Are nursing instructors really that bad?

Nursing Students General Students

Published

I am not in the program yet but I really enjoy reading through some of these threads to keep myself motivated and get an idea of what I am in for.

Something that I noticed and frightens me a little though, is how there are an awful lot of comments about bad instructors that tear you down. Are there really that many out there like that? Do most of you have experiences with these kind of instructors that condem you to a life of unnecessary difficulties and challenges while in the program? Is this really a common occurance among nursing schools to encounter such vile instructors?

Please tell me this is just a one off thing and doesn't happen as often as it seems! I don't think I have enough big girl panties to deal with that much negativity!

I just finished my first year and I've had phenomenal instructors. We use quarters instead of semesters, so over the year I've had three different clinical instructors and probably 6 or 7 lab instructors. I've learned from all of them. My favorites tend to be the ones who are known for grading harder than others.....I find I definately learn the most with them.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I have never had a rude or mean instructor. I have had ones who weren't competent in the subject matter, but that's when you take control of your education. I prefer a firm teacher who doesn't put up with anything, but I always sit up front with my mouth shut. Luckily, all my teachers also tutor as well. Not that I would go to some of them for help, but it is always available. It is true though, most of the time you read threads that are for venting (which is much needed at times), you don't hear about the wonderful instructors.

I had a fabulous clinical instructor, who also worked at the hospital as well (I think this helped alot). She pushed us to our limits, but also so supportive of our goals and education. She knew we were capable of so much more than we thought we were. Not only that, we would get quizzed until we could no longer think, not only by her but the staff as well. I learned so much that rotation. She inspired me so much & I hope to be able to teach future nurses someday the way she tough me. Remember this when you read the vent threads!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Telemetry.

You have very good nursing instructors, however, there are some instructors who tend to take their home problems to school and make students lives a living hell! I have had very bad experiences with those mean instructors and it is not because I do not make good grades because I am an "A" student. I do not believe in discussing my personal life with clinical instructors and some of them seem to strive off knowing people's dark secrets. I had one clinical instructor at the previous school I used to attend who was very much against anything I say or do. I discovered that if the student is not willing to be her friend, she gives them a hard time and that was what she did to me. I took the high road and she felt defeated and went fuether to tell white lies on me. I was called in a meeting and the director was very rude to me because I did not kiss her butt! She told me to wait a year before I could continue and that was the perfect time I got NAACP involved. Now she is gone and that clinical instructor is left alone trying to repair the damage after I disclose all the injustice that some students had to deal with.

I was transfered to another nursing college and now I am almost done...only one course to go. My present school is awesome, the instructors are student-friendly and they genuinely want us to do well. Nevertheless, I do not entertain petty talks with my instructors, I just do what I am told to you and keep moving. I have discovered that the less the student speak about her personal life the more respect she will gain from her instructor. I am doing very well in school and thanks be to God, my dream was not crushed by that pill popping moron! They thought my dream would have become a distant memory but instead I crushed their egos. I will aim to be a far better nurse than they could ever be. God is good and what goes around comes around!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Psych, Med/Surg, LTC.

At the LPN program I graduated from, the instructors were great. All fair. Some were tougher than others, but they were all fair I can say.

At the RN program I graduated from... YIKES! Some were really wonderful and caring and I can't say enough good about them. Others? Sadistic, unfair, they would single students out who are "pretty" or "young" or "thin" or whatever... One seemed to have a split personality. She would be wonderful and fun one day and the next throwing daggers and failing everyone... The entire group of students did finally complain about her and her behavior was better since... But it was a very stressful time in my life. Very. I did make it, but not without developing an eating disorder and anxiety disorder. :crying2:

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I know everyone has different experiences, but I've found that nursing instructors are challenging and expect you to give 110%. These instructors are preparing you for a high-stress profession in which people's LIVES depend on your knowledge, interpersonal skills, work ethic and ability to prioritize. If I weren't a motivated, self-disciplined person I might view them as "mean" or as "trying to weed me out"...In reality, I recognize that they're trying to prepare me for what things are going to be like when I'm on the floor.

My instructors care SO much about seeing every single one of their students succeed. If you're willing to work hard and really give it all you've got, you shouldn't have a problem! I would encourage you (and all soon-to-be nursing students) to turn your cell phones OFF in class/lab, don't talk w/ other students during lecture, pay attention and take notes. Nothing will get you on the bad side of an instructor quite like ignoring their lectures/instructions!

:redbeathe

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Telemetry & Obs.

I learned a LOT from my NS instructors...some more than others, but all of them were terrific. Nursing school is what you make of it. Be prepared, study, know when to ask questions, and be respectful and you won't have problems.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in med surg home care PEDS.

Well I am going into my last semester of a 2 yr associates program, I have had 5 clinical instructors, 6 lectures instructors and 2 pharm instructors, along with a 2 lab instructors, some are really easy going and some were tough on you, most were fair, if they were tough on you, they were tough on everybody. I really respect all of them, the toughest one turned out to be my all time favorite. However one of my clinical instructors was a total psycho!!!!!!! She demeaned everyone, you never did enough or anything right, she tore into me every chance she got, I actually, and:redbeathe I don't use this term lightly, hate this woman, but so did everyone else. But I got through her clinical, with tears, and prayers, and support of my classmates, and family, but she almost made me quit nursing school. Remember most of your instructors want you to make it, but every once in a while you get a nutcase like this and you just have to tough it out.

Good luck, enjoy the ride, it is a roller coaster, but keep your eye on the prize!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

My school has wonderful instructors, both for clinicals and theory :up:. Shop around!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I would encourage you (and all soon-to-be nursing students) to turn your cell phones OFF in class/lab, don't talk w/ other students during lecture, pay attention and take notes. Nothing will get you on the bad side of an instructor quite like ignoring their lectures/instructions!

:redbeathe

I have been seeing this mentioned alot around here too. Isn't it just common sense to NOT do those things in class? I just can't imagine taking a phone call, or chatting it up with my classmates while trying to learn. I can completely see how that would get you on their badside (as it should) as that is very disrespectful.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in NICU Level III.

Some are the spawn of satan and some are amazing.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU.
I have been seeing this mentioned alot around here too. Isn't it just common sense to NOT do those things in class? I just can't imagine taking a phone call, or chatting it up with my classmates while trying to learn. I can completely see how that would get you on their badside (as it should) as that is very disrespectful.

There you go again - using common sense!:bugeyes:

Yes, some students can be idiots, doing their best to **** off the instructor. Then they whine pitifully about how "mean" the instructor is being to them by asking them to leave the classroom.

Class is for learning. Unfortunately, some people don't quite understand that without some painful lessons.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
I have been seeing this mentioned alot around here too. Isn't it just common sense to NOT do those things in class? I just can't imagine taking a phone call, or chatting it up with my classmates while trying to learn. I can completely see how that would get you on their bad side (as it should) as that is very disrespectful.

Yes, it DOES seem like common sense, but I'm AMAZED at how many of my fellow students don't seem to "get it". I think sometimes people just forget to put their cell phones on silent, which is why you should just turn them OFF all together.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment