Parents at Orientation

RNMeg · Jul 2, 2009

We had an open house for families and spouses, but actual orientation was a student-only affair. Also, we were expected to get our supplies (uniform, stethoscope, books, etc) at the medical bookstore on our own time..we didn't have "uniform fittings" or anything at orientation..so your experience might be different from mine.

bclem05 · Jul 2, 2009

Being out of the country during orientation, my parents attended in my place. From hearing their report, there seemed to be a fair number of students who had their parents accompany them to orientation. Yes, you are an adult and coming this far a responsible student, but why does it matter if your mom goes with you? I'm assuming your mother has been very supportive up to this point and would probably like to continue in that roll. By attending your orientation your mother will be in the know, and have a better understanding of what you're up against in the coming years. The only down turn, is the possibility that you maybe shy or embarrassed by your mother's presence at the orientation, thus impeding you from interacting with your new cohort as you normally would. Either way would be fine but if your mother wants to go and your okay with that then bring her along. Best of luck with school!

vettesweet · Jul 2, 2009

Oh my! You should be grateful to your Mom for the support. In your time in school, you will need every means of support imaginable. Mom may have to help you in more ways than with the checkbook. Having someone interested enough to be there for you will likely make you successful. Nursing school requires the support of all your family, friends, clergy, and all the people in your life who care for you. Lose the independence quick, you will need all the help you can get, besides all that, when you are done, you will be the family guru of health! :twocents:

Wishinonastar, BSN · Jul 2, 2009

I don't think this exactly classifies her as a helicopter parent. She is still stuck in the wanting to be involved and supportive mode. Nursing school is indeed different than college and calls for independence. I did teach in a nursing school for a couple of years. I would say no. Tell her you'll take notes.

merrywhiterose · Jul 2, 2009

There were a couple mom's, sisters, etc. at the recent orientation. However, the room didn't have enough chairs for extra people. The room was VERY hot with about 45 people in the room, so your mom might get awful uncomfortable. BUT, she would probably remember some of the things that you may forget. It's up to you two.

Mookie427 · Jul 2, 2009

Someone needs to have that umbilical cord cut already. If you will be living at home while going to school (i'll pray for you dear.... this is just the beginning of your mother's interference in your school life), she'll want to know every second of your being of occurrence at school. If she is the 'purse' to your education she feels its your 'obligation' to report to her so her money is well spent. Nip it in the bud now before it escalates and you will not be able to concentrate on your work.... I hope your mom doesnt want to see your 'clinical' orientation as well....

DolceVita, ADN, BSN, RN · Jul 2, 2009

I prefer my parental support to be in dollar form!

tfleuter, BSN, RN · Jul 2, 2009

If parents are paying for the education, then they have every right to make sure that their money is being well spent and not squandered. If someone wants to "feel" independent, then that means s/he has to be independent and that means moving out of the house and paying for school and living expenses. Don't see how anyone can complain about mom's or dad's involvement when they are taking handouts.

I think that if this OP's mother knew what orientation was really about and how long it may be then she would choose not to go. This isn't necessarily a situation where the mother is trying to be intrusive but supportive.

MaritesaRN · Jul 2, 2009

So, I got my notice last month to go to nursing orientation July 6, and my mom wanted to come with me. I don't think it's appropriate for her to be there, but I'm not sure. She would be paying for my supplies and such, but I could just ask for her checkbook ahead of time. Did anyone take or see other people's parents at orientation buying supplies? Or is it a "student only" event? Thanks in advance!

:smokin:

I do not see why she can not come....she wants to see what she is spending on ? You should be happy of her interest?

Jayhawk4Life · Jul 2, 2009

My school has a special night where parents/family come to the school for a tour and to meet the faculty. Everything else is students only.

netglow, ASN, RN · Jul 2, 2009

OP, I think you know that you feel uncomfortable if she sits in on your meeting. Unless parents are encouraged to come, I'd just be honest and say that you need to take on these responsibilities on your own now.

By the time you are 18 you should be able to achieve most adult ADL's (just kidding). Remember nursing is not something your parents will be able to assist you with as they might have in highschool. You seriously need to see if you can be on your own as you will be expected to be in clinical, and in your life as a nurse.

smartin13 · Jul 2, 2009

While no one came with me to my orientation several people had their parents or even s/o there with them. My program even encouraged it so that they will hear from the horses mouth what the program entails and how much help outside of school we will need. It's always good to have a support system especially while you are going through this so I say why not.