Nursing School: Self-Taught?

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Blove86

303 Posts

Specializes in None.

Well I guess I will be a question asking fool then LOL

I feel the same way and actually I have found that a lot of my instructors are scatterbrained and disorganized.

bravesfanRN

5 Posts

Specializes in LTC- SNF.

We just completed our 2nd week of school....

Right now we have 10hrs of lecture/week and a 3 hour skills lab,once clinicals start we will have only 5 hrs of lecture per week. During skills lab we spend about have the time going over the skills the why when and how... and then the other half is practice time, the instructor is on hand during this time to assist and then we can schedule additional time with the instructors if needed. The skills labs are pretty much open for practice as long as it is not being occupied by a class. Our SNA also was successful in getting a Nursing Student Lounge and it is available for use anytime as well. I certainly do understand, though. It's a lot to take in at one time.:)

Specializes in Psychiatry.

Our school refers to it as "adult learning."

HeartsOpenWide, RN

1 Article; 2,889 Posts

Specializes in Ante-Intra-Postpartum, Post Gyne.

my friend/classmate and I joke that if we were ever given a polygraph test and they asked us if we were self taught nurses we could say "yes" and pass the test....

I am in my last year of my BSN program...the first day they told us we would not be "spoon fed" sure I get that, but I did not know that meant the would throw out the utensils, throw a book at us on how to hunt--with no proper training, and then tell the food where to hide....:banghead:

Kevin RN08

295 Posts

Specializes in Med-Tele, Internal Med PCU.

The best advice is to pre-read the material for the up coming class, become familiar with the material, make notes while you are reading and ask questions.

The instructor knows who has done their reading and who is just "showing up". They aren't going to "spoon feed" you the material like a history professor, you have to be familiar with the subject matter. I would also add that there may be a bit of weeding going on, I know in my class the first semester was probably the hardest. Every thing is new: testing style, question style, personally hadn't been in a classroom for a couple of years and never all day. At any rate our teacher would count you absent at 5 min past the hour, and you are only allowed 3 absences in a semester. We had 2 single moms w/preschool age kids, an a bunch of others with school age kids that were always cutting it close. Then 2nd semester it became more relaxed (same instructor). You will adapt to them and they to you, but you have to remember that they have what you want ... knowledge.

jackson145

598 Posts

So far, I've taught myself. I use class lecture time to do any homework I haven't completed. Then I go home and figure out what to study on my own. So far, so good.

Skills lab was pretty annoying, though. They'd demonstrate once and then we were supposed to practice on our own. If you asked questions, they'd belittle you like you were some kind of moron for not memorizing it all during the one & only demonstration. During skill check-offs, they'd pick you to pieces over tiny stuff & not give any useful feedback on the big picture. I always left feeling like I had no clue how to do the skill we'd just covered.

So far, my instructors at my clinical site (not including 1st semester), have seemed very helpful. They'll answer any questions and even walk you through something step-by-step if it's the first time you've ever attempted it. It's like they want us to succeed! Such a refreshing attitude after my first semester.

Specializes in Pediatrics.

Here comes the post no one wants to read :)

Yes, this is generally the way nursing school works. The student prepares for the lecture by reading the material. Then the Professor highlights the important parts, the key points, and further discusses things that need to be further discussed.

The powerpoint should be used as an outline. It is not meant to be the entire lecture (b/c then there'd be no reason for you to be there). Also, if the PP were the entire lecture, there's be no reason for the professors to be there. This is why I make a point to remind my students that just becasue it's not on the pp, doesn't mean it's not an unfair question (hope that makes sense). You also need to listen and take notes (at least when I am lecturing). Tape recording the lecture also helps (if you are permitted to).

This is what adult learning is about, taking an active role in the process. Since there is no 'homework' (at least there isn't where I teach), the hw is going home and doing the readings beforehadn. Being on the other end of the podium, I can easily tell who is there as an active adult learner and who is there to get every piece of data out of me (and has no intention of opening the book).

I am well aware that it is almost impossible to keep up with the readings, while preparing for clinicals (and oh yeah, living your life!!). I was once a student too. But when a student asks me a question that is clearly answered in the text, I know that they did not do their part as a student. If this is the case, go home, read after the lecture, it'll probably make more sense then. Then if you have any more questions, apporach your professor before or after class, or during office hours.

deftonez188

442 Posts

It sucks, but that's the reality of it - you have to learn to rely on yourself throughout the program.

Blove86

303 Posts

Specializes in None.

It sucks, but that's the reality of it - you have to learn to rely on yourself throughout the program.

I'm learning, boy am I learning that. In class yesterday, our instructor was telling us how some students do hot on the first test. So she was going thru the book, and showing us how we should utilize our tools such as supplements, websites, etc. Well then she was saying how must people don't pre-read before class....except for Blove86. LOL, everyone started laughing including me, because I didn't even realized she noticed. But I realize that pre-reading free's up time and makes things stick more when you have list of questions that the book just didnt answer for you!!

But yea, I hope I dont panic when clinical's and things start, because I havent had enoug htime to repeat lab skills, but Lord willing this will be over in 3 more semesters and I will be an RN!!!:nurse:

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