Starting LPN School on June 30th what to expect.

Published

So I will be starting An LPN 15 month associate degree program on June 30th. Orientation is the 25th. I am really excited but also very nervous because I don't know what to expect. I started college two years ago and went from a Pre-Med Major to Psychology to Criminal Justice and now back to Nursing, hopefully this time around works out. Im scared for the Anatomy classes, first college biology class i took i failed and wasn't this hard. Any tips from people who have done the program or graduates. What helped you during school that made you successful?? When and how did you start preparing for The NCLEX. Any feedback will be appreciated. Also anyone here going to ATA College ?? In louisville, maybe ill meet some classmates before orientation!!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I didn't worry about NCLEX to the very end. I completed a 12 month program. Main thing is staying focused. Nursing school is different from regular school. I have a BS in Mass Communication. You have to study long hours and quickly figure out which method works best for you. I googled a NCLEX PN prep class. Yes they exisit! I took Sylvia Rayfield prep course best money I ever spent. If you don't have to work then don't. Good luck!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I have 3 months remaining in my 13 month LVN course. Every now and then I do some nclex questions online or on this app on my phone. But other than that I don't really have any extra time to solely focus on Nclex because I'm so busy trying to pass my classes. We will do all our nclex preparation during our last term. You have to stay focused, study, study, study and make sure you get a really high grade on your first couple of exams so that by the time the final comes around you're not pulling your hair out.... as much. Nursing school is the hardest thing I have ever done. But it is do-able. I wish you the best of luck.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I will be starting the LPN program at ATA college June 30th as well. I am one of the only boys in the class.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I am taking A&P I now!! YES! During the summer which is accelerated! Ugh! Tips: You actually need to KNOW this stuff not just memorize it so study things thoroughly. Also, there are some AWESOME videos on youtube that I use to help me learn muscles, bones, skull (didnt know there were so many bones in the skull...22!) I use MrFordsClass and Dr Fabian-screenname lochness128. Their videos are very detailed and tell you just what you need to know. I also have a Pinterest account and have a board with posters and images just for nursing!! I am a visual learner to all that helps!! Also, try these....Anatomy & Physiology Made Incredibly Easy! You can order that book on Amazon...they also have Incredibly visual which is like a coloring book!! I just had my first lab practical and it was INTENSE! I got an 80 but my teacher said the average score was a D! Yikes! I hope this helps and good luck!! :up:

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I've got a few tips!

Have a schedule and swear by it. When you get projects that are due a month or two from when the teacher assigned it, pick at it and do not leave it for the very end. I was guilty of that ;) If you are unsure about a skill or procedure, don't hesitate to ask. Some teachers may chastise you for asking questions but at least you're asking and not just doing without guidance.

Regarding the NCLEX: if you pass nursing school, you will most likely pass your NCLEX. When I heard that, I said yeah right..but once I sat for the NCLEX, I was like..."are you kidding me? I freaked out for nothing!" No matter what anyone tells you, you'll probably have nerves when it's NCLEX time. It's totally natural.

When I was in LPN school, the teacher told us (at the very end of the semester) that her tests were harder and covered way more content than the NCLEX. So in essence, most of us were pretty over prepared. We had one person fail their NCLEX and that's only because English was their second language and there was a comprehension barrier. When the time comes for test taking, you want to focus on the content of the questions, how to comprehend what it's really asking you, and to make sure you don't over analyze (this also seems like a contradiction considering how you'll be taught to analyze situations). You can know everything there is, but if you don't know what the questions is asking you, what good is it?

Don't give up on yourself and don't let anyone tell you that you can't do this or questions why you're doing this. Some instructors or nurses you'll shadow in clinical will get mad at you or seem annoyed but just keep this in mind: they were just where you were when they started their nursing journey. Document all that you do because if anything goes awry, you will have written proof which precedes what you say when a mistake happens. If you get a wacky blood pressure, double check it before you ask the instructor because most likely they will ask you if you got a second reading.

Stay strong and good luck. If you go into school with passion, a good work ethic, and your goal in mind, you will be ahead of many in your class. And if you ever get discouraged just tell yourself: when this is all over, I'm going to be a nurse. :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion