[Chantilly]

I'm in first semester and we have several people in our class that failed last semester and are repeating...don't get me wrong it's great that they got a second chance, but quit being negative all the time and don't act like you know everything. A few of these people have the worst attitude toward others, for example on them walked up to me and my friend and said "Well I hope you studied all weekend, because if you didn't you are going to fail. You know you are going to fail, you have to study study study." OK really just because you didn't make it through the first time doesn't mean that you need to impose your negative attitude upon others. Really if they know this semester is so hard way don't they offer encouragement, and tips on things they didn't do right the first time around. Nursing school is stressful enough without your peers being negative toward you. It also irritates me that many of these people act like know-it-alls, and some of the things they are walking around spouting off to people is just flat wrong. They sit around in lab and talk a giggle instead of practicing, and then when they are asked to demonstrate their skill they don't know what they are doing!!! HOLY CRAP!!!! I might have to put up with these people for the next two years...I really hoping that they get better, because I am not sure that I can bite my tounge forever. Well thanks for letting me vent...I fell better already!!!

[Kim O'Therapy]

Seems to me they would keep their mouths shut and get it right this time. Maybe that's why some failed the first time around, they were too busy talking instead of listening.

[Soup Turtle]

Maybe that girl should be hoping she studied all weekend instead of telling you she hopes you did.

[texasnursingstudent]

i have had a few students in my class before too, and i think that the best thing you do can do (even if it is really difficult) is to try to be a good example for the person/people who are acting this way. more than likely, they feel pretty crappy because they failed- they probably are acting cocky or rude because their self-esteem is damaged from not passing the first time. i've had to deal with bullies before, and the best thing you can really do is go along with the "kill them with kindness" philosophy. that basically means that you are nice to them,but you aren't super sickingly sweet nice to them to the point of being fake. case in point:
student A walks up to student B and says "well you better study your butt off for that medications quiz, because it's really hard and the last time i took it everyone in my class failed it." student b would be tempted to say something like "well i guess you're a moron," but instead would say something like "well....i hope everyone does alright. i'm thinking of getting a study group together with people from class. would you be interested?" sometimes it's hard to not clock someone in the jaw, or say something snippy in return to someone who is being rude to them but...these students are probably compensating for something. rule of thumb is that sugar water attracts more flies than vinegar- be kind, be nice, be respectful, and most of all, be sincere- and you'll be fine no matter what. let me know how it goes.

[Daytonite]

Originally Posted by Chantilly

. . . many of these people act like know-it-alls, and some of the things they are walking around spouting off to people is just flat wrong. They sit around in lab and talk a giggle instead of practicing, and then when they are asked to demonstrate their skill they don't know what they are doing!!!

News Flash!!! This is why they failed last semester. One of the reasons they may actually make it through the semester this time is because they've already seen the tests and know what is on them. If you really want to get into their game with them and say something to really make them feel bad just say, "I would have thought you'd get an "A" on the test since you took it once before and knew what was going to be on it." If that doesn't shut off the line of communication between them and you as well as put you on their "hate" list I don't know what else will. If they manage to make it to the next semester you'll all be evened out on the same playing field.

You are going to run across loud mouths and know-it-alls throughout your life and in just about any activity you can think of. That's life. Just ignore them. Walk away from them. Don't be an audience for them when you can avoid it. It gives them encouragement to continue their behavior. If they do this in class, it's a problem with the instructor not being able to maintain order.

[Faeriewand]

What a shame they have such a bad attitude! We have 2 students from a previous class and they are not like that. One just doesn't like to talk a whole lot and the other is pretty friendly and not too embarrased he flunked the first time lol They fit in ok. Guess attitude is everything.

We also have two students from the previous year that dropped out and came back. Even though noo one knew them they found their place in class and started making friends. guess its' a personality thing.

Yeah it sounds like someone is compensating like the other poster said.
Good luck

[Kathyz]

We're getting 3 new people in our section who failed last semester come Monday (and about 8 total in our nursing cohort). I'm viewing them as resources since they have already went through the class. Hopefully they can give us tips and pointers. However, a lot of it depends on their personality. Our group has been together for 6 weeks, worked hard, done presentations and assessments, so we know each other fairly well. I'm going to be nice and friendly but it's up to them to want to fit in w/ us.

[midcom]

I figure that there's a reason why they are repeating the class. We had several that did & I think some of them are failing again. Hmm, wonder why?
We do have one who is helping the rest of us when it comes to tests. She goes through her notes & clues us in on what to study. Same instructor & same tests. She failed last term & is getting an A this time. I think it was a wakeup call for her.
Dixie

[BunnyRN]

Originally Posted by Chantilly

A few of these people have the worst attitude toward others, for example on them walked up to me and my friend and said "Well I hope you studied all weekend, because if you didn't you are going to fail. You know you are going to fail, you have to study study study." OK really just because you didn't make it through the first time doesn't mean that you need to impose your negative attitude upon others. Really if they know this semester is so hard way don't they offer encouragement, and tips on things they didn't do right the first time around.

WOW, I graduated last semester, and this is deja vu for me. This repeater was so NEGATIVE, that she made me sick to my stomach. How can these people live with themselves, because I know I can't. She is just building tension and this can cause your friend to believe in those negative words. I hope that you tell her to keep up the hope, and pray, and her prayers will be answered. Come to think you can't stand them as students, what a nightmare it will be to work alongside them in a hospital!!!

BE POSITIVE AND STAY POSITIVE!!!

[MSJ2007]

Too much wasted energy. Just walk away; they don't deserve your time. You have to choose your battles wisely. You need ever second available to study and prepare. Some people just aren't happy unless you are rolling around in the muck with them.

Oh, and I don't think you'll have to worry about 2 years with these students. I don't think they'll make it that far...