I never have to spend more than two hours studying each night. I just started clinicals which I think are a lot of fun because you get hands on experience. However,now that clinicals have started we only have class two days a week, so now I have a lot of things going on at one time. If you have any more questions feel free to ask!

I started Pharm in February, and the only thing we are doing is conversions and dosage/calculations problems. We are also in the lab learning how to draw insulin, give injections and the different injection sites. We haven't opened our book yet. Here are a few examples: Conversions 1L=1000mL 5mL=1tsp 3tsp=1T 1kg=2.2 lbs Every program is set to a different pace. Please do not freak out or become overwhelmed before you start. Im sure you will do fine. I suck at math(It has always been a weakness and on top of that I make careless mathematical errors) ,but so far I have passed all of my tests. We have to have an 80 or above in order to move on to the second semester. If you can do basic math: Add, Subtract, Divide and Multiply,(And think critically) you will survive Pharm.

1. Tell me about yourself? (very broad question) 2. Why do you want to be a nurse? 3. What is your definition of a "Good Nurse"? 4. What are your strengths and weaknesses? 5. What's your GPA? 6. Do you have reliable transportation? 7. Are you able to meet the physical requirements of the job? 8. How long do you plan to study? 9. What is your greatest accomplishment? 10. Have you lost anyone close to you that had a terminal illness? Those are the BIG TEN that you require you to elaborate and go into detail. Other questions will basically be a yes or no like question 7. GOOD LUCK !! Make sure to give us an update!

Last Monday was my first day of nursing school! I was so nervous after reading numerous threads about the first day, and the long reading assignments and homework that was due even before classses began. However, I am proud to say that my nerves have settled ,and I already know what is expected of me. My instructors are amazing and very supportive. There are only 20 people in my class, so we are a small group. We have two textbooks that are required for class(I do not need a rolling backpack) , but there are other supplementary books that are optional. As of now we are taking Fundamentals of Nursing and Nutrition. By the end of the month we will finish Nutrition and move on to Human Growth and Development. By the way, I love this method. Now don't get me wrong there is a lot of information to take in at one time, but it's working out just fine. I do not feel stressed , YET! We do not have to learn over 200 Medical terms in two weeks (I read this in another student's post). Instead, we will have weekly terms test for the entire semester, and there are no more than 30 terms on one test. I had my first terms test last Friday.( Aced It!) Too make a long story short, I just wanted to say that nursing school is what you make it. Every program is different, and you just have to find out what works best for you. I feel as if I was freaking out for nothing. I have my syllabus ,and we have planned the entire semester which ends in May. I will be posting monthly to give you guys an update. Essentials: Index cards! I rewrite terms and lecture notes on my note cards. They are a great way to study. Tons of Black ink pens/ pencils 3 ring binder ; I only use one for both classes; I have a divider to separate the sections. Lots of loose leaf paper Folder to keep up with loose papers Sturdy backpack Bottled water, Snack, Gum , Mints - They help me get through the day between my breaks and before and after lunch.

I would like to thank everyone for their input and support. Orientation is right around the corner, and I am getting extremely nervous! Once again THANKS! Enjoy your break, rest up and have a Merry Christmas and prosperous New Year!

CONGRATS!!! Keep up the good work!