I just need to get this off of my chest. I started nursing school this week and today was day 3 and technically a clinical day (when we get to that point). For now we are learning skills and we started with communication.
I have no problem with that. It makes sense.
What aggravates the crap out of me is that I got stuck in the back row after they had us do some meet and greet exercises (OK, I can deal with that) and our other clinical instructors were all huddled together talking the whole time!!!!
They told us the first day to be respectful to each other and our instructors...why do instructors think they can be disruptive and get away with it? :banghead: At one point one of the instructors cell phone rings, for us that is a big no-no:no::no: but there was nothing said when this instructor's phone rang and then SHE ANSWERD IT IN CLASS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I was so distracted by the other instructors talking in the back (mind you I was in the back row and heard everything) that I missed half the lecture because I couldn't concentrate on what the presenter was saying. :angryfire: :angryfire
OK, thanks for listening. I feel better now that is off my chest.
Tomorrow I'm going to make sure I don't get stuck in the back again.
If it were me I would make sure to get to class early to get a seat in the front row. If this is not an option, I would approach the instructor and say " May I sit in the front today, I couldn't hear very well yesterday and this class is VERY important to me." That way your not painting a big target on yourself so early in the program. Good luck, keep us updated on how it goes!
You were taught to speak up if your learning was distrupted by another instructor? Blows me away but I'm glad to hear that your method has worked for you. In both my RN or LPN programs it only would have painted a big target you your butt. They are all different I guess.
I probably have a target the size of california on my back but it doesnt bother me. I know my stuff, I get good grades, I do wonderful in clinicals so if they do have an issue with me, all that combined shows them that its not personal, its more about my education and I wont have anyone getting in the way of that, ESPECIALLY an instructor.
I probably have a target the size of california on my back but it doesnt bother me. I know my stuff, I get good grades, I do wonderful in clinicals so if they do have an issue with me, all that combined shows them that its not personal, its more about my education and I wont have anyone getting in the way of that, ESPECIALLY an instructor.
Lol, I did find that having the program know you are a sure thing for passing NCLEX never hurts.
Specializes in med/surg, telemetry, IV therapy, mgmt.
at one point one of the instructors cell phone rings. . .there was nothing said when this instructor's phone rang and then she answerd it in class. . .i was so distracted by the other instructors talking in the back (mind you i was in the back row and heard everything) that i missed half the lecture because i couldn't concentrate on what the presenter was saying.
here's a great assertiveness technique that you can do next time: just simply stand up, face the person while they are talking on the phone and stare at them the entire time until she hangs up or excuses herself and leaves. the same thing works for groups of people who won't shut up. what happens is everyone's attention is suddenly focused on you and then they see why and the focus is on the knuckleheads you are focused on. and, you never have to say a word. all you have to do is stand your ground. some day when you have enough self-esteem and confidence you will be able to do this kind of thing. we did this anytime we heard a doc on our unit throwing a temper tantrum. (it works with kids too.)
There is no need to paint a target on your back -- or to pull some obnoxious stunt to get their attention (which will probably be negative attenction, not positive). To get positive attention, be polite, pleasant, and professional. Raise you hand and say, "Excuse, I'm sorry to interrupt. But I'm having trouble hearing you from back here. Could you please speak a little louder? Thank you."
If that doesn't work, try the same tactic again. Say something like, "Excuse, I'm sorry to have to say this again ... but I am unable to hear what you are saying because of the background noise. Could you please speak louder? ... or ... Could I please move closer to you so that I won't miss what you are saying? I really don't want to fall behind in this class. Thank you."
Show that you value what the instructor is saying and that you want to hear it. That puts the burden of the problem onto the instructor's shoulders. Let her deal with the background noise issue if she wants to -- or move you to the front where you can hear better. She's in charge of the classroom. Give her the choice as to how she would like to handle it. You are less likely to make enemies that way -- but your problem still gets solved.
To me, a fundamental part of advocating for yourself is making good decisions that will be to your benefit. I personally believe that many of these instructors will target you, make life harder for you, etc. if you 'embarass' them by saying something to them in front of others, etc. I've seen it happen in the corporate world time and time again and I can't imagine that egos aren't involved here, as well.
If I were you, I would get to class very early and get a seat up front. If that is not possible, I would actually speak to the instructor, as a pp suggested, and tell them that you are having a difficult time hearing because of noise in the back of the room and that this class is very important to you. I think llg's advice is spot on. The instructor is in charge of the classroom--let her handle it (maybe with your help).
I am known for being direct and assertive. I do, however, believe that there is a time and a place for being direct and assertive. I do not think that the first week of nursing school is necessarily the best time to show instructors that you have these qualities. Confidence is one thing, but I know from personal experience you can really shoot yourself in the foot when you are too direct or direct with inappropriate timing. **humbling experience for sure*** JMHO.
While I agree the behavior you described was inappropriate, I am more concerned that you got so angry. Believe me, this is small potatoes. You are in school for your own education and with a very real goal in mind. Stay focused. The rest is just what you have to endure while working towards that goal.
:banghead: At one point one of the instructors cell phone rings, for us that is a big no-no:no:
:no:
JazzysMama
50 Posts
If it were me I would make sure to get to class early to get a seat in the front row. If this is not an option, I would approach the instructor and say " May I sit in the front today, I couldn't hear very well yesterday and this class is VERY important to me." That way your not painting a big target on yourself so early in the program. Good luck, keep us updated on how it goes!