1 week in and stressed out

Hi all!

So, I finished my first week of an LPN program that lasts 11 months. I had originally wanted to do an ADN but they are very particular with accepting so I thought that this would be good for now. Let me tell you I am so overwhelmed. Does it EVER get easier? When did some of you get into a routine and find it doable and feel more confidence ?

If you're overwhelmed already then you're doing it right.

It will get easier - for a bit. Then things will change and you'll have to adapt. You're going to get really good at this and nothing will faze you. Good luck!

It's normal.

I can't say it gets easier, but you adjust. It can still be overwhelming and stressful, but it'll feel different.

Last fall when I started another program, it was the first time I was in school in several years. I remember feeling very overwhelmed just after orientation. The day following my first night I found myself in the parking lot of my husband's work sobbing telling him I was too stupid to be able to do this and that I'd rather drop out than fail out.

I pushed through. After about 3 weeks, it started becoming routine. I started knowing what to expect, adjusting to the instructors, adjusting to the way they tested/quizzed, etc. I found out more effective study habits. It was still a lot of hard work and still overwhelming, but it how you perceive it changes as you begin to adjust.

You may have re-adjustment periods throughout the program as you change classes and/or instructors, but you'll readjust again.

It'll probably always be stressful, but I think that's just the nature of the program. The difference is that you learn how to manage and handle that stress.

Thank you !