What To Expect In Nursing School LVN | LPN Programs | LPN | LVN Training [MY EXPERIENCE]

Hey Justine
10 Mar 202113:43
EducationalLearning
32 Likes 10 Comments

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
  • πŸŽ“ The speaker, Justine, is a mom of three and works as an LVN (Licensed Vocational Nurse) in California.
  • 🏫 She initially aimed to become an RN but switched to LVN due to personal circumstances and the shorter program duration.
  • πŸ“š Justine found nursing prerequisites challenging while balancing full-time work and studying, especially due to the competitive nature of nursing programs.
  • πŸ₯ 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.
  • πŸ§ͺ Before entering the LVN program, Justine had to complete a five-week CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) class as a prerequisite.
  • πŸŽ“ The LVN program she attended was 15 months long, with a flexible schedule that included weekdays and every other weekend for clinicals.
  • πŸ“ˆ Justine found the LVN program easier than expected and passed the NCLEX (Nurse Licensing Exam) on her first attempt.
  • πŸ’‰ Her LVN program also included an IV certification course, which is usually an additional cost.
  • πŸ“† After graduating in December 2017, Justine took a few months to prepare for her NCLEX and began her LVN job search.
  • πŸ“ˆ Once she started looking for LVN positions, she was hired within two weeks and began working at a nursing home.
  • πŸ† 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
00:00
πŸŽ“ 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.

05:02
πŸ“š 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.

10:02
πŸ₯ 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
πŸ’‘Nursing School
Nursing School refers to an educational institution that provides professional nursing education. In the context of the video, the speaker shares her experience of attending nursing school to become a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN). She discusses the challenges and rewards of her nursing school experience, including the curriculum, clinicals, and the support she received from her teachers.
πŸ’‘LVN (Licensed Vocational Nurse)
An LVN, or Licensed Vocational Nurse, is a type of nurse who provides basic nursing care under the supervision of a Registered Nurse (RN) or a doctor. The video's speaker chose to become an LVN instead of an RN due to personal circumstances and the shorter, less expensive training program. She shares her experience of working as an LVN, including the types of jobs she has held and the benefits of her certification.
πŸ’‘Prerequisites
Prerequisites are courses or skills that a student must complete or possess before enrolling in a more advanced course or program. In the video, the speaker talks about the prerequisites required for her LVN program, such as completing certain classes and obtaining a CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant) certification.
πŸ’‘Clinicals
Clinicals refer to hands-on training experiences in actual healthcare settings, which are an essential part of nursing education. The speaker in the video discusses her clinical experiences as part of her LVN program, where she applied the knowledge and skills she learned in the classroom to real-world situations under supervision.
πŸ’‘NCLEX
The NCLEX, or National Council Licensure Examination, is a standardized test that nursing school graduates must pass to become licensed as nurses in the United States. The speaker in the video shares her experience of preparing for and taking the NCLEX, emphasizing its importance for becoming a licensed LVN.
πŸ’‘Job Search
Job search refers to the process of looking for employment opportunities. In the video, the speaker talks about her experience searching for a job as an LVN after graduation, highlighting the time it took her to find and secure a position in a nursing home.
πŸ’‘Certifications
Certifications are credentials that validate a nurse's acquired skills and knowledge in specific areas of nursing practice. The speaker in the video mentions receiving an IV certification as part of her LVN program, which added value to her nursing license and potentially improved her employability.
πŸ’‘License Renewal
License renewal is the process by which a nurse updates her nursing license to continue practicing legally. In the video, the speaker explains the license renewal process for LVNs and RNs in California, including the requirement of continuing education units (CEUs) after the first two years.
πŸ’‘Work-Life Balance
Work-life balance refers to the ability to maintain a healthy equilibrium between professional responsibilities and personal life. The speaker in the video discusses the importance of this balance, especially as a mother of three, and how her career choice as an LVN and later a dermatology nurse has impacted her family life.
πŸ’‘Career Change
Career change refers to the process of moving from one profession to another, often to pursue new opportunities or improve one's quality of life. The speaker in the video narrates her journey from working in a different field to becoming an LVN, driven by the need for a more stable and rewarding career to support her growing family.
πŸ’‘Educational Challenges
Educational challenges refer to difficulties faced by students in their academic pursuits, which can include balancing work and study, managing time effectively, and overcoming subject-specific obstacles. In the video, the speaker shares her struggles with balancing full-time work and nursing school, as well as her academic challenges, particularly with math-related courses.
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
Rate This

5.0 / 5 (0 votes)

Thanks for rating: