All academia like this?

[AmeliasAunt]

Hello... this is likely going to turn into a venting session for me, but I am honestly wondering if everyone's experience working as nurse faculty is similar to mine.

I teach in an 11 month LPN program. I have been doing this work for approximately 18 months. While I do enjoy the aspects of teaching, I am finding it more and more difficult to work in my present position. Like most faculty, I care about my students and want them to succeed, however, I find myself growing increasingly frustrated with them. Students seem to have no concept of what it means to be in nursing school. They want to do the minimal amount of work, and receive an A in every class. They also have no concept of rules. Being a professional begins in nursing school and I am appalled by some of the behaviors of my students. In addition, the administration is so inconsistent when it comes to enforcing rules and holding students up to the standards of the program. If a student has a complaint because, God forbid, they fail through no fault but their own, administration will buckle and allow them to go through. Usually because they don't want the hassle of a grievance and/or lawsuit. No one seems to be holding the students accountable, and believe me I try, and I have started to feel myself just not caring anymore.

Is this the norm in academia or am I in a bad spot? I have been exposed to this environment during practicum and as an adjunct instructor and I do not recall seeing these types of things happening.

[elkpark]

I don't know about it being the "norm," but I'm afraid it's not unique to your program.

[LilyRN99]

I have faced similar issues. But I get different students each quarter and I do have students who are eager to learn and work hard. I also sometimes have a group that wants to do the minimum. Just when I feel so frustrated that I wonder if I should continue teaching clinical, I get a good group of students and I enjoy teaching. Currently, I have a great group. They take notes, look for opportunities to learn, do whatever I ask of them even if it isn't for their assigned patient. Sometimes, when I try to enforce the rules given by the school, the students go back to school and complain. My decision might be reversed. It's the most frustrating yet often most fulfilling job I've had. Keep trying, you will learn a lot as you gain more experience and that will help you deal with the different types of students.

[JaxJax5423]

I am in a similar position. 12 month lpn instructor. I don't have that problem (yet)....but i do have a ton of other ones! I can't imagine letting them through if they fail. Usually some remediation assignments are offered and either they do it or dont and either they pass or they don't.

[caliotter3]

Distinctly recall my program being more of the opposite. The rules seemed to be important above all else, but only to the extent that the rules existed to protect the school administration and faculty from liability for anything at all.