Hi!

I'm a second-degree senior NS. I'm afraid of how I may be appearing to my classmates and/or instructors. To give some background on myself, I was a career musician before I went into nursing. I came from a world where flakey, ruthless, and judgemental people reign. If you didn't have a certain look, have a certain musical style, be very self-confident, etc., you would be shunned and not get to record any more CDs or tour. As a musician, you learn to be extremely assertive by virtue of the competitive profession. This comes from being interviewed on the spot, and having to perform virtually perfectly for a very discerning crowd.

I will say that most of the students in my class are VERY quiet. I have also seen in the clinical setting that RNs/LPNs often get verbally abused by docs - and they don't speak up! Today I had a midterm evaluation in my psych rotation. The instructor said, "Next time I want you to have your med cards ready before I have to ask you." I replied, "You didn't say anything to me about med cards." She proceded to label me as defensive, told me that I didn't listen, and said that I was even defensive to my classmates (and that really hurt to hear that)." I told her that I was confused on what seemed "defensive" to her. She said, "It's the way you said it."

This really irked me.

EVERYONE in clinical calls this lady "smokestack B" because she's always off the floor smoking (we smell it on her breath). She's always telling the majority of the class to be more assertive, and I told her that I try to be assertive by volunteering to do tasks or take patients that nobody else wants. I am just totally frustrated - so many nurses seem to be submissive; this clinical instructor added a new meaning to, "nurses eat their young." I told her that she never praises students if they are doing a good job. She replied, "That's not what I'm here for." I asked my classmates if I come across as defensive, and they adamantly denied it. Right now, I'm confused about the nurse's role. I'm not one to be an annoying student in class. I do speak up in class if I have a question or know an answer, but I (usually) don't interrupt with personal stories,etc. I want to get a master's degree in nurse anesthesia because I really like chemistry and hemodynamics. So many instructors treat me differently because I want to go into advanced nursing instead of working as a staff nurse.

Sometimes I feel like a second class citizen in nursing school. Should we really just shut up and put up?

Hi!

I'm a second-degree senior NS. I'm afraid of how I may be appearing to my classmates and/or instructors. To give some background on myself, I was a career musician before I went into nursing. I came from a world where flakey, ruthless, and judgemental people reign. If you didn't have a certain look, have a certain musical style, be very self-confident, etc., you would be shunned and not get to record any more CDs or tour. As a musician, you learn to be extremely assertive by virtue of the competitive profession. This comes from being interviewed on the spot, and having to perform virtually perfectly for a very discerning crowd.

I will say that most of the students in my class are VERY quiet. I have also seen in the clinical setting that RNs/LPNs often get verbally abused by docs - and they don't speak up! Today I had a midterm evaluation in my psych rotation. The instructor said, "Next time I want you to have your med cards ready before I have to ask you." I replied, "You didn't say anything to me about med cards." She proceded to label me as defensive, told me that I didn't listen, and said that I was even defensive to my classmates (and that really hurt to hear that)." I told her that I was confused on what seemed "defensive" to her. She said, "It's the way you said it."

This really irked me.

EVERYONE in clinical calls this lady "smokestack B" because she's always off the floor smoking (we smell it on her breath). She's always telling the majority of the class to be more assertive, and I told her that I try to be assertive by volunteering to do tasks or take patients that nobody else wants. I am just totally frustrated - so many nurses seem to be submissive; this clinical instructor added a new meaning to, "nurses eat their young." I told her that she never praises students if they are doing a good job. She replied, "That's not what I'm here for." I asked my classmates if I come across as defensive, and they adamantly denied it. Right now, I'm confused about the nurse's role. I'm not one to be an annoying student in class. I do speak up in class if I have a question or know an answer, but I (usually) don't interrupt with personal stories,etc. I want to get a master's degree in nurse anesthesia because I really like chemistry and hemodynamics. So many instructors treat me differently because I want to go into advanced nursing instead of working as a staff nurse.

Sometimes I feel like a second class citizen in nursing school. Should we really just shut up and put up? well-you are always going to have that crap in nursing..You can be a stellar nurse or just competent but if you don't stroke the right egos you'll be tortured....BUt that is true for any occupation that involves 2 or more people working fairly closely together..I think you have to learn pick your battles---and let some of this stuff roll off of your back...You will frequent work with (and for) insecure and envious people....they like to try to cut other's off at the knees to make themselves feel better....good luck

Hi, in my opinion you're not being annoying. I'll admit I'm not in your class so I don't know you personally; but, from what you described it sounds as if you're just speaking your mind. I think most professors are so used to nursing students coming in and pretty much bowing down to them. Most students who usually get in are so grateful to have been accepted after that grueling competition that they just shut up and put up. So when some one like yourself is willing to actually question a professor, there in shock. And instead of admiring your strong personality which you need in this profession, they just look at it as defiance. What would I do, unfortunately I would have to say, I would "shut up;" as long as it wasn't something serious. If it's a matter of taking a few rude comments here and there, I would just deal with it, and look at it as a learning experience; after all they'll be patients who will treat you the same at times. Better to get "hard" to it now. But never, take insults, its one thing not to give you a pat on the back, it's another to call you stupid or belittle you in front of staff, class, pts. etc.. Also take into affect, what you say. You're out going personality maybe perceived as arrogant. But no matter what happens just get through the program and your career, and be true to your self.

Good Luck.

There are good professors and bad professors (luckily most are the former). Just because they are teaching doesn't mean they are good at it.

Doesn't sound like you are annoying. I bet though, that some people find you intimidating and that may be where the problem is -- and I'm not saying it's YOUR problem. It's not. It's hers.

i have a clinical instructor right now who makes us all cry. nothing positive coming from her mouth or her happy red pen!

my personality is one that i think things in my head about people and don't say anything. like...if someone is nagging me, i can totally shut them out and "hear" bla bla bla bla bla coming out of their mouth. yeah. call me nuts, but i think it's what has kept me sane most of my life.

to add to this, i've got one of the highest averages in my nursing classes and for me to be nagged at to make sure i write that i "dangled patient" on my care plan every week (um...i thought that it was included in a transfer. right?!) seems a little unnecessary to me.

anywho, besides my issues....

you don't sound annoying. heck, even if you were annoying, if that keeps you from being "eaten"...good for you!!

I think you have to learn pick your battles---and let some of this stuff roll off of your back...

That's a really good suggestion. Thanks!

Hi!

I'm a second-degree senior NS.

I want to get a master's degree in nurse anesthesia because I really like chemistry and hemodynamics. So many instructors treat me differently because I want to go into advanced nursing instead of working as a staff nurse.

Sometimes I feel like a second class citizen in nursing school. Should we really just shut up and put up?

Don't apologize for having a spine. Continue to speak up.

You will need it when you are in the O.R. as a CRNA.

Pick your battles with your professor(s)... but don't let them make you feel inferior or unsure of yourself.

"No one can make you feel inferior without your consent"--- E. Roosevelt.

In my experience, truly annoying people never ask if they are annoying. They are either too oblivious to what other people think or just don't give a d***. The fact that you are concerned about this probably means that you are ok. It sounds like this instructor just has a problem with being questioned- maybe she needs to work on her own self esteem Hang in there. It sounds like you may just make the perfect patient advocate one day.

I'm with Limik - people who are annoying are like people who are incompetent: they have no awareness of their failings. Many - by no means all! - instructors have their own issues, are easily threatened, like the power etc. This doesn't seem worth the battle.

I woul just caution that 1) this attitude is everywhere, so as much as possible try not to take it on - it's usually not about you; and 2) be cautious about being opinionated when you first start. By all means stand up for yourself, but be aware that book knowledge and floor knowledge are different. Sounds to me like you get this any way, but ti doesn't hurt to remind!

Good luck :)

PS About the not speaking up aspect: llg has posted an summary about the development of nursing culture that explains how this happens: https://allnurses.com/forums/showthread.php?t=80130

Sounds like you could give your classmates some assertiveness training!

PS About the not speaking up aspect: llg has posted an summary about the development of nursing culture that explains how this happens: https://allnurses.com/forums/showthread.php?t=80130

I agree with talaxandra.....

Excellent, excellent post.