Classmates?

[InsideWindow]

Hey students/nurses,

I just recently joined this forum for some support and questions. I don't know anyone in class or any other nurses around me, so I figured I would try here (everytime I google something, this site pops up lol) My question is about classmates?

I recently moved from one college to another during a semester break. My previous college had a very friendly atmosphere, everyone got along and would greet each other in the hallway, share study tips and tricks, never put anyone down, etc.. We were all different ages from 18-40 (I'm 23), would share experiences with each other in class when the teacher asked, raise our hands and show manners (please, thank you, etc..) Sure we weren't all best friends, but we had mutual respect for each other and took Nursing seriously.

This class is completely different. They have already established their "friend zones/cliques". They've all been in the last year of school together. Walking into class now just feels very... depressing? To say the least. I don't feel that "healthcare team, excited to learn" vibe anymore. They constantly give each other nasty looks, I am outcasted: everytime I say "hello" or ask a question it falls on deaf ears or blank stares. One group will make remarks about another during a presentation or check off and vise versa. Group projects are the worse - they would rather bicker about what is right/wrong then work together to figure it out. A girl asked me about a lab question I didn't know the answer too, and she freaked out. I was getting ready to throw a Snickers in her mouth. lol I can hear 9/10th of them talk about graduating for the money all the time!! One even had the *balls* to tell one of the teacher they joined for the money when she asked us each why we were there. If you don't understand something - you better ask the teacher otherwise none of them will lift a finger to help you answer it. I have babysat groups of children before during my first job, and this class is like nothing I have ever seen. I am waiting for the paper airplanes to be flown around the room during lecture hall like in the cartoons.

Have ANY of you survived a class like this without losing your sanity or self-esteem? I really don't see this going smoothly, or do I see myself wanting to make friends with any of these people. I am very friendly, polite, use manners, give the shirt off your back type, and being in this group is one of the worst experiences I have had to deal with on a daily basis. But I refuse to transfer or drop out in opt of another class since it would only keep me further from achieving my goals.

Sorry it's so long! I didn't plan on writing a novel, I just really don't have any references or one to ask around me without getting knives thrown at me in class

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

Have ANY of you survived a class like this without losing your sanity or self-esteem?

Welcome to Allnurses.com!

Yes, I've survived classes like this before, but my personality made it somewhat easy. I have an introverted personality and can easily tune annoying people out. Socializing drains me, so I never necessarily needed companionship or validation from my nursing school classmated.

Good luck with this situation. I know that a negative classroom vibe can kill optimism.

[InsideWindow]

I have an introverted personality and can easily tune annoying people out.

This ^ is my saving grace in class, too. I used to hate having the "roll off the shoulder" personality. It used to keep me from networking at new jobs - I was always too busy inside my mind trying to grasp the ropes and less time on my co-workers - that I wouldn't get to know anyone for weeks. As I've gotten past that though, I realize it's not a bad thing either :) It keeps my grades up and mental breakdowns at bay lol

And thank you for the welcoming

[Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN]

((HUGS) Welcome!

You will find these types wherever you go. Ignore them. You are not there to make friends you are there to become a nurse. It is a shame you had to leave your other school.

[CT Pixie, BSN, RN]

read the post wrong...

[tnicnat]

Unfortunately this is how it is a lot. But then I find this the case for all types of classes from science to math, I'm older than most, okay a lot of time all, after awhile I'm called Mom to the group. So I'm in class with 20 yr olds (like yourself) And I can be rather off putting, not because of age but because I expect if your in the class you've done your homework and are prepared for class, period. BUT, after awhile classmates were coming to me because I was prepared for class. I also use a lot of humor, that helps with uncomfortable situations like this. Things will work out, you'll see.