cheated out of learning

[waves]

I am a student at an 18 month vocational nursing program. The program had a great reputation because it was run by two great nurse/instructors for 30+ years. I didn't know this when I applied, tested, interviewed, etc. to be accepted. These two have since retired.

The new director is trying to put her mark on the program. She ordered all different textbooks; but didn't bother to read them. She makes up new tests; and sometimes the answers don't match what the textbook says...because she doesn't believe it to be true. (Textbooks can be wrong, but the problems are not pointed out before we are tested because she hasn't read the chapters she assigns.) Not to mention that over half the teaching staff quit in the first two months of the program. Some stayed long enough to train replacements, some didn't. The program has been more stressful than waiting for the acceptance letter.

The worst part is that, though we don't cover all the material scheduled for a day, we are let go early 80% of the time. The whole point of minimum requirements for classroom and theory seems to be a bit of a joke to the director. I understand her workload has picked up due to lack of staff, but it is really affecting us, the students.

Many of my classmates and myself are annoyed, frustrated, and feeling cheated of a complete educational experience. But what do we do? If we bring it to the attention of those in charge...we could end up without a program. It's sort of a rural area...so it's impossible to find an equivalent locally.

I've made use of the opportunity to voice student opinions once a month at the meetings that are held for student feedback. My dad says I should take it to the director's boss. Let her know the director isn't fulfilling her obligation. That just seems like I'll end up paying a hefty price.

At present I'm learning as much as I can on my own and taking advantage of the nurses in the clinical setting that are willing to teach something. We were warned we would need to be holding ourselves accountable for our own learning; but it just seems ridiculous.

Am I thinking too much inside the box?

[Dayray, RN]

I had smiler problems in nursing school. MY advise is to get threw the program "jump threw the hoops they put in front of you". Read your books and listen to the instructors opinions as well, make your own mind which you will believe but remember you have to answer the they way the instructor wants you too.

once you have your license and start orientation the real education begins. You will relearn everything weather or not your school experience was good.

It sucks but just do your best to get threw it =(

[unknown99, BSN, RN]

wow!!! 18 month vocational program?? Is it only part-time?

Anyway, DayRay is right. However, if it continues, and there are more low grades in the class than higher grades, then would be the time to follow your father's advice.

GOODLUCK, we need good considerate nurses. You seem like you will be both.

[VickyRN, MSN, DNP, RN]

Not to make light of your situation in any way, but this same situation is happening all over. Very stable nursing schools with sterling reputations are suddenly destabilizing as nursing faculty begin to retire en masse... and guess what? Very few are willing to take their place.

[indie]

Waves:

The replies you have already received are sane and sensible. I am an experienced, approved nurse instructor and I believe you have more than enough tools to achieve your goals. You can do this even if you don't get any more than the problems you list from your school. But you do need to keep within the school; only the school can put you forward to the Board of Vocational Nursing as having completed the nursing curriculum. It is the school that recommends you to the board to be able to take your state board examinations which will license you to practice.

Stay savvy, stay within the school system. You've had a disgusting experience and one which seasoned instructors know happens all the time. We fight against it and do what we can for students, but new DONs seem always to reinvent the wheel with untested results for the students. The BoN will not be able to help you 'police' the school - they have had staff cuts.

My advice (and I presume that is what you wanted when you posted) is to go through the motions, meeting the school requirements, learning what you can from your texts and from practising staff. Just make sure you get the class, clinical and lab time in and documented.

You wrote an impressive posting; I believe you have what it takes to almost teach yourself the theory; the clinical seems to be doable if you can just simply get to clinicals and learn what you can. If you don't feel prepared for your boards, take a prep course or ask for help from a previous instructor. I've often tutored students for free that I felt had a poor deal.There is no magic check list of skills for the board and you will really learn your skills when you graduate, get licensed and get a job.

Attitude is everything here. Make a solid, non-complaining, positive support group within your saner buddies and start helping each other. Don't waste your time with 'issues' with the school - I know for certain you will not change anything and the less time the DON spends on your short-term issues, the less time she will have to complete your paperwork to the board appropriately which is really what you want from her.

I do wish you success. Keep us posted.

I know this is tough advice; I also know it works.

[SmilingBluEyes]

Originally posted by VickyRN

Not to make light of your situation in any way, but this same situation is happening all over. Very stable nursing schools with sterling reputations are suddenly destabilizing as nursing faculty begin to retire en masse... and guess what? Very few are willing to take their place.

very true. and very sad. students do not understand or grasp this fully, however. nursing is in big trouble and there is no quickie fix.

[hbscott]

I have never paid so much money, to work so hard, to teach myself as I did with my nursing education.

And I might add the return on that investment hasn't been that great so far!

RN, C., MS, MCP

[waves]

Truer words were ne'er spoken. I appreciate the replies. I know there is always more to learn. I am doing okay in the program. Too much empathy for the underdogs! They have thanked me most profusely for voicing what they find hard to say.

I am presented with many opportunities to learn savvy. This may be the biggest hurdle for me. Knowing I need the school's approval will certainly keep my toes on the right side of the line.

Thanks for the wisdom and good words.