Annoying and disruptive classmates (vent)

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Hi,

I just had to come here and vent because I am in danger of putting my foot wrong. It's just five weeks to the end of the semester and I don't want to jeopardise my progress.

In my class, there is a student who is a LOUD MOUTH. She is forever asking questions, in class, skills lab,clinicals everywhere. The most annoying thing is that after asking questions she doesn't stay quiet long enough to hear the answers!

Sometimes,the question she is asking is for "her personal knowledge" according to her. It's worse during the lab, because if she can stay quiet long enough, the instructor is going to talk about the next step she wants to ask about.

Lately, we have been having the same instructor during lab, and she is always telling the students, hold on, we haven't goten there yet or something along those lines. And then you see this particular student, rolling her eyes, muttering and just been generally rude.

Yesterday,was the final straw. The skills lab was so disruptive that I couldn't focus and I wasn't the only one. Non-stop questions, side conversations,one of her friend storming out of the class because the instructor told her to wait when she was asking a question, I could see my other classmates angry and frustrated as well because she just wouldn't shut up.

This same character is not a youngster by any chance, she is in her thirties (no spring chicken), and she is rude,crass and absolutely horrendous.Uses swear word and loudly too.

In clinicals, she is loud, you can hear her a mile away, she complains when she has to team up with another student, because she thinks the student is passive while she is the aggressive,know it all person.

Just to give you an idea of what we are dealing with, she is of the opinion that people with a 2.5 GPA cannot be good nurses because her GPA is nearly 4.0, can you believe that? "Do you want someone with a 2.5 GPA to be your nurse" asked she.

If a school is willing to admit people with 2.5 GPA how dare she make such a comment. She said this out loud yesterday in lab without giving a damn whether anybody there had a 2.5 GPA.

It's been my misfortune to have this person in the same skills lab and clinical setting and I am just praying the next 5 weeks pass quickly.

Next semester, I will resist every attempt to place me in her group because there is so much anyone can take.

Anyway, does anyone undertsand what I am talking about? Please share.:mad:

ps: I don't understand why the instructors/teachers haven't said anything to her?

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Specializes in Cardiology.

Oooh, that stinks. I'm sorry you're dealing with this. I have a dope like this in my A&P class, only he never asks questions, just never shuts up or stops making inappropriate comments. Last week, he brought his boyfriend to class and they didn't stop talking the whole time- the prof actually had to tell him- AN ADULT- to be quiet.

I don't have any advice other than just remember to breathe deeply when you feel yourself getting angry...she sounds like a real jerk and isn't worth getting really upset about. Good luck!

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Specializes in Utilization Management.

I have someone like this in my class. He's rude, makes completely inappropriate comments, and generally likes to belittle everyone. A few weeks ago, we were assigned a group project, and lo and behold, who's in my group? Mr. Wonderful. Everything was going smoothly, but then the comments and belittling started up. I was already at my limit was this guy, so as soon as he started up, I stopped him, looked him in the eye, and said "Give it rest with the condescending attitude. This is a group project and we are supposed to conduct ourselves with a certain amount of professionalism and courtesy, and your behavior is anything but professional or courteous."

We didn't have anymore problems after that...

Have you gone to your instructors? Students seem to be afraid of approaching their instructors with things like this, but if you don't speak up, this woman will just keep running all over everyone.

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There seems to be at least one in each class. Not sure what the mindset is with these people.

You are just going to have to ignore this person as much as possible. Look at the bigger picture of YOU graduating and getting your degree. This is really something the instructor needs to deal with and nib in the bud.

But we do feel your pain. ;)

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Specializes in Emergency/Cath Lab.

Must keep opinion about Non-trads to myself. Must not say anything. Nope nothing. Wont say it.

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Specializes in Community Health.

Thatguy what is a non-trad?

There is one of these in pretty much every class-my advice would be to let her know how disruptive she is being (in a polite, non-confrontational way) and if she continues anyways, take it up with the instructor.

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wow, Thatguy. That was pretty rude. I don't think it has anything to do with that student being a 'nontrad' as you call it. It has more to do with the person's attitude, an attitude that seems much like your own.

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Specializes in Psych.
Thatguy what is a non-trad?

There is one of these in pretty much every class-my advice would be to let her know how disruptive she is being (in a polite, non-confrontational way) and if she continues anyways, take it up with the instructor.

He means us old folks.

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Specializes in Psych.
Must keep opinion about Non-trads to myself. Must not say anything. Nope nothing. Wont say it.

BTW...At 24, it's time for us to welcome you to our club!

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OP -

There is nothing wrong with this person in your class getting excited about her learning, who the heck are you to judge? I'm sure there's some things that bug her about you. Do you want her to run to the instructor and tattle on you? If the instructor has a problem with her interruptions, it's up for the instructor to say something to her. If she wants to make herself out to be a jerk (in your eyes), let her be one. You are going to have to get used to this type of attitude in nursing. It is going to come from patients, staff and patient's families. Better you let it start to roll off your back now than blow up at someone in your job.

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CBs Mommy,

You miss the point. It's not about going to the instructor and telling tales. I guess your definition of excitement differs from mine.

I am venting and believe me I am not the only one that shares this opinion about this person in my class. Like others have said there is one of this kind in every class,so I guess it is pretty normal.

I am not planning to blow up at anyone.

Finally, I am not asking to be liked or anything like that (this is in reference to your statement that you are sure somethings about me bug my classmate), but as people going into a profession, I think it is decent when people show some respect and consideration for their classmates and be courteous even when you are excited.

My two cents.

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Specializes in Psych.

Some people are very lacking in self-awareness, as it sounds your classmate may be. A lot of people have no concept of an 'indoor voice' and don't seem to care very much if people 20 feet or more away can hear their entire conversation. That can be something of a problem at clinicals because she could end up inadvertently violating patient confidentiality.

I don't think there would be anything wrong with approaching an instructor with something like:

The last 2 classes we were unable to get through all the slides because there were a number of student questions. Would it be possible to ask everyone to hold them until the end of lecture?

I think the key is to focus on the concern (e.g. we're not getting through the material) rather than the annoyance (e.g. she's driving me and other people nuts).

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