The "Talk"

Nursing Students General Students

Published

Hi-

So a lot of you have been following me through my first days of school. Thanks a lot guys for listening to me. :chuckle Today we didn't have nursing oriented classes. Our counselor came in to give us the "Talk". You know the one: Half of you won't be here in May...your school will be your life for the next ten months...support system is vital...people with small children beware...etc.

It was sort of distressing. After two exams my average is an A, and I feel confident in the material thus far, but I guess my paranoia has me feeling like the talk was directed at me. Not me alone, mind you, but me none the less. I have three small children. There is a three absence maximum before expulsion, which includes all emergencies that may arise. Even if ((((God forbid))))) I were in an accident and in the hospital for 5 days, I wouldn't be excused and would have to accept a medical withdrawal. That's not a good feeling. I need this so badly for myself but mostly for my family. We don't know what is going to happen tomorrow and life really throws some curve balls sometimes and I worry that I will miss out on my dream; not because of academics per se, but because of life in general. It scares me. Has anyone else ever felt this way or am I just super neurotic? :uhoh21: :uhoh21: :uhoh21:

Specializes in Emergency & Trauma/Adult ICU.
Don't you just hate that football coach approach to motivation. This "talk" was probably some ones idea of how to keep everyone on their toes. At least I hope it wasn't done to scare or stress out the students. I think that you'll be just fine and that, yeah sure things happen, people get sick. But don't sweat the small stuff. You can only live one day at a time. You sound like a decent person who just cares a whole lot, don't loose sleep over what if's. Good luck in school!

I understand what you're saying about the negativity in "The Talk", but it is realistic. I don't think it's done to scare or stress people, but it is what it is. Attendance policies are often harsh, but as you get into the classes I think you'll see that there's simply too much material to cover in a short period of time for someone to be out of commission for more than a day or two. Ten months is not a long time. Clinicals, in particular, often can't be made up - instructors have other responsibilities. It's sad, but true.

Stay healthy - take your vitamins, eat your Wheaties, etc. Be positive about what you can do, instead of focusing on the what ifs that you can't control anyway.

Good luck to all! :)

Specializes in Emergency & Trauma/Adult ICU.
Don't you just hate that football coach approach to motivation. This "talk" was probably some ones idea of how to keep everyone on their toes. At least I hope it wasn't done to scare or stress out the students. I think that you'll be just fine and that, yeah sure things happen, people get sick. But don't sweat the small stuff. You can only live one day at a time. You sound like a decent person who just cares a whole lot, don't loose sleep over what if's. Good luck in school!

I understand what you're saying about the negativity in "The Talk", but it is realistic. I don't think it's done to scare or stress people, but it is what it is. Attendance policies are often harsh, but as you get into the classes I think you'll see that there's simply too much material to cover in a short period of time for someone to be out of commission for more than a day or two. Ten months is not a long time. Clinicals, in particular, often can't be made up - instructors have other responsibilities. It's sad, but true.

Stay healthy - take your vitamins, eat your Wheaties, etc. Be positive about what you can do, instead of focusing on the what ifs that you can't control anyway.

Good luck to all! :)

Specializes in Telemetry/Med Surg.
Be positive about what you can do, instead of focusing on the what ifs that you can't control anyway.

Good luck to all! :)

Was just about to post the same response--ya beat me to it! But that is really the best advice. Don't spend sooooo much time worrying about the 'what ifs'. You'll make yourself nuts. The 'what ifs' haven't happened so try not to focus so much on them and think more positively. Good luck!

Specializes in Telemetry/Med Surg.
Be positive about what you can do, instead of focusing on the what ifs that you can't control anyway.

Good luck to all! :)

Was just about to post the same response--ya beat me to it! But that is really the best advice. Don't spend sooooo much time worrying about the 'what ifs'. You'll make yourself nuts. The 'what ifs' haven't happened so try not to focus so much on them and think more positively. Good luck!

Wasn't there a poem about "what if's" in your ear or something...?? Maybe by Shel Silverstein?

Wasn't there a poem about "what if's" in your ear or something...?? Maybe by Shel Silverstein?

Specializes in ICU, CM, Geriatrics, Management.
... I'll probably be hit by a 18-wheeler...

That just happened two days ago to my best bud. He only got minor injuries, but lost a bunch of equipment he uses in his side business.

So everybody... BE CAREFUL!

Specializes in ICU, CM, Geriatrics, Management.
... I'll probably be hit by a 18-wheeler...

That just happened two days ago to my best bud. He only got minor injuries, but lost a bunch of equipment he uses in his side business.

So everybody... BE CAREFUL!

I agree with the others...focus on the positive...some things we have control over..others we don't...keep your eyes on the prize and best wishes (((hugzzz)))

I agree with the others...focus on the positive...some things we have control over..others we don't...keep your eyes on the prize and best wishes (((hugzzz)))

kiyasmom, First of all you would not be where you are right now if you did not know how to overcome the obstacles life throws you. You made it through your prereqs, right? I know it sounds too simple, but you need to focus on one day at a time. What do you need to do today, and how you are going to accomplish that? There are so many "what if's" in life, but because you can never tell what they are going to be your only option is to deal with what you know to be real as of today. You have made it into the program. You are going to do everything in your power to make it through the program.

Do you suppose there is a cd that all nursing instructors listen to titled - THE NURSING SCHOOL ORIENTATION: WHAT TO SAY TO INTIMIDATE AND DESTROY THE POSITIVE THOUGHTS OF PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS!?

Good luck. Believe in yourself and your ability to overcome life's hurdles and you will do great.

kiyasmom, First of all you would not be where you are right now if you did not know how to overcome the obstacles life throws you. You made it through your prereqs, right? I know it sounds too simple, but you need to focus on one day at a time. What do you need to do today, and how you are going to accomplish that? There are so many "what if's" in life, but because you can never tell what they are going to be your only option is to deal with what you know to be real as of today. You have made it into the program. You are going to do everything in your power to make it through the program.

Do you suppose there is a cd that all nursing instructors listen to titled - THE NURSING SCHOOL ORIENTATION: WHAT TO SAY TO INTIMIDATE AND DESTROY THE POSITIVE THOUGHTS OF PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS!?

Good luck. Believe in yourself and your ability to overcome life's hurdles and you will do great.

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