Question about first part of LPN school

Nursing Students LPN/LVN Students

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I recently started LPN school because the RN program doesn't start in my area until well over a year from now. I most likely plan on going straight into the RN program after my LPN program. My question is somewhat unique. I would just like some opinions or experiences that current LPN students or licensed LPNs could share. My question is basically "Is it normal for the first unit of LPN school to be basic information and not very technical." I feel like right now everything we are learning is simple, verging on common sense type material. I guess I am just hoping we move past this learning of "CNA type duties" and into more advanced technical information that feels more like learning what one would think a nurse should be learning. So any opinions on this would be greatly appreciated. I am the only male in a class of 24 (1/3 of them are CNAs). Everything we are doing is the stuff they say they do on a day-to-day basis. I guess I have no intentions of going to school for another year (already have two Bachelor's Degrees) only to find out I'm going to be doing all basic care that a CNA can do, when I know for a fact there are CNA programs that are very quick 2-6 weeks long. Thanks a lot...hope I have made myself clear in what I'm asking. :)

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From what i remember it was easy in the begining. But just use the time to get a good foundation and know ur stuff backwards and forwards. U will build on the info u are learning now so take some initiative and read ahead. Things pile up quickly, so preparing now really helps. For me, things picked up the pace around pharmacology and once we started giving meds at clinicles. Stress was at an all time high during skills testing, so really there is always something to study.

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Thank you so much for replying! :) I am glad to hear that it will pick up and get more in depth. Just seemed so blah right now. I do read ahead all the time to stay ahead of schedule. That way if there is a ever a day or two where I don't have a whole lot of time, I will at least already be read and prepared for the lectures on those subjects. I understand having to know this basic information, just was feeling kind of confused as to why nothing more challenging was being introduced yet. These accelerated programs definitely keep you busy though. We have had 7 tests, 1 quiz, and 1 assignment already and only in our 3rd week LOL. Once again, I appreciate your taking the time to reply to me :)

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I also have a BA and thought the subjects a little easy. Guess i was expecting university standards but i was at a vocational program (ROP). Where is ur program? Toward the end i started to be over it all and didnt try my best. This happened with maternity and peds which i dont care for. Guess i got burned out a little. Be careful of feeling to comfortable with where u are at. It could quickly change.

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Specializes in Emergency; med-surg; mat-child.

I think it depends on whether or not you have to have a CNA background. If you don't, they're going to cover all of that first. If you do, it's assumed knowledge and they'll start accordingly.

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I finished an LPN program (a 1+1 program), and pretty much for the first few weeks it was all common sense (CNA work) issues! It will pick up and you will learn more. However, with an LPN, the scope of practice is much less than a RN. My program is a LPN program for the first year and RN for the second, so we did have alot crammed down our throats, because they were preparing us for the second year to get our RN's. Everything you learn in LPN school will help you for when you start your RN program!! Just go with the flow and remember, you have a bigger picture of what you want! My first year wasnt hard for me at all, but I know why I had to learn all the info!

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The LPN program I did in 2007 was at a local community college. The LPN program I did prepares students to bridge to an RN degree. I only need two more classes to have my RN degree now, since getting my LPN diploma there. I think the first half of nursing school there was basically how you describe it. It was just learning basic care, how to talk to people, etc. It did have some other stuff combined as well though, such as sterile technique, how to put on gloves, etc. I think we may have learned to give a shot too. I guess every school is different as well as every instructor! lol

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Specializes in ALF/SNF.

I thought the same thing at the beginning of my program. I was very annoyed with the first semester, but it will get better... just hang in there. The pace will pick up, just read ahead and take in all you can, because it will turn into a fast paced roller coaster!!!!!

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Thank you all very much for the responses! I feel much better now knowing that I was not the only one feeling this way. I am glad to know that it will pick up and the more technical information will be forthcoming. We started to get into some more technical information this week and the following week will also be more technical. I can see why they would have us learn the CNA type duties for those people who have no CNA experience as one person mentioned. Also, as LPNs we learned that you often time will be delegating duties to a CNA and so you have to know how to do their duties properly so you can teach/evaluate them if needed. Thanks again for all the responses. Anything else anyone has to share is, of course, greatly appreciated! :)

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Mine is at a vocational school as well.

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