Quiting LPN School

[LovelyOverload]

Hi! I really need some advice. I'm currently taking 14 hours at a community college and I'm in a self-paced LPN program. I started the program about a month ago I'm not doing to well. I'm not sure if its because of the fact that Ive never had to teach myself or if the textbook is just poorly written or lack of instruction.

On top of the program being self taught my grades are dropping (an 80% is a C in this program) in the program and my college courses and I feel like I'm being tested over random terms. The teachers don't even know the answers to my questions -One of the instructors asked my classmates for help because she didn't know the answer to the question I had.

I have to take med terms again even though I took it at a community college and got a B and I am also taking a&p and when I'm finished with that I have to take a comprehensive final just to get out of 120 hrs of a&p.

The program director and and one of the instructors told me I need make the program a bigger priority over my 14 college credit hours. I totally disagree with that because half of the classes I'm taking will benefit my nursing career later on. My ultimate career goal is to earn my BSN. If I decide to quite the program my grades at vo-tech wont matter because turning in a transcript from them is not required and wont count for any credit but my grades at Rose will follow me forever.

I've looked into other LPN programs near me but they only accept students in august. So my only options would be to continue in the program I'm in now without any real instruction and drag down my 14 credit hr grades or quit and maybe become a CNA and work until I get accepted into RN school or a LPN school that gives lectures?? What should I do?

[agldragonRN]

which one is your priority?

to be an lpn then pursue your rn. or taking the other classes for bsn?

it seems like you have so much on your plate so i suggest you pick one and focus on that one so that you can devote your 100% time on it and be successful.

angel

[Ivanna_Nurse, BSN, RN]

I thought that nsg school was hard enough with lectures...I cant fathom doing it all alone with no lecture. Is there a chance that your classes wont transfer for a BSN? If that is the case and that is your goal, those grades not transfering is something to think about. Maybe you can talk to a career counselor at the school. Hope you find what works for you. ~Ivanna

[DogWmn]

Aside from having way too much on your plate, you might be better off with a more traditional school. ANY nursing school is going to be hard and a "self study" one you would have to be very motivated to study ask any EC grad or just read some of their threads.

Also, you mentioned "random" questions. It sounds like your school might be using critical thinking type questions.

You've pretty much answered your own question about what would be best for you. Your not doing well in the program your in and appear to need a more structured environment. No matter where you go to nursing school it will be hard, demanding many many hours of study.

good luck

[CandyGyrl1985]

I agree with the other posters.

If I were you - I would PICK ONE AREA of priority and focus there. If you are just getting your LPN so you can work while you get your BSN - I would consider being a CNA instead so it doesnt lower the grades of your priority area. BUT if you are doing LPN so you can bridge - I would focus on LPN... Since you cant bridge to RN without first acheiving LPN...

Just narrow down your goals into steps and take one step at a time.

[pagandeva2000, LPN]

It sounds like you are spread too thin. As others have mentioned, either pick one or the other. I have never heard of a self paced practical nursing program, but I can say if you have had NO medical background, studying this way may be a bit more difficult because there is no experience to correlate it to your coursework.

To me, your choices depend upon the availability of RN programs in your area, if there are waiting lists (and if so, how long would you be waiting), the availability of LPN positions in your area, etc.

I also believe that the questions you are experiencing during your exams are asking you to critically think. Nursing school exams are far different from most traditional courses...their questions can be sort of way out there and take some getting used to. I do believe what once you pick your focus (whatever that will be), it will be easier to focus because there won't be as many self imposed distractors. Good luck!

[knaussie]

Focus. Nursing school is hard enough. And you have to take into consideration your learning style. I NEED in-class instruction...it would be very difficult for me to be successful without lecture. But everyone is different. Just make a desicion and focus on that. One thing at a time! What is the rush for the BSN if you are still working on your LPN?

[LovelyOverload]

Also, you mentioned "random" questions. It sounds like your school might be using critical thinking type questions.

No they weren't critical thinking questions they were asking questions on material that wasn't covered in the chapters we were being tested over. I had to challenge those questions. I was given credit for them but I don't feel I should have to do that on every other test.

[LovelyOverload]

I did decided to withdraw from the program and apply to a traditional program in the fall and work as CNA in the meantime. Thanks for the advice. It was greatly appreciated!

[SuesquatchRN, BSN, RN]

Good luck, Me'Chelle.

[laureng]

I had a ? to your post...what self paced LPN program were you attending? Did it happen to be Canadian Valley Vo Tech? They have a self paced program there and was just curious...

[caliotter3]

When I tried pulling stuff like you are doing, everything was fine as long as things went smoothly. Then when I hit a life glitch, I lost it all. I highly suggest that you put something on hold and cut back to one major activity at a time. Better to be safe than very sorry.