Am I being insensitive? ?

[Cynt87]

Currently finishing up Med surg 2 and there's a women in her 40's who is battling stomach cancer. She battled another form of cancer before. Everytime we discuss something in lecture about cancer she get mad and asked if this has to be covered or she wont participate or simply ask if she can be excused. She is quick to pull the "Cancer card" as as she calls it. I understand chemo takes a lot out of you. But everytime i turn around she's pulling the cancer card. Oh I'm not feeling well I have to go. I was sick all weekend so i dont have my HW or my project is late cause i didnt feel well. And she eagerly tells us that she doesnt get point deducted for absence or late projects.Like I'm worried when we start clinicals next week if she has has a patient who has cancer she won't care for them. The teacher and Don seems to go with it and it's kind of annoying. I sort if feel like she making her way through school. I don't know anyone experience this in school or should I show more compassion.

[pookyp, LPN]

I don't know how else to say this but....

Mind your own business. Worry about your own projects, clinical assignments etc and yes, have a little more compassion. You don't know what she's going through.

[FutureRN-GA]

She gets mad because the topic of cancer is covered?! Its a nursing program. It is sad and unfortunate, that she has to have cancer but her affliction, should not get in the way of yours and the rest of the classes, learning of an important topic. It does kind of sound like she is trying to get over a bit. I can see how she may make it hard for folks to sympathize with her.

[pookyp, LPN]

She gets mad because the topic of cancer is covered?! Its a nursing program. It is sad and unfortunate, that she has to have cancer but her affliction, should not get in the way of yours and the rest of the classes, learning of an important topic. It does kind of sound like she is trying to get over a bit. I can see how she may make it hard for folks to sympathize with her.

How is it stopping other students from learning? The OP says the woman leaves the room. What's wrong with that?

[Cynt87]

I mean I sorta of think she abusing it. And I do mind my own business I have all A's. And yes it does effect the class because if she misses something we have to go over it again or if she doesn't present her projects on time we have to make time for her when we could be doing something else. I do want to also add there are only 3 students including myself and this is a part time program. We have lecture for 4 hrs 4 times a week. Once clinicals start it's will be only 1 8 hr day and then a 4 hr lecture. don't misunderstand I'm not rude or anything to her I'm just curious if anyone else has dealt with a situation like so...

[Cathy_Pn]

She has cancer. It's not easy dealing with a deadly condition. Try to understand op:)... No matter how annoyed you get, just deal with it:). Your gonna be a nurse soon, there's going to be more crazier things that you need to handle with compassion.

[NuNurse15]

Every school and program are different, but at my school u have to meet certain requirements, not saying u wouldnt get accepted if u had cancer, BUT u r still responsible for everything like other students regardless of ur illness because u kno nursing is rigorous! So in my opinion u r not bein insensitive and I see some points where it is unfair. Either do for all students or not at all. Nursing school is different from workin in a hospital with a cancer patient. Just my opinion.

[OnlyDreaming]

Going through chemo can change a person. My MIL was awesome before cancer and chemo and now she is a completely different person. Its sad to see. She is cancer free now but not as patient and wonderful as before.

[gearedup]

I would think If you are in nursing school, you would have to cover everything no matter what your circumstances. I wouldn't worry about it, you have enough on your plate without focusing on other student's issues. Annoying, but as they say "not my circus, not my monkeys"

[Cynt87]

Thanks everyone for the responses. It's good to she the different opinions.

[peramos12gmail.com]

I can understand your feelings of her not having to go through all the work you have but she does have Cancer. I would just focus on learning all you can and know you will use this knowledge for your whole nursing career. She wont get a unfair advantage when she takes her nclex so if she hasnt earned her license she wont pass.

[mariebailey, MSN, RN]

I have Bipolar Disorder, & I did not excuse myself from the class every time someone mentioned mental illness in nursing school. Some of the discussions in school actually were somewhat offensive, but I was enough of an adult to understand that the discussion was not about me specifically, & I was there to learn. Honestly, I would be a little irritated as well. Everyone has personal struggles, but that doesn't mean we get out of our responsibilities.