Afraid I can't pass FNP school

[Nurse Beth, MSN]

Dear Nurse Beth,

I am in a situation that I don't know how to proceed... I have been an RN in the OR for 11 years and have 3 years experience to primary care, I have started FNP school last year as it was always my calling and got so disappointed with it that I have no will to finish it.

My classes are once a week and I have lots of reading materials and assignments to complete, up to here all as expected, but my professor does not seem to get it that being educated in a foreign country it is harder and it takes more effort on my part. She gets to class and talks about her day instead of actually teaching something and she is the class coordinator so when complaints were made to the nursing chair, he got really defensive and nothing changes.

My 2 colleagues from class made the same complaints but all we get back is you should be dedicating yourself more.
I have a student loan and I am half way through it but I don't think I am learning enough. Also all the help we were told we would get for clinicals does not even happen... so discouraging... I love being an RN and really want to be an FNP but I don't see myself passing tests or boards the way all this is right now...
Any suggestions?
Thanks...

Dear Disappointed,

Not all schools are created equal, and unfortunately, students don't always get what they paid for. There is a forum here on allnurses titled "Students" and from there, "Student Nurse Practitioner". Schools are listed by name and hopefully you can find your school and communicate with others who attended the same school, for support.

Without knowing the school and the reputation of the school, it's hard to advise. If it has a dismal reputation, and a low pass rate, you might be better off to cut your losses.

If it's a respected school and you just have a poor teacher, it might be worth it to try and hang in there because you've made a significant investment.

If you decide to stay, take your focus off of the teacher and do everything you can to learn. Consider a tutor. Learning is a 2 way contract. While teachers should be accessible and supportive, not all are, as you discovered. Put this in the mental folder titled "things I cannot change".

Many schools do not provide clinical coordinators, and it's important to start reaching out to find a doctor who will agree to supervise you.

Best wishes in your decision,

Nurse Beth

Author, "Your Last Nursing Class: How to Land Your First Nursing Job"...and your next!