still wanting to be a nurse after failing twice in an RN program

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hi, I'm in my third year of classes at a local community college. I have wanted to work in the medical field for as long as I can remember. Our college has an RN program so I worked to meet all the requirements to get in and was accepted. I struggled in fundamentals and was on remediation about every time I turned around. By the grace of God, I made it through. I began medical surgical nursing this semester but just crumbled. I was so nervous, the teacher again had me on remediation. I was getting very upset and stressed out, depressed because I knew it was over and ultimately it was. I'm still taking other classes and plan to graduate with a general studies degree in December of this year. I'm just bored and frustrated now. I feel like I tried so hard but just blew it. I was prepared for clinical, did my paperwork, knew my meds, and was doing ok in the class. I felt very intimidated by the instructor and became anxious when she asked questions that I just didn't know the answers to. I was not even enjoying what

I was doing because of being tortured like that. And the staff didn't help either. I couldn't even talk to another student without the teacher having her sonar ears pointed in my direction! Nonetheless I am in a career planning class to explore other options. I have applied to an LPN school. The counselor at school doesn't think it's worth it because I'll probably not make it and they don't make alot of money. I'm working with OVR to set up funding to go and counseling. I just don't know what to do. Plus the school counselor wants me to get this general study degree but ridiculed my choices for courses. History and religion since they don't relate to nursing. I am getting my CNA license to get more experience in the healthcare setting. Does anyone have any ideas?

Never give up! Never, Never, Never.......... Well, your instructor's are there to make sure that you practice safe nursing. I too failed on my Med-Surg rotation as well as, two other student. One failed on her clinical got an A on her lecture but still has to repeat the whole course. You know sometimes you just have to get over the hump. It's like riding a bike when you were little--you crash a few times then get back on it. You never give up until you learn how to ride it. Same as nursing. And in the end after you graduate you will appreciate more because you made sacrifices. School give you fundamentals, clinicals give you practice but you alone can make your patient safe and cared for.

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Is it the instrictors not providing the info needed or you not receiving the info they are providing.

You must be able to answer that question to yourself truthfully before deciding what to do next.

If they are provinding instruction and you are not "getting it" LPN school will not likely be the place for you. LPN school is not easier than RN school.

LPN school does not include the more specific details involved in each topic (subject.)

Too many people think LPN school is a year spent learning how to empty a bedpan. It is not. I admit, I went to school in the mid 70s and all of our graduates (for many years running) passed boards in the 95th and above percentile so I am a bit biased. I do know several nurses who went to public school type LPN programs about the same time I went to school and they barely passed the boards.

Now, everybody think about this a minute or two. ADN programs consist of two 9 month school years. About 1/2 of of the courses taken are liberal arts/humanities/sciences. That means the ADN prepared nurse has had 9 months of nursing courses while the LPN has 12 months. BSN programs are simular in liberal arts/etc. to nursing courses. I agree liberal arts/humanities/sciences DO help you understand nursing classes more completely but are not required to understand the nursing courses for all of us.

As I said before, if it's the instructors not presenting the info, just change schools, not your objective. If you are not "getting" the info presented, LPN school would not likely be the answer to your problem.

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The previous poster had a good point about figuring out whether you are understanding the information presented or if it is not even presented in the first place. But I do object to the comment about ADN vs. LPN school. I'm in my first year at an ADN program right now (I'm finishing up this year), and I can definitely say that in these two years, there are no liberal arts or humanities courses that I am or are going to be taking. Most of my classmates did those courses before they started the program [2 years of prereqs (humanities, liberal arts, sciences-a&p, micro, math) and 2 years of nursing school = 4 years]. I completed most my G.E.s before my acceptance as well. The program does allow you to take some of your G.E.s while taking nursing courses, but most programs in my area do not, and that is why I chose to go to my school. I suspect that most programs don't allow you to have missing G.E. requirments, because you are taking nursing courses from start to finish, and they are not easy (many people fail). You are constantly studying, doing careplans, or in clinicals or taking an exam for two years straight (of course we get summer breaks). If LPNs got that much more education than ADN-RNs, than I would not be able to take the LPN boards and work as an LPN this summer (something that I'm considering). Also, there are bridge programs for LPNs to become RNs, because apparently colleges recognize that LPNs need more training to do an RN's job.

Is it the instrictors not providing the info needed or you not receiving the info they are providing.

You must be able to answer that question to yourself truthfully before deciding what to do next.

If they are provinding instruction and you are not "getting it" LPN school will not likely be the place for you. LPN school is not easier than RN school.

LPN school does not include the more specific details involved in each topic (subject.)

Too many people think LPN school is a year spent learning how to empty a bedpan. It is not. I admit, I went to school in the mid 70s and all of our graduates (for many years running) passed boards in the 95th and above percentile so I am a bit biased. I do know several nurses who went to public school type LPN programs about the same time I went to school and they barely passed the boards.

Now, everybody think about this a minute or two. ADN programs consist of two 9 month school years. About 1/2 of of the courses taken are liberal arts/humanities/sciences. That means the ADN prepared nurse has had 9 months of nursing courses while the LPN has 12 months. BSN programs are simular in liberal arts/etc. to nursing courses. I agree liberal arts/humanities/sciences DO help you understand nursing classes more completely but are not required to understand the nursing courses for all of us.

As I said before, if it's the instructors not presenting the info, just change schools, not your objective. If you are not "getting" the info presented, LPN school would not likely be the answer to your problem.

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The previous poster had a good point about figuring out whether you are understanding the information presented or if it is not even presented in the first place. But I do object to the comment about ADN vs. LPN school. I'm in my first year at an ADN program right now (I'm finishing up this year), and I can definitely say that in these two years, there are no liberal arts or humanities courses that I am or are going to be taking. Most of my classmates did those courses before they started the program [2 years of prereqs (humanities, liberal arts, sciences-a&p, micro, math) and 2 years of nursing school = 4 years]. I completed most my G.E.s before my acceptance as well. The program does allow you to take some of your G.E.s while taking nursing courses, but most programs in my area do not, and that is why I chose to go to my school. I suspect that most programs don't allow you to have missing G.E. requirments, because you are taking nursing courses from start to finish, and they are not easy (many people fail). You are constantly studying, doing careplans, or in clinicals or taking an exam for two years straight (of course we get summer breaks). If LPNs got that much more

education than ADN-RNs, than I would not be able to take the LPN boards and work as an LPN this summer (something that I'm considering). Also, there are bridge programs for LPNs to become RNs, because apparently colleges recognize that LPNs need more training to do an RN's job.

I've already stated that these are the two programs I compared. Your program might very well be different. 20 or 25 years ago there was a movement in Ohio to make BSN and above Professional Nurses. ADN and LPN Vocational Nurses. This has not happened and that may be in part because ADN programs beefed up their programs. I am sure I did make the comparrison stating that I went to school over 30 years ago. If I did not I apologize. I did a very large portion of the ADN program that I am talking about. Family responsibilities prevented me from finishing. I still want to go on...it's a money thing. Why make what I make when I can do the exact same job for 5 bucks more on the hour? (I work in pediatric home care. Venti kids. I simply do not ask to take shifts with kids who have a c-line - the only thing in my job different between RN and LPN.)

Anyway. I have noticed that RNs get very very upset when LPNs even suggest that some of us are a bright and well educated as they are. A person learns what they want to learn, when they want to learn it. Educational facilities only present a place for doing it.

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I totally agree. I apologize if I came off harsh or offensive. That was not my intention, at all. You are right in that people will only learn as much as they desire. But believe me when I say, I am not one to believe that LPNs are not educated, they better be if they are going to take care of me :) . But I do believe that they learned as much as they want to learn, and if they so desire, they will continue their education. In my previous post I just wanted to clarify for future readers that they'll be in for a nice surprise if all they think they have to do is 2 years of education to become an RN.

I've already stated that these are the two programs I compared. Your program might very well be different. 20 or 25 years ago there was a movement in Ohio to make BSN and above Professional Nurses. ADN and LPN Vocational Nurses. This has not happened and that may be in part because ADN programs beefed up their programs. I am sure I did make the comparrison stating that I went to school over 30 years ago. If I did not I apologize. I did a very large portion of the ADN program that I am talking about. Family responsibilities prevented me from finishing. I still want to go on...it's a money thing. Why make what I make when I can do the exact same job for 5 bucks more on the hour? (I work in pediatric home care. Venti kids. I simply do not ask to take shifts with kids who have a c-line - the only thing in my job different between RN and LPN.)

Anyway. I have noticed that RNs get very very upset when LPNs even suggest that some of us are a bright and well educated as they are. A person learns what they want to learn, when they want to learn it. Educational facilities only present a place for doing it.

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Specializes in Critical Care / Psychiatry.
hi, I'm in my third year of classes at a local community college. I have wanted to work in the medical field for as long as I can remember. Our college has an RN program so I worked to meet all the requirements to get in and was accepted. I struggled in fundamentals and was on remediation about every time I turned around. By the grace of God, I made it through. I began medical surgical nursing this semester but just crumbled. I was so nervous, the teacher again had me on remediation. I was getting very upset and stressed out, depressed because I knew it was over and ultimately it was. I'm still taking other classes and plan to graduate with a general studies degree in December of this year. I'm just bored and frustrated now. I feel like I tried so hard but just blew it. I was prepared for clinical, did my paperwork, knew my meds, and was doing ok in the class. I felt very intimidated by the instructor and became anxious when she asked questions that I just didn't know the answers to. I was not even enjoying what

I was doing because of being tortured like that. And the staff didn't help either. I couldn't even talk to another student without the teacher having her sonar ears pointed in my direction! Nonetheless I am in a career planning class to explore other options. I have applied to an LPN school. The counselor at school doesn't think it's worth it because I'll probably not make it and they don't make alot of money. I'm working with OVR to set up funding to go and counseling. I just don't know what to do. Plus the school counselor wants me to get this general study degree but ridiculed my choices for courses. History and religion since they don't relate to nursing. I am getting my CNA license to get more experience in the healthcare setting. Does anyone have any ideas?

Sounds like this school is screwy. One bad teacher can ruin it for someone just like you. Don't get down! Keep on trying, keep on studying, keep on pursuing. It will feel so wonderful when you've graduated and you are a nurse and imagine then if one of your patients is one of these administrative goons. :chuckle

Shel

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If nursing is what you want to do, dont ever let anyone tell you you cant do it. You can do anything you set your mind to. I would try at another school instead of the one you are at now. It sounds like they are not student advocates there. It is your choice, but remember you will never be happy unless you finish RN school. And you will always wonder what would have been different if you had gone back to RN school. You can do it, I know you can. Good Luck in whatever you choose:)

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I think that momx2 say's it best. Not much anyone can add to that

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you know what--they should not be in their profession if they discourage you...

I was thinking the same thing. :angryfire KEEP TRYING !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You will succeed in the end. Be confident ! :p

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hi, I'm in my third year of classes at a local community college. I have wanted to work in the medical field for as long as I can remember. Our college has an RN program so I worked to meet all the requirements to get in and was accepted. I struggled in fundamentals and was on remediation about every time I turned around. By the grace of God, I made it through. I began medical surgical nursing this semester but just crumbled. I was so nervous, the teacher again had me on remediation. I was getting very upset and stressed out, depressed because I knew it was over and ultimately it was. I'm still taking other classes and plan to graduate with a general studies degree in December of this year. I'm just bored and frustrated now. I feel like I tried so hard but just blew it. I was prepared for clinical, did my paperwork, knew my meds, and was doing ok in the class. I felt very intimidated by the instructor and became anxious when she asked questions that I just didn't know the answers to. I was not even enjoying what

I was doing because of being tortured like that. And the staff didn't help either. I couldn't even talk to another student without the teacher having her sonar ears pointed in my direction! Nonetheless I am in a career planning class to explore other options. I have applied to an LPN school. The counselor at school doesn't think it's worth it because I'll probably not make it and they don't make alot of money. I'm working with OVR to set up funding to go and counseling. I just don't know what to do. Plus the school counselor wants me to get this general study degree but ridiculed my choices for courses. History and religion since they don't relate to nursing. I am getting my CNA license to get more experience in the healthcare setting. Does anyone have any ideas?

I agree with most everyone else, go for LPN and see where it takes you. Try another school maybe they have better counselors that will encourage you instead of discouraging you.

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hi, I'm in my third year of classes at a local community college. I have wanted to work in the medical field for as long as I can remember. Our college has an RN program so I worked to meet all the requirements to get in and was accepted. I struggled in fundamentals and was on remediation about every time I turned around. By the grace of God, I made it through. I began medical surgical nursing this semester but just crumbled. I was so nervous, the teacher again had me on remediation. I was getting very upset and stressed out, depressed because I knew it was over and ultimately it was. I'm still taking other classes and plan to graduate with a general studies degree in December of this year. I'm just bored and frustrated now. I feel like I tried so hard but just blew it. I was prepared for clinical, did my paperwork, knew my meds, and was doing ok in the class. I felt very intimidated by the instructor and became anxious when she asked questions that I just didn't know the answers to. I was not even enjoying what

I was doing because of being tortured like that. And the staff didn't help either. I couldn't even talk to another student without the teacher having her sonar ears pointed in my direction! Nonetheless I am in a career planning class to explore other options. I have applied to an LPN school. The counselor at school doesn't think it's worth it because I'll probably not make it and they don't make alot of money. I'm working with OVR to set up funding to go and counseling. I just don't know what to do. Plus the school counselor wants me to get this general study degree but ridiculed my choices for courses. History and religion since they don't relate to nursing. I am getting my CNA license to get more experience in the healthcare setting. Does anyone have any ideas?

Hey girl. my name is sara and im not exactly having the same problem as you but its kinda the same. please dont give up. im doing my pre-reqs for a nursing program(RN) right now and terrified about not getting in.

i may go for the LPN route. im going to apply for both LPN and RN. i am not going into the field for money. so LPN to RN, isnt bad. if you care for people, no matter what you do will make you feel good. my Aunt was an LPN first. she is currently a nurse practitioner. that took a lot of work. she said the best thing she EVER did was get experience as an LPN before RN school. basically just get your foot in the door.

i am currently, "getting my foot in the door" im working at a hospital as a nurse technician, they trained me for it for free. just being in the setting seems to help. its in a way encouraging. to me hands on learning is the best!

GOOD LUCK!

if you wanna chat you can email me. [email protected]

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No my dear you are completely wrong when you say that the RN program only consists of 9 months of nsg courses while the LVN program has 12. It doesn't make sense. The California ADN program is 2 years in length AFTER finishing prerequisites (anatomy, physiology, microbiology, biology, chemistry, etc all 1 semester in length per subject). So taking that into account, it might take people up to 2 years for their prereqs plus 2 years of the RN program. The RN students take 2 years of strictly nursing courses and LVNs take 1 year of nursing courses. The following speaks for it self.

Here's the curriculum for both:

***Registered Nursing course sequence for students enrolling as of Fall 2002:

Prerequisites:

Micro 2

Eligibility for English 1A

Valid AHA CPR/Basic Life Support Card, Course, for health care provider.

Nutri 125 or Nutri 11

Psych 24

Required Non-nursing Courses:

English 1A

Speech 1

Humanities

Physo 2A or Anatomy 25

Physo 2B or Physo 1

Political Science and U.S. History or American Institutions 125

Critical Thinking (See Associate in Science Degree requirements, page 57)

It is recommended that the student complete as many of these non-nursing classes as possible prior to beginning the program.

Registered Nursing Curriculum

Requirements for the Certificate of Achievement:

Registered Nursing course sequence for students enrolling as of Fall 2002:

Sequence to be followed:

Semester I

Semester II Semester III Semester IV (4 semesters or 2 yrs) Nurs 50

Nurs 51 Nurs 52 Nurs 53 Nurs 50L

Nurs 51L Nurs 52L Nurs 53L Nurs 137

Physo 2B Nurs 138

or Physo 1

Physo 2A

or Anat 25

Recommended electives:

Nurs 136, 200, 202, 211, 215

Anat 110

MA 109, 115

***Vocational Nursing Curriculum

Requirements for the Certificate of Achievement:

Sequence must be followed:

Prerequisites:

Nurs 137*

Nurs 103 or a valid CNA Certificate

Nutri 11 or 125*

Psych 102*

Valid AHA CPR/Basic Life Support Card, Course-C

*It is recommended that students take these courses and Physo 100 during the year prior to enrollment in the program. Completion of these courses will also enhance likelihood of acceptance to the program.

(Following sequence effective Fall 2003.)

Semester I

Winter Intersession Semester II Summer Session II (takes 1 yr) Nurs 108A

Nurs 108B Nurs 123B Nurs 127 Nurs 123A

Nurs 126 Nurs 127L Nurs 125

Nurs 126L Nurs 125L

**OOPS didnt see your following post. can't delete. but anyhow, i dont think anyone said that LVN's aren't bright, did they? my cousin is an LVN and doing quite well thank you. she is now in the process of completing her prereqs for the rn program. good luck to the first poster!! just keep at it.

Is it the instrictors not providing the info needed or you not receiving the info they are providing.

You must be able to answer that question to yourself truthfully before deciding what to do next.

If they are provinding instruction and you are not "getting it" LPN school will not likely be the place for you. LPN school is not easier than RN school.

LPN school does not include the more specific details involved in each topic (subject.)

Too many people think LPN school is a year spent learning how to empty a bedpan. It is not. I admit, I went to school in the mid 70s and all of our graduates (for many years running) passed boards in the 95th and above percentile so I am a bit biased. I do know several nurses who went to public school type LPN programs about the same time I went to school and they barely passed the boards.

Now, everybody think about this a minute or two. ADN programs consist of two 9 month school years. About 1/2 of of the courses taken are liberal arts/humanities/sciences. That means the ADN prepared nurse has had 9 months of nursing courses while the LPN has 12 months. BSN programs are simular in liberal arts/etc. to nursing courses. I agree liberal arts/humanities/sciences DO help you understand nursing classes more completely but are not required to understand the nursing courses for all of us.

As I said before, if it's the instructors not presenting the info, just change schools, not your objective. If you are not "getting" the info presented, LPN school would not likely be the answer to your problem.

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