Need to vent (long)

[DSplendid]

I'm sorry but I just have to vent.....

Maybe its because I'm in my last semester, maybe its because I'm burnt out from hours of studying; but, I'm just so fed up with some of the people in my class and the professors who enable them.

Here is my story...

I'm in my last semester, and it's the start of a new clinical rotation. At first everything was going well, when suddenly, some students were getting more attention than others. Let me give some examples: I was given a chance to put a NG tube in my patient. When I finally found my instructor, she said I would have to pass because she was helping a student with humidified o2 set up. What? Humidified 02, taking precedence over an NG tube. The next day, I had a chance to hang abx, again, I went looking for her. This time she huffed, yes, literally she huffed, then said, ok, as she we went into the room with me. I started to assemble my line, she looked at me and said" haven't you done this a million times?" I said, yes. As I was priming the line, she said okay, we have to hurry, I have to go over and help so and so with documentation. Needless to say many more opportunities passed me by, as she was "busy." Pulling chest tubes, hanging heparin, at one point she told me she couldn't flush a port with me, because she was helping "so and so" with collecting a urine sample from a cath. (I'm not kidding, we in our final semester, and someone can't collect urine from a foley) At the end of the rotation, she told me she was very sorry, it was just that I was already competent in so many things, (instructors receive a list of accomplishments from all of your previous rotations) and there were other students who really needed the extra time. I told her I understood, even though a part of me felt it wasn't fair that I couldn't continue to master a lot of skills that yes, I already learned. I did take advantage of looking up and figuring out a lot of labs and diagnostic tests. So, ok, I let it go, because its true, if I already did it, let someone else do it. BUT, know its happening in class! Some students in our class our having trouble with certain subjects and certain instructors meet with them on the side. I never thought of it as a problem, until "they" told me they were giving them some questions that would be on the test. But again, I let it go, but now, "I " was having a problem in a certain subject. I went to the professor, and asked if I could meet with him for a review, and he said he would "try," but was already "booked", but I was welcome to join in to the other students session." Well to make a long story short, it didn't matter, I got there and they hogged up the whole time with there questions and going over things I already knew, and didn't need explanations in. Here is my complaint, yes, those who need help, should receive it. But were do I fit in? The thing that really gets me going is, the same people who need "extra time" or haven't "mastered" certain clinical skills, are the first students to pass up the opportunity to go to the lab, or sign up for the "difficult clinicals." I didn't master skills by choosing to go the nursing home, were my friend worked, instead of the telemetry unit, were the tough instructor works," I also don't wait to the last minute like some, as they stated; "to the last minute" to review lecture notes. So why is it then, that I'm the last to get help...very agitated. :angryfire :angryfire :angryfire

[kk2000]

Hi- I really don't have any words of wisdom-but I know exactly how you feel! The students that get good grades and are proficient in the skills learned thus far are often held up by the students that need "hand holding". Very discouraging- I am sorry you are frustrated! keep trying and perhaps you can do some skills with a floor nurse? Good luck to you.

K-

[LoriAlabamaRN]

I'm sorry to hear it- it sounds to me though that your instructors have faith that you can pass without assistance, so they concentrate on the ones who are borderline pass/fail rather than the ones that are borderline A/B... I know it isn't really fair, but I would take it as sort of a lopsided compliment.

[debidobs]

I agree with Lori...lopsided though it is, it actually is a compliment. The instructors must know you have done the tough stuff and they know what your grades are. You really must know your stuff and are ready to graduate.

Did you ever think, on another view, that perhaps the school NEEDS to have everyone graduate, even the ones who don't prepare because their accreditation depends on it or they're trying to build up a reputation of EVERYONE graduating and passing the board? It's not fair, that's true enough, but I know our school is like that too. I'm the same kind of student like you, study daily, don't wait until the last minute, etc., and I find favoritism all around. But our school has one of the highest start to grad ratios and 97% of them pass the board. Most already have jobs out of school.

I would focus on what matters most to you, the future, you're almost done!!!! then all of this won't really matter. Good luck to you and congratulations early!

Deb

[Kathyz]

It's not fair. However, on the positive side, sounds like you're doing great. Hang in there. Keep after the instructors for addl help. Good luck.

:icon_hug:

[TexasPediRN]

I guess it is a compliment in a weird twisted sort of way.

My thoughts?

If she is too busy, go find the nurse you are assigned to and ask her if she wouldnt mind coming with you!

Hang in there, you're almost there.

-Meghan

[DSplendid]

Thanks guys, I feel better today, I guess in away everyone is right. I think I was just so frustrated...tests coming up, nclex...etc. Thanks for all your comments.

[love for nursing]

Does your school let the RN for your patient watch your skills? We are allowed to do skills as long as the patients assigned RN is present, or our instructor.