Getting Frustrated w/ Classmates

MB37 · Sep 24, 2007

100% up to you, but I'd probably go ahead and give them out - you never know when you might need something from one of them. I gave out my 40 page study guide for pharm last semester (just to people who asked me though, I didn't post it), and while I almost didn't want to, I did for exactly that reason. Even if I knew 90% of the information, I might need someone's help with a couple of drugs or if I was ever late or had to miss a lecture. I like to build up the positive karma, but that's just me. Plus, you're not trying to beat anyone out for a spot anymore. Now, if your entire class is relying on you to do all the actual work for them, maybe you start putting your foot down, but this one request doesn't seem like a huge deal. You could also suggest that you will, and then ask who wants to volunteer to do it for the next lab. Be nice, but assertive.

ETA: I would NEVER lend out a textbook or my original copies of anything, in case it never came back. I do respond to e-mails that ask for answers to study guide questions, and I have shared my entire study guide, again via e-mail. Other students have done the same, and we all benefit.

**canoehead, BSN, RN** · Sep 24, 2007

STOP!

Just say you've lost important notes when someone borrowed them and you aren't lending them out anymore to anyone.

natrgrrl · Sep 24, 2007

The act of writing, typing and arranging your notes is probably the best studying you can do. If they want to take the short cut it isn't going to help them near as much as it helps you but...maybe you could make a second copy when you first print them out. Let those be the notes you lend out.

Or tell your classmates that you charge $10 for a copy your notes. Some classmates may get mad but at least you have a reason for saying no. And if anyone takes you up on it, all the better for you, right?

Bala Shark · Sep 24, 2007

I would not let my other classmates see my notes...Just hide them..They should not be bothering you..If one or two people ask, then it should be okay I guess..It really depends on who the person is in class..If he or she is friendly with you, you might want to give the notes out..Some people in class like to have study groups or study partners where other people help them out with things..

NaomieRN · Sep 24, 2007

It would not bother me to share with others. I have made copies of my typed notes and share with the class. The copies did not cost me anything. We allowed to make them for free at school. I do not see anything wrong with doing that. In the past two semesters, I email the notes to the whole class. I feel good when someone tells me, my notes help them to pass the class. Some people just do not know how to take good notes. Some people, just good at it. If you feel uncomfortable doing it, just dont.

Just remember, you never know when you going to need someone to help you with something.

llg, PhD, RN · Sep 24, 2007

I'd recommend sharing -- but I wouldn't be paying for the copies. Perhaps make one copy and and tell the person who asks to copy that 2nd copy and bring it immediately back so that the next person can do the same. Keep your original at home -- or at least, safe and backed up in digital form.

As you will learn, nursing is a team activity. Those classmates will eventually be your coworkers and you will find yourself helping each other out as needed. It's usually best to give the help (if it doesn't cost anything significant) to build up the good will and set a good example.

Also, try thinking of a few ways they can help you -- and don't be shy about asking.

LMRN10 · Sep 24, 2007

100% up to you, but I'd probably go ahead and give them out - you never know when you might need something from one of them. I gave out my 40 page study guide for pharm last semester (just to people who asked me though, I didn't post it), and while I almost didn't want to, I did for exactly that reason. Even if I knew 90% of the information, I might need someone's help with a couple of drugs or if I was ever late or had to miss a lecture. I like to build up the positive karma, but that's just me. Plus, you're not trying to beat anyone out for a spot anymore. Now, if your entire class is relying on you to do all the actual work for them, maybe you start putting your foot down, but this one request doesn't seem like a huge deal. You could also suggest that you will, and then ask who wants to volunteer to do it for the next lab. Be nice, but assertive.
ETA: I would NEVER lend out a textbook or my original copies of anything, in case it never came back. I do respond to e-mails that ask for answers to study guide questions, and I have shared my entire study guide, again via e-mail. Other students have done the same, and we all benefit.

I do agree with this poster in that you may need help someday too, so maybe sharing isn't such a bad idea?!?!

The act of writing, typing and arranging your notes is probably the best studying you can do. If they want to take the short cut it isn't going to help them near as much as it helps you but...maybe you could make a second copy when you first print them out. Let those be the notes you lend out.
Or tell your classmates that you charge $10 for a copy your notes. Some classmates may get mad but at least you have a reason for saying no. And if anyone takes you up on it, all the better for you, right?

But I also agree with this poster because for me, actually writing notes and putting them together is the BEST way for me to study!! But maybe sometimes I may not get something and just need a little help. I would hate to think that you are doing the work for everyone else though.

I definitely wouldn't lend out originals. IF they want them tell them to email you or give a copy to ONE person and let them share that and make their own copies. I'd have a hard time too considering how much time it takes to put that together!!!

Good luck!

LilDKessler · Sep 24, 2007

I was in a very similiar situation when I was in school. The problem was with our group is the ones mainly asking for the notes were the ones that would not read the text & wanted to study only off my notes. They wanted to basically get a free ride on the hours it would take me to type them all out. Those people I did not give a copy to, I would just tell them that I did not want to be responsible for them having incorrect information if I had made any errors (which I knew I had double checked everything). Later on in the program when the people that would not study on their own were weeded out, I would allow the 15 or so left make a copy of the notes if they asked. Some of the other girls would make study guides for each unit & pass them out to us all & there were times that I would do that with some of my notes, especially on the units where there was a great volume of info. Hope this helps some.

WDWpixieRN, RN · Sep 24, 2007

I wouldn't share my notes except with a couple of very good friends. By this, my third semester, I know who's there to watch my back and who won't be. I do anything for the folks who I've developed a close camaraderie, but for the rest, I would just tell them I don't trust my notes enough to be responsible for other people studying off of them.

Let them take time out of their busy lives to put in the work I have. That's my opinion anyway. I have heard enough about all the weekend social activities (drinking/casino/partying) many of these folks have time to participate in. With my having 3 kids, a hubby, and friends outside of school, my time is as important as theirs; I just choose to prioritize it a bit differently.

Kathyz · Sep 24, 2007

Thanks, everyone, for your input. I figure I do so much work and learn thru typing up my notes that if they want to go ahead and get a copy, that's their loss for not reading.

The teacher usually puts 2 NCLEX questions on our tests and many of my classmates rely on one guy to go thru and weed out the pertinent questions and give them all the answers. I manually go thru the NCLEX CD and I learn so much info. They're losing out. And yes, I may need something from someone one day. But after 2 semesters I do know who my real friends are!! :-)

Soup Turtle · Sep 24, 2007

Thanks, everyone, for your input. I figure I do so much work and learn thru typing up my notes that if they want to go ahead and get a copy, that's their loss for not reading.
The teacher usually puts 2 NCLEX questions on our tests and many of my classmates rely on one guy to go thru and weed out the pertinent questions and give them all the answers. I manually go thru the NCLEX CD and I learn so much info. They're losing out. And yes, I may need something from someone one day. But after 2 semesters I do know who my real friends are!! :-)

That is true! I type up pages and pages of notes and only look them over RIGHT before the test. It's typing them up that really makes them stick.