Hello! I am currently enrolled in a practical nursing program and I wanted to know if my medical background ( working with physicians and patients both in specialty offices and currently a hospital in a non-clinical setting, being quite familiar with medication names and usage, dosage abbreviations PO= to be taken orally, BID= to be taken twice a day, IM= to be taken intramuscular, medical terminology etc,) will make my nursing experience a little easier than perhaps my other fellow classmates? Sooooo many people tell me that they had to drop out of the nursing program once they got into their first semester because it was so demanding. I don't know if this is because they have no medical experience and are switching fields or what but I would just like to know what is so hard. I currently do not have any children but I am married. So far, I have an 'A' in both of my pre-req's. The biggest challenge for me has been trying to balance being a wife and doing all of my homework. I have gotten used to studying all the time and doing all of my hmw, even if I am up in the wee hours of the morning. But I have been able to do it and I am so proud of myself! You see, I am not what you call a traditional student. I have been out of High School for 6 years. This will be my second time going to college and I am much more motivated and determined. I currently work for a local hospital and my boss is quite supportive of my schooling. The hospital also pays for my education as long as I work at least part-time. I am going for the LPN program first because when I first went to college 6 years ago straight out of High School, all of the pre-req's required for the RN program seemed absolutely overwhelming and I thought it would take me forever just to make it thru those alone so after taking only one class and not being motivated whatsoever, I dropped out of college! To add to my frustration, many of my friends never finished their pursuit of a nursing degree either, they said it got too hard. To top it off, to this day I know people that have been in school for what seems like forever and they still aren't finished! So, realistically based on my individual circumstances, I must say that the LPN is much easier for me to do first as I only need 4 pre-req's and then I'm able to apply for my clinicals. Once I graduate as an LPN, I will be able to continue my employment at the hospital where I work considering that unlike most hospitals, they do hire LPN'S. I want to continue from there with a bridging program to get my RN. Not only will I have nursing experience, I will also have a job at the hospital. I am so sick and tired of working these 9-5 dead end jobs. I refuse to settle on 'just' being a receptionist or whatever. I am too smart for that ! I love people (sometimes) and being a nurse runs thru my veins just like my blood. It's been my desire for so very long. Learning about the anatomy and physiology of the human body absolutely fascinates me. I enjoyed A&P in High School. I asked lots and lots of questions as I am very inquisitive when it comes to science and i even sat in the front row ( i know im such a nerd:) If I haven't said it enough, I am madly in love with science. If this helps any, my mother is also a nurse, she is an RN. My grandmother is a retired LPN. I plan on working FT while I complete my pre-req's and then PT while I complete my LPN clinicals so that I can continue to receive my education reimbursement from the hospital. Sorry for all of the info, just want to make sure you have enough background info on me. Please tell me what you think! Will nursing school be hard for me?
