Poor directions and frustration w/ my nursing school

[twarlik]

I'm approaching the end of my first semester in nursing school and experiencing serious frustration with many of my instructors. We have been assigned two teaching plans and given very minimal direction on how to complete them. I got one back last night and not only was I accused of plagarism because my instructor didn't see my citation, but I also lost major points on my teaching evaluation criteria. This after I showed the teaching plan to my instructor the week before it was due and she said it was fine. Next, we were told to complete a care map and provide three nursing dx w/ interventions. I did fine, but several of my classmates didn't do as well. We had spent about 10 minutes in class on how to assemble a care map and have been given NO direction on selecting proper nursing dx. I am seriously questioning my decision to attend this school, but perhaps I'm just way off base and it's like this everywhere.

So, could you all enlighten me as to how things are handled at your schools?

Thanks!

[LeesieBug]

My school has similar problems.......I think we have maybe ONE instructor that can effectively communicate instructions and expectations. The entire semester has been a lesson in frustration for me (this is my first semester also).

Another problem is the fact that they do not communicate well with EACH OTHER, either! An instructor tells you something, you do it that way, then another comes along and tells you you are doing it wrong.

Our clinical instructor is pretty funny. She basically told us she has experienced communication problems with the other instructors and that she shares our frustration. Told us to think positive. When she applied to her master's program, one of the things they were looking for was a high tolerance for ambiguity. So they are giving us lots of practice in that department right from the start! :chuckle

I guess we just need to try to roll with the punches...at least semester one is almost OVER!

[kimtab]

No, you're not the only one. "A high tolerance for ambiguity" seems to be a necessary compenant for success in my program as well.

Kim

[twarlik]

Originally posted by kimtab

No, you're not the only one. "A high tolerance for ambiguity" seems to be a necessary compenant for success in my program as well.

Kim

"A high tolerance for ambiguity."

Hmmm....I like how you put that.

Glad I'm not the only one in this situation. Makes me feel a lot better.

Thanks.

[nekhismom]

sounds exactly like my school. But I made it this far, and I graduate next month. Just hang in there and you will eventually figure it out through trial and error. Don't worry, no one expects you to be perfect, just show progress. Good luck.