Your experince while in LPN School

jmartin15 · Jul 14, 2014

The program I went through was 12 months. So my experience was hard but overall good. I'm a single parent and had to work part time, it's doable! Make sure you take notes!!!! Make notecards ya day yada. I would suggest not missing any class. Do those practice nclex questions starting NOW. Try different methods of studying and go with the one that works great for you. I do not recommend "study groups", every one learns in diff ways. Study lab values, medications, signs and symptoms when ever you can ( meaning daily) Stay optimistic. Don't freak out when you see a failing grade - it happens! GET ENOUGH REST. Most of all Have faith ! You'll do great. Good luck.

pnkgirl25 · Jul 14, 2014

I completed a 10 month program. It was brutal towards the end but overall all tolerable. The hardest part for me was not the school itself but the stresses I had to deal with while in school. I was a single mom and since my program was Monday-Friday 7am-3pm during class room at 6am-3pm during clinical weeks it was VERY hard to find child care and very hard for me to work and bring in money. I spent most of the program stressing about who was going to watch my kid, how I was going to pay my bills etc. The actual book work was not hard.

Study when you can (flash cards and youtube will be your best friend). Work on building your support system if you have kids or are single

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Jul 14, 2014

Unlike in Canada, most LPN/LVN programs here in the US are one-year certificate or diploma programs. While there are a few PN programs that result in conferral of an associate of applied science degree in practical nursing upon graduation, most PN programs here are shorter than the ones offered in Canada.

I completed a 12-month LVN program in California in 2005 at age 24. I did not work, and instead, lived off unemployment compensation and whatever money was left in my savings account.

Mewsin · Jul 15, 2014

Congratulations on getting accepted.

I'm a Canadian pn student. I have 3 months left once we come back from summer vacation. The last year and a half has been intense. Its hard to even describe it. I take notes but don't make note cards. You need to know the material not memorize it. Don't miss class if at all possible.

NewbyLPN · Jul 17, 2014

Nursing schooling whether it's RN or LPN will always be hard. It takes hardwork, dedication, discipline and of course, passion for you to be a successful student. My experiences were crazy, but I'll share you what I have learned throughout nursing school.

1) DON'T PROCRASTINATE! Don't say, "I'll do it later, tomorrow, or this weekend." Be ahead of the game!

2) ORGANIZE! Don't be a mess. Have your notes, pens, HIGHLIGHTERS, books, stethoscope, tape recorder etc already prepared. Orderliness is a must! It'll help you get focused when things are organized and ready.

3) USE A CALENDAR OR AN ORGANIZER AND WRITE DOWN ALL THE DUE DATES ETC. This will help you be prepared for upcoming quizzes, tests, exams, and you can prioritize which one should be done first!

4) OF COURSE, STUDYYYY!!! Read ahead so you don't get confused when lecture in class comes. Trust me, it will help save you some confusion in class. Don't just memorize unless it's lab values etc. If it doesn't make sense, then don't be afraid to ask. Research about that topic, watch it on youtube for visual, use nursing cartoons & notecards for memorization, and have study groups if this learning style helps you. You gotta understand it because memorizing isn't going to help you get through NCLEX exam. Plus, you would want to be a knowledgeable nurse right?!

5) PARTICIPATE IN CLASS! Instructors like students who participate in class discussions.

6) EAT FOODS HIGH IN PROTEIN LESS SWEETS, BUT DRINK PLENTY OF WATER! Believe me, you're focus will skyrocket! I remember eating chili beans from Wendys that one morning and boy...my attention in class was wayyyyy better. I didn't fall sleepy in class, as usual lol (LONG HOURSSS plus wrong and unhealthy snacks. Food coma). SO pack up some high protein foods! Stay hydrated tooo!!!!

7) ENJOY LEARNING! This will only motivate you to learn more. Be HUNGRY for knowledge. Easy to say right, but it's nursing. It's never going to be easy anyways so why add to the drama?! Good luck and hope these lil tips will help you out!

Have faith in yourself and if your the type who prays, then remember this....PREPARATION + PRAYERS = PASSING!!!

itsmejuli · Jul 17, 2014

Be prepared to dedicate 2 hours a day to studying