What To Expect In Nursing School LVN | LPN Programs | LPN | LVN Training [MY EXPERIENCE]
TLDRIn this video, Justine, a mom of three and an LVN in California, shares her journey through nursing school, the challenges of balancing work and study, and her transition from a full-time job to becoming a licensed vocational nurse. She discusses her program's structure, the support from her peers, and her successful NCLEX exam experience. Justine also talks about the process of renewing her license and her career progression to a dermatology nurse, offering insights and encouragement to aspiring LVNs.
Takeaways
- π The speaker, Justine, is a mom of three and works as an LVN (Licensed Vocational Nurse) in California.
- π« She initially aimed to become an RN but switched to LVN due to personal circumstances and the shorter program duration.
- π Justine found nursing prerequisites challenging while balancing full-time work and studying, especially due to the competitive nature of nursing programs.
- π₯ She chose an LVN program over a more expensive and time-consuming RN program, citing the need for a stable job to support her family.
- π§ͺ Before entering the LVN program, Justine had to complete a five-week CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) class as a prerequisite.
- π The LVN program she attended was 15 months long, with a flexible schedule that included weekdays and every other weekend for clinicals.
- π Justine found the LVN program easier than expected and passed the NCLEX (Nurse Licensing Exam) on her first attempt.
- π Her LVN program also included an IV certification course, which is usually an additional cost.
- π After graduating in December 2017, Justine took a few months to prepare for her NCLEX and began her LVN job search.
- π Once she started looking for LVN positions, she was hired within two weeks and began working at a nursing home.
- π Justine now works full-time as a dermatology nurse in a clinic, which she finds more suitable for her family situation.
Q & A
Why did the speaker decide to become a nurse?
-The speaker decided to become a nurse after having her first child and realizing that her full-time job was not enough to support her child. She also had a long-standing interest in nursing but only took it seriously after becoming a mother.
What was the speaker's initial goal before considering LVN?
-The speaker's initial goal was to become an RN (Registered Nurse), but due to the competitive nature and long waitlists of nursing programs in California, she decided to pursue the LVN (Licensed Vocational Nurse) path instead.
How did the speaker manage to juggle her full-time job and nursing prerequisites?
-The speaker managed to juggle her full-time job and nursing prerequisites by taking classes at a junior college and prioritizing getting the best grades possible, as nursing programs are highly competitive.
What was the process like for the speaker to get into her LVN program?
-The process for the speaker to get into her LVN program involved taking a five-week CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) class as a prerequisite, applying for the program, and then going through an interview process where she was asked questions about herself and her motivations for becoming a nurse.
How long did the speaker's LVN program last and what was the schedule like?
-The speaker's LVN program lasted for 15 months and was not a full-time program. The schedule involved classes from eight or eight-thirty in the morning until around lunchtime, with clinicals every other weekend.
What was the speaker's experience like during her LVN program?
-The speaker found her LVN program to be easier than expected. It was not considered a full-time program, and she had the opportunity to stay in class for additional study and homework hours. She passed her NCLEX exam on the first attempt.
How long did it take the speaker to get her first nursing job after graduation?
-It took the speaker about six months to get her first nursing job after graduation. This timeline was influenced by her desire to stay working at her full-time job while in nursing school and her wait for a permanent position to open up.
What additional certification did the speaker receive with her LVN program?
-The speaker received an IV (Intravenous) certification along with her LVN license, which is typically not included and would require separate payment in other programs.
How does the speaker describe her current nursing role?
-The speaker currently works full-time as a dermatology nurse in a dermatology office, which she finds to be a better fit for her situation, especially with having children.
What advice does the speaker have for those interested in becoming an LVN?
-The speaker encourages those interested in becoming an LVN to pursue it, stating that it is totally worth it and not a bad option, even in 2021. She also encourages those who can pursue an RN to do so.
How does the speaker manage her time for creating YouTube content?
-The speaker manages her time for creating YouTube content by taking advantage of moments when her children are at school or otherwise occupied, as she is also a mother of three and has a busy schedule.
Outlines
π Introduction and Nursing School Journey
The speaker begins by apologizing for the video angle and introduces herself as Justine, a mom of three and an LVN in California. She discusses her nursing school experience and the challenges of balancing full-time work with her studies. Initially aiming for an RN program, she faced long waitlists and high costs, leading her to choose an LVN program. Justine shares her decision-making process, the need for prerequisites, and her transition from a full-time job to pursuing a nursing career. She emphasizes the competitiveness of nursing programs and the importance of good grades for program admission.
π LVN Program Experience and Study Intensity
Justine describes her LVN program as less intense than a full-time commitment, with classes from eight or eight-thirty until lunchtime and the option to stay for additional study. She notes the diversity of her classmates, including moms and older women. She found the program easier than expected and managed to pass the NCLEX on her first attempt. Justine also mentions the inclusion of an IV certification course in her program, which was a valuable addition to her license. She shares her experience of renewing her license and the requirement of continuing education units (CEUs) for subsequent renewals.
π₯ Job Search and Transition to LVN Position
Justine discusses her job search process after graduation, highlighting that it took her six months to secure her first nursing job due to her initial preference to stay at her mental health clinic position. She eventually found a job in a nursing home and shares her experience of transitioning from full-time work during nursing school to her new role. She also mentions her current job as a dermatology nurse and encourages viewers to pursue their nursing dreams, whether as an LVN or RN, and to explore local LVN programs that suit their needs.
Mindmap
Keywords
π‘Nursing School
π‘LVN (Licensed Vocational Nurse)
π‘Prerequisites
π‘Clinicals
π‘NCLEX
π‘Job Search
π‘Certifications
π‘License Renewal
π‘Work-Life Balance
π‘Career Change
π‘Educational Challenges
Highlights
Apology for the video angle due to seeing a double chin
Justine shares her nursing school experience
She is a mom of three and works as an LVN in California
Discusses her LVN program and requirements
Mention of the competitive nature of nursing programs in California
Challenge of working full-time and attending school for prerequisites
Transition from aiming to be an RN to becoming an LVN
Description of the LVN program duration and schedule
Justine's surprise at the ease of the program and passing the NCLEX on the first attempt
Inclusion of an IV certification course in her program
Explanation of the license renewal process for LVNs in California
Timeline from graduation to taking the NCLEX and getting the first nursing job
Initial job in a nursing home before moving to a dermatology office
Encouragement for those interested in becoming an LVN
Advice on finding LVN programs in one's area
Personal update on her children returning to school
Transcripts
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