Are most nursing students cruel?

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Is it just me or do a lot of people in the nursing program seem rather cold and cruel? I do not mean to generalize but, many times, I notice that most nursing students I talk to don't seem like they are getting into it for the right reasons. I know we all want to earn the big $$$ but are people really foolish enough to believe that making 30$hr will make up for being involved in a profession that you are not prepared for. Call me crazy, but the not so kind people I encounter in the program do not seem like the type of folks who will be able to find the joy in cleaning behinds, wiping up blood and doing all the other nasty tasks that come with nursing.

Has anyone else noticed what I am talking about? Does anyone out there feel the same way?

Specializes in DOU.
Is it just me or do a lot of people in the nursing program seem rather cold and cruel?

Most of the students in my class are great.

What would a student have to do exactly in order for you to find them to not be cold and cruel? I mean, maybe your expectations are a little unrealistic... (no offense intended)

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I don't know if I would call them mean, but I do feel that many of them act like they are in a secret society and they can't share any advice and help those of us about to embark on the same path :(. It ticks me off! Whenever I ask my friend who graduates in October a question about the program, scholarships, etc., she totally ignores my questions and doesn't seem to want to help me succeed too.

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I agree with your opinion.A lot nursing students are mean and as a result there are many mean nurses in the health facilities. The nicest people I would say are veterinarians, veterinarians techs, literature majors, English and history majors as well as Social workers and psychologists.I think in general people artistically talented are more laid back then concrete nursing students.

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Specializes in Emergency.

When I went through school, our class was about 86 people. In that large of a group, there are bound to be some "bad apples." I found that the people who went into nursing for the money did not last long, especially after they realized that it is not the glamorous job they thought it would be! I believe that those that did graduate will not last long in the field. They will either burn out, or so totally alienate their coworkers and pts that they will quit or get fired. Don't let those people get to you. If you really want to be a nurse you can do it. Get with classmates who are in it for the same reasons you are, and avoid the negative people like the plague!

Good luck to you!

It's worth it in the end.

Amy

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Specializes in LDRP.

Hey guys,

I am a senior nursing student this semester (thank God!) and I just wanted to jump in and say that...

Nursing school is really, really, REALLY stressful. People respond to stress in all different ways. IN my class I have seen lots of people get really mean, angry, and grumpy. They have transformed right before my very eyes! I think yes, there are some inherently "bad apples" but also, we are all just trying to cope. I am not excusing bad behavior, but honestly, I try to be kind to everyone but for the most part am in a world of my own trying to keep up!

Just take everything with a grain of salt and remember to put yourself in other people's shoes (to be totally cliche ;)). Seriously, in nursing you are going to encounter grumpy patients, nurses, doctors, techs, etc etc. Use this as practice! ;) Stay away from the drama and study hard!

Good luck everyone!

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Most of these "mean" students are housewives and do not know what they are in for once they start working.

HEY! I'm a housewife! :uhoh3: Believe it or not, I spent many years in the corporate world working 70 or so hours per week. It's not like I've been a Bon Bon eater all my life. :lol2:

Stereotypes are naughty.

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Oh, and to answer the OP, I haven't encountered any mean nursing students as of yet. I'm sure there are some, but so far everyone's been very helpful to me. :)

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Specializes in midwifery, NICU.

Some of my best and most enduring friends, I met while in nursing school. The shared stress brought us together, and shared life experience kept us together!

After all these years, there is still such a bond, we dont live in each others pockets, but its like your b/f from high school, always there to laugh and cry with!

Now, as a mentor, I have found MOST of my students to be good people, I keep in contact with a few, as they were such great people to know! Outside of work, who cares that im the midwife and they are the "student", they are now good friends and we can interact and Socialise as grown women who have found a dear friend!

do hope that as students, you find and nurture relationships with your peers and mentors. You may just find lifelong buddies!

best of Luck and all my best wishes to you all!

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Hey guys,

I am a senior nursing student this semester (thank God!) and I just wanted to jump in and say that...

Nursing school is really, really, REALLY stressful. People respond to stress in all different ways. IN my class I have seen lots of people get really mean, angry, and grumpy. They have transformed right before my very eyes! I think yes, there are some inherently "bad apples" but also, we are all just trying to cope. I am not excusing bad behavior, but honestly, I try to be kind to everyone but for the most part am in a world of my own trying to keep up!

Just take everything with a grain of salt and remember to put yourself in other people's shoes (to be totally cliche ;)). Seriously, in nursing you are going to encounter grumpy patients, nurses, doctors, techs, etc etc. Use this as practice! ;) Stay away from the drama and study hard!

Good luck everyone!

I second that!! I am in my final semster and I have to admit that the stress can be overwhelming at times. There may be times that I don't really feel like talking to people because I'm so crabby from lack of sleep and working like a dog on my homework and preclinical prep. And on top of that I (and many others) have a family at home (or others have family and work) that also takes up a lot of time and energy. I won't ignore you, but I may not have much to say.;) I think this is a notion that many pre-nursing and new nursing students have about those that are already in the program and that is really too bad. We really aren't that bad! Just remember we have our heads in the books a lot and its been there for awhile! And that means little to no sleep, which equals very tired, crabby, stressed, and worn-out nursing students. You'll be there someday too! We all try to keep our happy faces on, but sometimes it just isn't possible. Now, I am completely different with my pts. I love to take care of people and that is why I am here. Those that aren't here for the right reasons won't be around too long.

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Specializes in SRNA.

There are one or two students in my program that just stomp on my last nerve. However, their attitude when they deal with patients is different. If only they'd take that approach with their peers...

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Specializes in LDRP.

"Most of these "mean" students are housewives and do not know what they are in for once they start working. If they truly are in it for only a paycheck the will not last long. I actually feel sorry for them."

Wha??? Can't believe you posted that! Uh, I was a housewife too before going back to school and I knew more about sleep deprivation, burn-out, anxiety, and hard work then a lot of my cohorts w/ no kids, etc. I don't need to work and I don't need a paycheck-I am in nursing to HELP people and I am working my butt off.

Stereotyping people will get you no where in this profession, and you are going to encounter all kinds of "housewives" who will NOT tolerate statements like that. :trout:

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In my school some of the students are definitely a little bit "mean". These are the ones who when they become nurses are the ones who give nurses a bad name and bring down morale. Some of them are bullies and pick on others and the instructors. It is terrible. I would not want someone like this taking care of me but I guess as long as thier competent in thier duties i could put up with it. The personalities you see in school carry over to the work place.

I work as an LNA in a hospital and see the reality of nursing. Most of these "mean" students are housewives and do not know what they are in for once they start working. If they truly are in it for only a paycheck the will not last long. I actually feel sorry for them.

I can not believe what you posted. I take it you have never been a stay at home mom. I currently am and I am a pre-nursing student. I worked since i was 15 years old and have only been out of work for 4 years. I have learned to be more patient with people and more focused than ever since I have been home with my children. We learn to addapt to all situations, take care of our sick children and run the house like a CEO.To say what you said is just ignorant. Yes you have struck a nerve. I do not plan on being mean to any other students or patients either. I will enjoy being a nurse.:madface:

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