Week 7 of LPN School

So, we're at the beginning of week 7 out of a 10 week term. We started our clinicals two weeks ago which is only once a week for this term, and really, there's not much to them so far. Vitals, baths and beds for ONE patient only. Having been an aide for 6 years, this is really super easy. The classroom work on the other hand is a bit of a challenge, in spite of having a lot of this stuff before from prior college classes. We got our midterms today and I'm in the high "B" range in A&P and Nursing, but getting a high "D" in Pharm. The Pharm class consists of a lot of math, which I didn't think would be a problem since I took 5 semesters of math in college and got A's. But something about the apothocary system totally throws me off. Today we had a test on dosage calculations and I think I did well because all the practice tests I took I did really well on. So, fingers crossed that this test will be the boost I need. I spend SO much time studying. It's a challenge. And I don't get enough sleep so at times I get sleepy in class, which I hate. I've really learned to budget my time, spending my lunch hour in the library working and studying rather than going out to lunch. That way I don't have as much to do when I get home at night and I CAN get to bed at a decent hour. I really am going to work hard these next few weeks to get my grades up, especially the Pharm because I am NOT repeating it! I just need to buckle down and do it.

All in all, it's been a good experience so far. It's a HUGE difference from college classes thats for sure. The only thing I think should be stressed a little more is professionalism. Some people really have no clue as to how to act professionally, and to me, that's a huge part of nursing. Your language and tone of voice and choice of words really matter. I'm not perfect, but I at least try to be careful of what I say and how it comes across, especially to my instructors. I may not agree always with them, but they're in charge, I'm not. So, until I am, then my job is to follow directions. Many of my classmates just don't get that. Oh well. I'm worrying about myself right now, and not anyone else.

Hope everyone else who is just starting out is doing well too! We can do this!!