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Nursing school is highly demanding. It reflects the reality of a career in nursing: those who can survive the program can make it in the workplace. I'm a nursing student, set to graduate from the LVN program in August 2007. I go to class evenings and weekends to accomodate my current working hours. It's frustrating, difficult and tiring, but it's magical, too. If you can afford to go to school full-time and not work, that is definitely easier. However, you can survive doing both. You'll be deprived of both sleep and social life for two years, but it can be done.

To be in the medical field, you must have hands-on experience, and no Medical Training would be complete without the opportunity to interact with real patients. I have discovered, both by my own learning curve and by watching my fellow students, that no matter how "book smart" you are, there must be clinical practice to be an effective nurse. The mannequins we use for procedures such as injections, insertion of NG tubes, catheters, and assessments just don't give you the feel of a real body, nor does it give you the feedback (both good or bad), depending on the procedure.

Researching the Nursing Schools you are thinking of attending and considering the nursing career paths available to you is of vital importance. Make certain that the level you aim for will satisfy you. Can you find what you want at LVN? Have you thought about which Nursing Careers would suit you best?

You need to check that the private Nursing Schools you are considering are accredited to state and/or national standards if you may consider expanding your career into other nursing specialities later. What qualification does the program lead to, an AA or a BS? Will your license be for your state only? If you decide to move to a community college or university and do a Bachelor's or Master's degree, which credits from your private nursing school study will be able to be cross-credited?

One more thing to consider is cost. Private nurse schools are easier to get into, but they usually cost more than a public college. I was oblidged to choose this option since my local public college as a long waiting list for the RN program, lasting up to 2011! I had to spend more to be trained in an acceptable time limit.

I would suggest one last consideration; take advantage of the tours and even sit in a class or two. Talk with the teachers and staff. Observe the caliber of students the school attracts. You will be trapped with these people for up to two years and it is important to understand what you will be facing. It may or may not be for you. Also see if you like the style of teaching. Is it challenging enough? Too challenging? Do you like the teachers? How is the staff? This will all make a big impact on your level of satisfaction.