LetItBe329

Lindseylu586, Congrats! You can get your scrub pants anywhere but the shirts you have to order through Galen because they're embroidered. I've never worn the lab coat, but you may want to get it just in case. 2 sets of ciel blue and 2 sets of whites will get you through...make sure you cant see your underwear through your white scrubs. Be prepared to wear basic granny underwear/bra in white (or flesh tone depending on your complexion) Now, for what I wasn't told until my first day: you need a stethoscope and a bp cuff (not a cuff that has the steth built in). You'll also probably need scissors and a pen light. Good Luck!!!!

Monday was Clinicals and Tuesday was lab for my group. Clinical sites were available that first week. So keep checking your second or 3rd week (i cant remember) and something should be there. Are you able to see your class times or what group you're in? It should say G1 G2 or G3. I hate the schedules online but if you go to my calendar and see your classes during the week like fundamentals, you can click on it and then hover over the dates on the small calendar on the bottom you'll see times. I hope that's not confusing. :)

I'm not sure if I posted this yet for you... Our group that started in Jan. was broken up into 3 smaller groups (AB&C) I was group A so we had Lab on monday and clinicals on Tuesdays. Group B had Clincal Mondays and Labs on Tuesdays. Not sure about C. Wednesday Thursday and Friday were at the Brownwood building down the street. That was a little frustrating to find out during orientation. My group started earlier and got out early but I think everyone gets out before 5:30. Plan on starting at 600-630 at clinicals, some started later (9hour days). Plan on Lab starting at 730 and ending around 430. and lectures starting at 8 and everyone gets out no later than 530. Depending on what group you're in. I hope that helps! Get a stethoscope and a bp cuff if you can.

Congrats! I'm currently in Qtr 1 of the LVN day program. I love it!

I would get the current editions. We had a few people in our classes have the wrong ones and they STRONGLY suggested the current ones. I think that's the best since medicine is changing all the time. I got some cheap books on half.com. ALSO only buy the books you need one quarter at a time.

We are fast paced for sure. The 1st week ever one was kind alike....whaaat just happened?! Now most of us are in getting into some sort of groove. We take all of the classes, and you'd think it's only 3 but really Fundamentals can be broken down into 3 classes itself: Theory, Lab and Clinicals. So it's pretty much like taking 5 classes. They all have their own instructors and their own tests. One day I have labs or clinicals and the others I have 2 or three classes. It's BUSY. We can have tests on the same day in different classes. I'm only finishing up my 3rd week but I am NOT scared. I was prepared. The break rooms are nice and there are plenty of places to hide and study. Let me know if you have any other questions. I'm more than happy to help...since no one was there to help me!

Good Luck Jana_co. I personally am excited. Our first two weeks are an eye opener for some i think. I'm super tired but pretty prepared for whatever. It's all very quick paced so you just need to be prepared! We have a lot of tests coming up.

Dont be nervous Cynt, be excited. Be confident!!!!

I'm on week two of school and I'll say right now, get ready to be a little shocked. Girls are crying already in my class, like as of day 4. Prepare yourself mentally. Be prepared to make lots of sacrafices and serisouly dont let yourself forget why you're there. I have to remind myself a little bit but dont forget. Heres a quote one of my instructors shared with us: "In order to succeed, your desire for successmust be greater than your fear of failure". GOOD LUCK!

All I can say is dont give up. Keep pushing and you'll find a way to get to your goals. I am not a stellar student but when there is a will there is a way, I know it's cliche but it's true! Your dreams are valid and you can make them come true! Good luck finding a way past this! :)

If I can pass and do well so can YOU. Just get a study book for PAX and take practice tests. I was testing myself everyday for a week or so. I felt very prepared and did pretty well. I'm not a smarty pants at all. I never do well on tests and math is my weakest point. Good luck and study!

Thanks for the info!

Kaligirl02, I'm also starting at Galen, SA. I'm using my gi bill. Are you using the Chapter 33? Can you tell me how quickly Galen got their paperwork to the VA? I'm not even seeing I'm enrolled at galen according to the va which worries me that they are taking their time on my paperwork...

For me, my decision to start school now rather than later is that i'm always putting it off! I'm 31 if that helps you. You really should make a list of pros and cons. Personally, if I could do the 33 miles away class and it was free I would. I'm at that point in my life where I just have to sieze the day and DO IT! Good luck with your choices! I'm starting on Jan. 6th. :)

I'm in San Antonio, starting the LVN program (12 months) at Galen on Jan 6! :)