Very disappointed in my nursing program

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I am so disappointed with my nursing program. If I didn't already work in a hospital with people who respect me, I would be quitting nursing.

My instructor degrades us, is flippant, and humiliates us in front of our peers and the other nurses in clinical. For example, last week in clinical, I was required to given a patient meds at 10:00. At 9:30, my instructor marches down the hall wanting to know why I'm not ready to give my meds. I was giving good patient care, that's why. (The patient had just finished seeing the doctor and was on the bedpan.) One of my meds was Norvasc. My instructor barked at me about my patient's blood pressure. I told her I didn't know the BP parameters for administering Norvasc as I couldn't find them written in the doctor's orders nor in my drug book. She barked just to give the medication, never explaining to me what exactly the parameters were. (I later learned that the patient's BP, 141/61, required giving the med, but not from my instructor.)

When we are in class, she races through her powerpoint and yells at us for wanting to take notes. She insists that we *not* take any notes at all. After all, it won't be on the test. The last test had so many subjective questions, and some of her answers were wrong. I could go on.

We truely annoy her. In fact, she one time made a rude remark about how we follow her around like little ducklings. I can't believe I'm paying for this education. This is a second career for me. If others have experienced this before me, no wonder we are in need of nurses.

I should take these issues to her superiors, but I keep asking myself how anyone could possibly live with themselves and be like this.

I just wanted to thank everyone for taking the time to respond. I am waffling between taking this to the director and just saving my energy until my two years are up.

It is very possible that she is tenured. I've met people who had her 10 years ago. I don't think she has changed much.

She was humiliating, insensitive, and unprofessional from the very beginning, but I tried to write her off then. I think it has just become so difficult as I see her repeat the same mistakes over and over again and really have a negative effect on the morale of her students.

I may go to the student association with this and get their opinion, although a representative has already stated that the department does not listen to them.

I do agree that supply and demand probably has a lot to do with it. I don't think the supply of teachers is there and perhaps the college is not willing to increase salaries to attract good talent.

I may get my other classmates together and ask to see the director. We must be careful, though, not to be subjective and come across as stress students. If we could keep it business-like, it may be taken much more seriously.

Thanks again everyone.

I am sure you have heard the old theory about standing up to a bully.

Once you stand up to them they somehow respect you and leave you alone. I would suggest that you ask to speak to her in private then when you are alone just ask her if you have doen something to deserve the type of treatment she is giving you. Ask very directly and calmly. Then tell her that you intend to do all of the work necessary to achieve your goal of earning a degree and that you would like to start fresh. Tell her that this is an adult learning program and you would like to think that the two of you could deal with problems in an adult manner. Be very polite and be very calm and don't swear or use rude language and just try to reset the bully.

Specializes in PCU, Critical Care, Observation.

You don't have this same instructor the entire two years, do you? As much as it sounds good to go report her & everything will be taken care of---chances are, nothing will change or it will just be more difficult. Nursing programs are short-staffed & usually won't get rid of anyone they have managed to convince to teach. If this is your only semester with this lunatic, I'd tell you to not take it personally & suck it up----you aren't the reason she is behaving this way. Just focus on getting through the semester.

I wrote on here about a month ago about my clinical instructor flipping out over nothing in front of everyone. I was so ready to go & report her to anyone that would listen. After a few days I cooled down a little & I did go talk to the next in line & saw that they had a united front. So rather than complain, I simply asked for advice on how to do better---even though I knew I was doing what was necessary. After that, she eased up & I only have 2 more clinical days with her. I figured it was a good learning experience because we will run into nurses & doctors who act that way.

I feel for ya.....hang in there. The semester is almost over.

Although, you should not be a punk about it, be very, very, very, careful while filing your complaint. Make sure you have many students to walk in the CHP office. I say this because, many of these nursing instructors have known each other for yeeeearsss. Some even socialize outside of work and have raised eachothers kids. You may have to see the dean if the Chairsperson is of no help. Be careful, that the jokes isn't on you! Especially, if you are at a school with a high nclex pass rate. It is very hard to replace intructors.

Unfortunatly all majors (not just Nursing) have some do nothing/crummy teachers/profs. I know it is frustrating but I have been in college before and had a different major and I have seen bad teachers. If you had a chance to talk to people in other majors you would see the attitude goes on in many different areas of study. But because you are so busy you probably don't understand your not the only one. It sucks and isn't fair but that is just the way it is. If she finds out it annoys you she will probably treat you worse. If you can avoid taking any classes in the future with her then sign up with a different teacher.

Key phrase: You ARE paying for the education. In return you expect to be treated in a professional manner. I would request conference with Dean. As for career choice, this should not be the deciding factor as you are going to meet jerks in every walk of life. Nursing school is an endurance test, but you do not have to endure verbal abuse.

If she has been there at least 10 years, it is unlikely that NO ONE has complained in the past.

Yes, document your concerns, and yes talk with the director and ask her to stand outside the doors--or better yet, tape record her "lectures."

But get ready for nothing to happen. One of the things that has seemed consistent among all the nurses I have talked with (we had similar problems at our school) is that this is (unfortunately, apparently) nursing school.

Here's what I did. I stuck it out until I could transfer to an online school (Excelsior), then I did the research to make sure it was a wise decision (it was), and I transferred.

The director wanted an "exit" interview when I quit her program, but when I offered to meet with her, she declined.

Sometimes we have to accept an untenable situation, and sometimes we can do something different.

But whatever you do--you DON'T have to give up your dream. Hang on, get it done one way or another, but become a nurse....

I totally understand how you feel...but, as a faculty member, I know why some faculty are kept even when the Dean does not think they are effective. There is a severe shortage of faculty and there is no more to it than that...but, at the same time, I would recommend that you talk directly to the instructor and if you are not satisfied, inform her that you are going to the Dean. Trust me, even if she does not like it, she will realize that you are one of our future nurse leaders. I have a student who is so angry with me for one of my decisions, but she also knows she was wrong and began to reprioritize her life. She will be without a doubt, one of our future nurse leaders and I am very proud of how professionally she has handled this decision. She reacted just as I expected her to.....and I will congratulate her in our private meeting.

Good luck,

Barbara

Originally posted by barb4575

I totally understand how you feel...but, as a faculty member, I know why some faculty are kept even when the Dean does not think they are effective. There is a severe shortage of faculty and there is no more to it than that...but, at the same time, I would recommend that you talk directly to the instructor and if you are not satisfied, inform her that you are going to the Dean. Trust me, even if she does not like it, she will realize that you are one of our future nurse leaders. I have a student who is so angry with me for one of my decisions, but she also knows she was wrong and began to reprioritize her life. She will be without a doubt, one of our future nurse leaders and I am very proud of how professionally she has handled this decision. She reacted just as I expected her to.....and I will congratulate her in our private meeting.

Good luck,

Barbara

Barbara,

I don't mean to be inflamatory, but your note above displays one of the issues I have with my instructor: Don't assume I want to be a nurse leader--I don't. I've been in leadership positions before, and I'm not interested. As a consumer of this college and a tax-payer however, I am disappointed to learn that this instructor is modeling such poor behavior.

I'm glad you were able to correct a student, but the last thing I or my fellow students need is this instructor personally involved in our lives. I just hope that those failing the class are turning to other sources.

I admire those nurses with upbeat attitudes and who wish to share their knowledge, not those who, upon an opportunity, think it is their place to display their superiority. Sometimes I think nurses are just one rung below doctors on the latter of arrogance. I don't know if you are that kind of nurse or not, but please don't assume that I just need correcting.

Trust me, I am well aware that all nurses are not leaders.

Thanks,

Barbara

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