Becoming discouraged with nursing instructors!

CHATSDALE · Mar 31, 2005

just put one foot in front of the other...think that in 8 weeks this will not be of concern to you...not encouraging i know but sometimes that is the way that life is...

wish i could tell you something better

mariedoreen · Apr 1, 2005

It's the way the world works. The many pay for the sins of the few. Cheating is a huge problem on college campuses these days and instructors would really be remiss not to address and attempt to counteract it.

We do get to review our exams but it's a pretty quick review and then it goes right back to the instructors. They're concerned enough about cheating that I wouldn't be surprised if they took that away from us at some point though. And not allowing you to use your own calculators is a pretty minor inconvenience I would think.

But don't even say the words "strip search"... new ideas they don't need!

SillyLilly · Apr 1, 2005

Im in the second semester of my 1st year in a ADN program. It is very difficult.

I do fine on the tests. I work hard, get Bs, Cs, occaisonally an A.

My problem is in clinical. My instructor thinks that I do not know what i am doing, that i need to step back and look at myself, and check my attitude. This all came about today when a client refused a heparin shot.

I was supposed to administer this. 4other students were administring meds today too. I was the last in line to give it. Well, my patient was being discharged in like 2 hours from then, and was already in the hospital for 10 days. He did not want it. He was a very pleasant patient, but just did not want the shot.

This is the 3rd time i was assigned meds, but did not give it. I feel that none of them were my fault, but apparently my teacher thinks otherwise.

The first time, the nurse admin. meds before i even got on the floor! and the 2nd time the pt was so addiment about going out to have a cigarette at that moment, that he could not wait for my teacher and i to discuss the meds and check everything, so the nurse administered it herself. Now this incident this morning with the heparin.

I keep a positive can do attitude around her. I try at least. I had to hold back tears of frustration today. Other students are frustrated with her too. Shes not bad in lecture, but looks down upon me in clinical. And thinks that i should know what i am doing and does not offer advice.

I find it funny because shes soo big on theraputic communication and she comes off to offend almost all of her students.

Well, this is my experience.... 8 more weeks of this semester to go.

AussieKylie · Apr 1, 2005

Hi Sillylilly

I had somewhat of a similar experience during my clinical placement. On my 3rd day out on placement, I was assigned to this nurse who was young. I knew in my heart because of her attitude she didnt want a student (this usually happens to me alot when I am on placement, which sux and frustrates me). Half the time during the morning I didnt know where my RN was, so she would be flitting away. So I thought to hell with it, I am gonna make the most of my day. So I went to another RN, helped her out and learnt some IV AB's. So I thought Yay, found a nice RN and I am getting experience

Then at the end of the day, during debriefing with our facilitator. I was told that the RN I was supposedly with (the first RN) advised my facilitator that I didnt show initiiative. I stood up for myself and said that is not true and told her what happened. Fancy that eh, being told that. I was so annoyed. I think my facilitator was on the RNs side, which is typical.

Therefore during my placement, I would say hello to that nurse and she wouldnt really give me the time of day to acknowledge me, but just rather avoid me. Very professional I say. Honestly I feel sick when I think about it, as it wasnt called for. I dont think I look like an Ogre, but I do wish to be respected as a student for trying. I sometimes think with some RNs that maybe they want to create trouble for Student nurses, its rare but when it happens its so upsetting.

The best thing about the ordeal is that it has made me think of when I become officially RN and have to assist SN's. I want to help them get the most of their placement. I consider myself happy person who tries to make the most of the day.

Anyways, I thought to share that because I know what you went through SillyLilly because you know the real circumstance and sometimes teachers, facilitators just dont want to believe you.

Take care